Financial Controller

Singular Photonics are a fast-growing fabless semiconductor start-up, developing Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensors that bring advanced computation directly into imaging. Our sensors enable innovations across LiDAR, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), spectroscopy and time-resolved optical measurements, powering next-generation solutions for customers worldwide. Based at Orchard Brae House in Edinburgh, we are a close-knit team at the forefront of the photonics revolution.

We are looking for a hands-on Financial Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day finances of a growing start-up. You will manage management accounts, budgeting, cash flow and financial controls, working closely with the leadership team and external advisors. As a small and agile company, this role also covers general office administration and logistics, so you'll need to be equally comfortable building a forecast as you are organising a supplier delivery or sorting the office.

• Financial Reporting:
  Prepare monthly management accounts, cash flow reports and board packs for leadership and investors.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  Build and maintain budgets, forecasts and financial models to support business planning.
• Cash Management:
  Monitor cash flow, manage banking relationships and support fundraising and investor reporting activity.
• Bookkeeping & Controls:
  Own day-to-day bookkeeping, purchase and sales ledgers, and maintain robust financial controls and processes.
• Payroll & Pensions:
  Process monthly payroll and pension contributions, liaising with external providers as required.
• Statutory Compliance:
  Prepare VAT returns and support year-end accounts, audit and corporation tax filings with external accountants.
• Grants & R&D Tax Credits:
  Support claims and reporting for grants and R&D tax credits where applicable.
• Supplier & Credit Control:
  Manage supplier invoicing, payment runs and credit control.
• Procurement:
  Manage end to end procurement process
• General Office Administration:
  Oversee office supplies, facilities and day-to-day admin to keep the office running smoothly.
• Logistics:
  Support shipping, imports/exports and logistics for components, equipment and customer deliveries.

You will work closely with the leadership team, external accountants and advisors, and play a key role in shaping financial and operational processes as the company scales.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential:

• Part-qualified or qualified accountant - ACCA, CIMA, ICAS CA (or ACA), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Assistant or senior bookkeeping role.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with cloud accounting software (Xero or similar).
• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets and cash flow forecasts.
• Comfortable working independently and taking on tasks outside a traditional finance remit.

Desirable:

• Experience in a start-up, scale-up or SME environment.
• Experience with R&D tax credits or Innovate UK/Scottish Enterprise grant reporting.
• Exposure to a technology, engineering or manufacturing business.
• Experience of MRP systems
• Experience supporting fundraising rounds or investor reporting.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ownership & Initiative:
  Self-motivated and comfortable owning tasks end-to-end in a small team.
• Attention to Detail:
  Diligent and accurate across financial reporting, compliance and admin tasks.
• Adaptability & Resilience:
  Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving start-up environment where priorities shift.
• Integrity & Confidentiality:
  Trusted to handle sensitive financial and company information.
• Effective Communication:
  Able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues, and across all seniority levels
• Collaboration & Teamwork:
  Work well across a small, close-knit team, pitching in wherever needed.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
• Hybrid Working:
  Primarily office-based, with flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week (for full time worker).
• Part Time working will be considered on request
• Career Growth:
  The opportunity to shape financial and operational processes as the company scales.
• Innovative Work Culture:
  Join a passionate team working on cutting-edge photonics technology.
• Health and Wellbeing:
  We prioritise the health and wellbeing of our employees.
• Collaborative Team Environment:
  Work closely with a talented, close-knit team in a highly collaborative setting.
• International Exposure:
  Contribute to a company with a…