Interim financial controller

6-month contract starting January 2026

Interim Financial Controller (start up) - Bristol

Contract:

6 month interim

Start:
January (ideal)

Package:
Competitive

Location:

Bristol with Hybrid working available (3/2 or 4/1)

About the role:

An exciting, hands on opportunity to join a fast growing and dynamic start up in Bristol as their number 1 in finance. You'll lead the finance function end to end, owning operations, processes and controls, while providing strategic insight to help the leadership team make informed, commercial decisions. This is a high impact role for someone ambitious and driven who thrives in a flexible, fast changing environment.

We are looking for a highly capable, financially and commercially driven Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function and play a critical role in shaping key business decisions.

This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible not only for the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, but also for driving commercial insight, cost management, and profitability across the business. You will act as a trusted financial partner to the CEO, founders, and leadership team, helping translate financial performance into clear, actionable decisions as the business continues to scale.

You will build and refine core finance processes from the ground up, lead consolidated reporting, and ensure the business has the financial visibility and discipline required to grow sustainably. This role combines hands-on financial control with strategic and commercial influence, offering the opportunity to directly impact how the business operates, invests, and grows.

What you'll do

Own all day to day finance operations, processes and controls (P2P/O2C, GL, month end and year end).

Lead budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management; produce timely MI and board ready reporting.

Safeguard cost control and profitability; monitor performance KPIs and drive data led decisions.

Build & improve scalable systems, policies and processes suitable for a growing business.

Partner closely with the leadership team; translate financials into clear, commercial actions.

Uphold confidentiality around all financial information, costs and performance figures.

About you

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified.

Proven experience as a Financial Controller or in a senior finance role, ideally within a growing SME.

Strong technical accounting expertise, with experience building or refining finance systems and processes.

Demonstrated ability to deliver consolidated month-end accounts and high-quality C-suite reporting.

Highly commercial mindset, with a clear focus on cost management, margin improvement, and profitability.

Ability to translate financial data into practical, strategic insight that influences decision-making.

Meticulous attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to operate at pace.

Proactive, confident, and comfortable taking ownership in a fast-moving environment.

Experience using Xero.

Availability: immediately available or on short notice.

How to apply

If you're available now (or at short notice) and would like the company details and full job spec, please reach out to Charles Maidment from the Hays Senior Finance - Bristol team: . #