Commercial Finance Manager | Consumer SME | London - #2166768

Commercial Finance Manager | High-Growth Consumer Brand | London / Hybrid

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with one of London's most exciting and fast-growing consumer brands on the hire of their first in-house Commercial Finance Manager, with progression to Finance Director (Board-Level).

The Client

Our client has quickly established itself as an exciting brand in the product-led sector, selling to both trade and direct customers across the UK, Europe and North America. Having grown by 40% last year, the business is on track to generate c.£4m in turnover this year, with ambitious plans to reach £5.5-6m next year and £10m within three years.

With a growing international customer base, exciting new product launches and a second brand on the horizon, the business is entering a particularly exciting phase of growth. Having recently strengthened their senior leadership team across Operations, Sales and People, the next key hire is their first in-house Commercial Finance Manager, who will play an instrumental role in shaping the financial strategy and supporting the next stage of growth.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Founders and CEO, the Commercial Finance Manager will take ownership of building and developing the finance function, establishing robust financial processes, improving reporting and providing the commercial insight needed to support the business as it scales. The role will combine hands-on financial management with strategic business partnering, working closely with the founder and senior leadership team to improve decision-making, manage cash flow and drive profitable growth.

Our client is a founder-led business with a close-knit, warm and sociable culture. The team is highly collaborative, entrepreneurial and enjoys working with plenty of autonomy. This would suit someone who thrives in the SME and scaleup environment, enjoys the variety that comes with a fast-paced business and is excited by the opportunity to make a genuine impact.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic adviser to the founders and leadership team, shaping decisions on pricing, investment, new markets and growth
• Build and lead a best-in-class finance function, defining the structure, systems and people needed to scale from £4m to £10m
• Own the budget, reforecasts and longer-term financial planning that underpin the growth plan
• Own the group cashflow forecast, partnering with heads of department to flag risks and opportunities early
• Drive commercial insight on margin and profitability by product, channel and territory, including the impact of raw material costs, currency and freight
• Deliver monthly management accounts across all entities and both brands, with clear commentary the leadership team can act on
• Lead the international finance agenda across UK, US and EU entities, including intercompany, transfer pricing, US tax, VAT and oversight of overseas accountants
• Own stock accounting, including valuation, goods in transit and landed costs, working closely with the Head of Operations
• Strengthen financial controls, own payroll, and manage the outsourced bookkeeping provider to clear standards

Essential Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Background in a stock, inventory, consumer, manufacturing, lifestyle, food, beverage, luxury goods, interiors, FMCG, fashion or product led brand
• Commercial Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar in an SME or scale-up (£5-£15m), owning finance end to end
• Hands-on stock and inventory accounting
• International, multi-entity experience, including intercompany and transfer pricing
• The confidence to challenge founders and explain the numbers clearly to non-finance people

Desirable Experience

• Experience of a business through a period of rapid growth
• Strong Xero experience

Package

Salary: £85,000 - £95,000 + bonus and benefits

Location: London (hybrid, 3 days in the office)

Start Date: ASAP (Immediate start or 1 month notice preferred)

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.