Financial Controller

About Holiferm

Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market - moving the industry away from fossil fuel–based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible.

And while Holiferm may not be a household name you recognise, the brands we supply certainly are - from well-known global names to fast growing, future focused innovators. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling fast, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and help drive the next wave of growth.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive environment — whether you're in our R&D lab in Manchester or our commercial plant in Wallasey. You’ll have the autonomy, support and platform to innovate, grow, and make a real impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

We’re looking for a proactive, hands‑on Financial Controller who will take ownership of the day‑to‑day financial controls of the business. You’ll ensure accurate, timely and well‑controlled financial reporting while supporting a fast‑growing startup environment.

Working closely with the Finance Director, FP&A Manager, and the Assistant Accountant, you’ll act as the operational backbone of the finance function - combining strong technical oversight with a willingness to stay hands‑on where needed.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high‑impact role with exposure to the financial direction of the business, including M&A activity, fundraising, and the strategic decisions that will shape our next stage of growth.

You’ll be responsible for:

Financial Controls & Reporting

• Owning and delivering the monthly close process, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations
• Maintaining full ownership of the general ledger and balance sheet, ensuring control accounts are accurate and issues resolved promptly
• Preparing and reviewing monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
• Investigating variances and working with budget holders to understand performance drivers
• Ensuring all financial data is accurate, well‑documented and audit‑ready

Cash, Controls & Governance

• Helping to manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity in partnership with the FP&A Manager
• Authorising payments and ensuring spend is controlled and aligned with budgets
• Implementing and maintaining practical financial controls suitable for a growing business
• Overseeing VAT, ERS and other statutory filings, ensuring compliance and timely submission
• Reviewing insurance policies and maintaining strong governance frameworks

Team & Month‑End Support

• Providing day‑to‑day oversight and support to transactional finance (PL/SL)
• Acting as the primary owner of month‑end, stepping in hands‑on wherever needed
• Supporting the development of team capability and improving processes as the business scales

External & Special Projects

• Acting as the main contact for external auditors, coordinating statutory accounts and audit processes
• Preparing grant claims in collaboration with innovation and operations teams
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting with FP&A
• Assisting the Finance Director with ad‑hoc projects (fundraising support, share‑related activities)

You’ll be based at either Oceans Park in Wallasey or Trafford Park in Manchester, with travel between the sites as needed for the role. We offer hybrid working so the flexibility to work 2 days per week from home.

About You

What You’re Great At (Essential)

• Owning and delivering finance processes end‑to‑end
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and time‑management
• Clear analytical skills with ability to interpret financial data
• Confident operating independently in a lean, fast‑moving environment
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, working collaboratively across teams
• Willing and able to remain hands‑on, especially during month‑end

It’s a Bonus If You Also Have…

• Experience in a startup or high‑growth SME
• A background in accounting practice (audit or advisory)
• Experience building or improving financial dashboards or reporting tools
• Interest in technology, automation or AI in finance
• Alignment with sustainability or environmentally focused organisations
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment, including familiarity with stock control processes, production flows, and inventory‑related accounting.

Your Background

Essential:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Minimum 12 months post‑qualification experience
• Proven experience preparing and owning management accounts and the month‑end close
• Experience supporting or supervising transactional finance activity
• Strong Excel skills and experience with Sage 50 or similar SME systems
• High level of general IT literacy

How You’ll Be Rewarded

We believe great work should feel genuinely rewarding - not just in what you do every day, but in how you’re supported. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• A competitive salary (£61,000–£75,000 depending on experience).
• A strong benefits package that has your back - including a 7.5% employer pension contribution, income protection, life insurance (4x Salary) and comprehensive health, dental and mental health support.
• Share options, because we want you to grow with us as we scale.
• Flexible and hybrid working to help you balance life inside and outside of work.
• Access to an electric & plug‑in hybrid car scheme and a company reward/discount platform.
• Regular team events and socials (informal, inclusive, no pressure)

And It’s Not Just Words - Our Culture Really Works This Way

We know lots of companies say they value openness, wellbeing and teamwork - but at Holiferm, it’s genuinely how we operate every day. Our culture isn’t a poster on a wall - it’s how we show up for each other, how we solve problems, and how we make sure everyone feels included, respected and able to thrive.

Not sure you tick every box? No worries.

We know job adverts can sometimes make great people doubt themselves. If this role sounds exciting and you’ve got most of what we’re after, we’d really love you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities

Holiferm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace.

If you need any adjustments - whether during the application process or at interview - just let us know. We want you to feel comfortable, supported and able to show us your best self