Financial controller

Somerce is a TikTok Shop specialist agency driving GMV growth for some of the fastest-growing beauty, fashion, lifestyle and FMCG brands across the UK, US and EU — from live commerce and affiliates to paid media and trading strategy. We're scaling fast across revenue streams, and we're looking for a hands-on, commercially minded Financial Controller to own the day-to-day running of our finance function. Reporting to the CEO, you'll be responsible for accurate and timely reporting, a robust control environment, compliance across our entities, and finance processes that can scale with the business. It's a hands-on role with real influence, and a clear path to senior finance leadership as we grow. Key Responsibilities Own the month-end and year-end close, delivering accurate monthly management accounts and commentary on time Prepare statutory accounts and manage the external audit process Oversee VAT, corporation tax, payroll and other statutory compliance across UK entities, working with external advisors where needed Manage cash flow, including weekly cash reporting and rolling cash forecasts Lead the annual budget and regular reforecasts, working closely with the CEO and department heads Produce client and service-line profitability reporting, margin analysis and KPI dashboards to support commercial decisions Ensure correct revenue recognition and billing across retainers, commission and performance-based fees Design, maintain and strengthen internal controls, approval processes and balance sheet reconciliations Manage multi-currency accounting and intercompany transactions Line-manage and develop the AP/AR and bookkeeping team Improve and automate finance processes and systems, including the accounting platform, expense management and reporting tools, with AI where it helps Prepare board and investor reporting packs as needed Requirements About You Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) 5+ years' post-qualification experience, including time as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager in a growing business Practice or Big 4 background is a plus Strong technical accounting knowledge, with hands-on experience of month-end close, statutory accounts and audit Confident with Excel and Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Drive) Fluent with Claude and similar AI tools; you reach for them to speed up analysis, reconciliation and process automation Hands-on, pragmatic and happy to roll your sleeves up in a fast-paced, low-bureaucracy environment Confident communicator who can explain finance clearly to non-finance stakeholders Requirements Essential Proven track record running the finance operations of a high-growth digital agency, scale-up, or tech/ecommerce business Experience delivering monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasting and statutory compliance Strong working knowledge of cloud accounting software in particular Xero High attention to detail and a methodical, controls-focused approach Experience managing or mentoring junior finance staff Strong communication skills; able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders Desirable Experience in a digital agency, ecommerce, DTC or startup environment Experience implementing or upgrading finance systems Exposure to fundraising, due diligence or investor reporting Benefits Benefits Core Benefits Competitive base salary (Performance bonus / equity options) 28 days holiday + bank holidays Hybrid working with offices in London and Manchester Flexible working hours – we care about output, not clock-watching Growth & Career Development Clear progression paths with responsibility early Regular performance reviews focused on development and impact Direct exposure to a high-growth, fast-moving agency Work closely with senior leadership and have real input into the business Financial & Lifestyle Perks Company pension scheme Monthly wellness allowance (gym, fitness, mental wellbeing or similar) Team socials and events throughout the year Staff discounts across our brands and partners Work Environment Fast-paced, high-ownership culture Minimal bureaucracy and maximum accountability Surrounded by people who care about performance, creativity and doing things properly A business that wins with its clients, shared success matters The Somerce Difference We trust our people We move quickly and back good ideas You’ll have real influence, not just responsibility If you perform, you’ll grow, simple as that