Financial Controller

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Finance Manager / Financial Controller to lead the finance function of a growing, founder-led FMCG wholesale and distribution business.

This role offers end-to-end ownership of finance operations, financial reporting, working capital management, budgeting, cash-flow forecasting and financial controls. The ideal candidate will combine strong accounting fundamentals with commercial acumen and a process-improvement mindset.

The position is suited to a finance professional who enjoys working in a lean, entrepreneurial environment, can operate independently, and is comfortable balancing day-to-day accounting responsibilities with financial planning and business partnering.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting :

• Own month-end and year-end closing, general ledger, journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial statements and management reports.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, customer account setup and credit checks.
• Manage supplier payments, collections and reconciliation of customer and supplier accounts.
• Maintain robust financial controls, accounting processes and documentation.

2. Cash Flow & Working Capital Management :

• Prepare and maintain weekly cash-flow forecasts.
• Monitor cash positions, receivables, payables and working capital requirements.
• Manage borrowing facilities, monitor financial covenants and support banking relationships.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash conversion, liquidity and financial efficiency.

3. Commercial & Operational Finance :

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and cost allocation.
• Oversee inventory accounting, fixed assets, depreciation and landed-cost accounting.
• Reconcile customer rebates, promotional claims, retailer deductions and remittances.
• Support foreign exchange management and basic hedging activities, where applicable.
• Coordinate insurance claims and other finance-related operational matters.

4. Payroll, Tax & Compliance

• Oversee payroll processing and related accounting.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tax, statutory reporting and financial regulations.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, tax advisers and other professional stakeholders.
• Experience with Australian tax, payroll and statutory compliance will be advantageous but is not essential.

5. Systems, Automation & Process Improvement :

• Manage and improve finance processes, internal controls and reporting workflows.
• Support ERP implementation, migration or optimisation, including data cleansing, mapping, testing and reconciliations.
• Leverage technology, automation and advanced Excel to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Experience with Odoo is highly desirable; familiarity with SAP, Xero or other ERP/accounting systems is also valuable.
• Exposure to Power BI or other reporting and analytics tools would be an advantage.

6. Team & Stakeholder Management :

• Lead and support a lean finance team while remaining hands-on with accounting operations.
• Work closely with senior management on financial performance, cash flow and business decisions.
• Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, banks, auditors and external advisers.
• Take ownership of financial issues, independently verify information and constructively challenge discrepancies when required.

Candidate Profile : Essential experience and capabilities :

• Approximately 6–10 years of relevant finance and accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, month-end closing and financial controls.
• Experience managing operational finance activities, including AP, AR, reconciliations and cash flow.
• Practical experience in budgeting, forecasting, working capital and management reporting.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with ERP or accounting systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and take end-to-end ownership.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
• Willingness to remain hands-on in a lean, growing business environment.

Preferred qualifications and experience :

• Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
• Experience in FMCG, wholesale, distribution, food and beverage, consumer goods, import-export or other inventory-led businesses.
• Exposure to inventory accounting, landed costs, customer rebates, trade promotions and retailer reconciliations.
• Experience with Odoo or an ERP implementation/transition.
• Familiarity with Xero, SAP, Power BI or finance automation tools.
• Experience with Australian tax, payroll and statutory compliance; this is an advantage, not a mandatory requirement.

What Success Looks Like :

• Accurate and timely month-end and year-end reporting.
• Reliable cash-flow forecasting and effective working capital management.
• Strong financial controls and well-maintained accounting records.
• Efficient AP/AR processes and timely account reconciliations.
• Improved finance systems, automation and operational efficiency.
• A dependable finance function that supports business growth and informed decision-making.