We are working closely with a growing, multi-site operation combining a busy restaurant, a food-led retail store. The business operates in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where stock, margins, and labour costs change daily. Think craft beer, burgers, premium groceries, and a constant flow of footfall – both eat-in and grab-and-go. There are currently multiple locations, each with its own P&L, but with centralised finance.The Financial Controller needs a hands-on, reliable Management Accountant who understands the unique pressures of hospitality and retail – from stock shrinkage to split-second EPOS data.This is not a remote back-office role. The business needs someone who can sit between the books and the shop floor. You will work directly with the FC to:Key Responsibilities
Manage purchase ledger, sales ledger, and bank reconciliations across all sitesProcess supplier invoices and match to delivery notes (high volume – food, drink, packaging, retail goods)Reconcile EPOS data (till systems) to daily sales reports and bank depositsPrepare weekly cash flow forecasts and monitor daily bankingAssist with weekly and month-end stock takes (food, drink, retail merchandise)Analyse stock variances, wastage, theft, and over-pouringCalculate accurate gross profit by product category (e.g., fresh food, alcohol, packaged goods)Work with site managers to reduce shrinkage and improve marginProduce individual P&Ls for each location and a consolidated viewTrack key hospitality/retail metrics: average spend, cover counts, GP%, labour %, wastage %Identify underperforming sites or product linesPrepare VAT returns (including food vs non-food, zero-rated, standard-rated – hospitality/retail specific)Support with payroll data (hourly staff, tips, tronc)Assist with year-end audit and stock valuationDeputise for the FC when required
Essential Candidate Profile
Hospitality and/or retail experience – has worked in a restaurant group, pub chain, cafe operator, deli, or multisite convenience retail business.Multisite understanding – knows that each site has its own personality, team, and stock challenges.Stock-savvy – comfortable with stock sheets, variance reports, and chasing site teams for accuracy.Systems-capable – can handle EPOS, accounting software (Xero/Sage/QuickBooks), and Excel (pivot tables, lookups).Hard-working and autonomous – needs minimal supervision, but knows when to escalate to the FC.Process-driven – will suggest better ways to track wastage, automate supplier reconciliations, or speed up month-end.
Desirable (but not essential)
Experience with hospitality-specific software (e.g., Fourth, Apicbase, or EPOS back-office tools).Knowledge of multi-VAT rates in food and drink (e.g., eat-in vs takeaway, alcohol, soft drinks).Previously managed or supported a team of site-level administrators.
What the Role Offers
Direct line to the FC – real responsibility, not just data entry.A hybrid working pattern (some days at the Walthamstow head office/site, some from home).The chance to shape finance processes in a growing hospitality/retail group.A down-to-earth, high-energy culture – no corporate excess.
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