Finance Lead - Controller

LeanOps is looking for a Finance Lead — Controller to take full ownership of the accounting function across a diverse multi-brand portfolio. This senior, hands-on role requires managing the complete set of books, month-end close, financial reporting, cash forecasting, payroll, reconciliations, and financial controls. The successful candidate will maintain and improve the existing finance function by organizing historical records, establishing a reliable close calendar, producing consolidated and brand-level profitability reports, and supporting leadership in identifying cost reduction or restructuring opportunities. Reporting directly to the Founder/Chief Executive, this position holds sole responsibility for finance and accounting operations.

Key Responsibilities

Books, Records & Accounting Operations
Maintain accurate accounting records for all brands and entities. Manage and update the chart of accounts to ensure costs are traceable by brand, channel, and department. Oversee accounts payable and receivable, supplier payments, creditor relationships, and maintain audit-ready documentation including invoices, receipts, contracts, and bank records.

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting
Prepare complete accrual-basis profit and loss statements within agreed deadlines. Produce consolidated and per-brand financial statements, including balance sheets and cash flow reports. Apply accruals, prepayments, and period cut-offs consistently to ensure comparability. Report variances against prior periods in clear commercial language and maintain rolling cash forecasts. Proactively escalate anticipated cash shortfalls and material financial risks.

Marketplace, Payment Gateway & Multi-Currency Reconciliation
Reconcile settlement reports from sales channels and payment gateways with actual bank receipts. Accurately account for commissions, fulfillment fees, advertising deductions, refunds, chargebacks, held reserves, and other platform deductions. Investigate and resolve discrepancies with platforms or gateways. Identify and account for realized and unrealized foreign exchange differences.

Payroll, Budgeting & Cost Control
Process monthly payroll for employees, contractors, and freelancers accurately and on time. Maintain salary records including deductions, advances, bonuses, leave encashment, and final settlements. Allocate payroll and operating costs appropriately across brands and departments. Develop and maintain operating budgets, track actual performance, and explain variances. Continuously review spending and recommend cost-saving measures. Assess vendor agreements and subscriptions for savings opportunities. Provide advice on pricing, margin, and cost implications for new products and brands.

Systems, Controls & Process Improvement
Enhance finance systems and workflows to reduce manual tasks, accelerate month-end close, and improve data integrity. Design and document internal controls suitable for the business size and complexity. Fully document the finance function to safeguard critical knowledge. Create repeatable processes for onboarding additional brands into the finance function.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of six years’ experience in accounting or finance, including at least two years managing a full set of books through the complete close cycle. Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CA, ICMA/CMA, ACMA, or equivalent practical experience are essential. Proven ability to independently prepare accrual-basis profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements within deadlines. Experience reconciling high transaction volumes from multiple, non-matching source systems. Exposure to multi-entity, multi-currency, or multi-cost-centre accounting. Advanced skills in Excel or Google Sheets, including pivot tables and lookup functions. Proficiency with recognized accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho Books, SAP, or Odoo. Strong communication skills to explain financial outcomes to non-finance stakeholders. Demonstrated ownership through process improvements, record corrections, or shortened close cycles.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Experience in e-commerce, retail, consumer products, or import-led businesses is advantageous. Familiarity with marketplace settlement reporting and payment gateway payout structures is preferred. Knowledge of inventory accounting and landed cost, including goods, freight, duty, and inbound handling, is beneficial. Experience migrating businesses to new accounting platforms or ERP systems is a plus. Prior experience building a finance team or function from scratch is desirable.

LeanOps offers a competitive salary aligned with experience and seniority. This role provides direct collaboration with the Founder/Chief Executive and full ownership of the finance function, with a clear mandate to rebuild it effectively. It presents an opportunity to influence operations within a growing multi-brand business and a defined path toward broader finance leadership as the portfolio expands.