Financial Controller (1st finance hire) | Climate Tech Start-up | London
Harmonic are partnering with a mission-led technology business to make their first dedicated Finance hire as they enter an exciting phase of growth.
The company has developed a highly specialised data and analytics platform that supports organisations in navigating complex, real-world challenges. With increasing demand for their technology and a growing international client base, the business is now investing in its internal infrastructure to support the next stage of its development.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role with unparalleled exposure across finance and operations working side-by-side with world-leading scientists, engineers, and industry experts at the forefront of climate tech innovation. You’ll join a collaborative, high‑calibre team who are passionate about their mission and focused on building a business that delivers meaningful impact.
The Role:
Reporting to the CEO, as the first dedicated Finance hire, you’ll play a key role in supporting the operational backbone of a fast-moving, mission-driven company. You’ll take ownership of core finance activities while partnering closely with the CEO, CPO, CSO and CTO to deliver the clarity, controls, and insight that underpin confident decision-making.
Responsibilities:
- Establish and maintain strong financial controls across accruals, revenue, and costs, ensuring accurate, audit-ready books as the company scales.
- Deliver clear financial reporting and board‑ready insights that give leadership timely visibility into company performance.
- Own end‑to‑end finance operations, including AP/AR, invoicing, payments, expenses, vendor management, cashflow oversight, and month‑end close in Xero.
- Lead financial modelling and forecasting to support strategic planning and future fundraising.
- Prepare financial inputs for investor materials and support the CEO and founders in responding to investor queries.
- Act as the primary liaison with external accountants, supporting statutory filings and compliance.
- Work with the external Company Secretary to ensure all statutory and governance requirements are met.
- Build and improve scalable processes and systems, introducing automation and stronger workflows where appropriate.
- Maintain governance discipline through organised board materials, company records, and contract management across employees, contractors, and vendors.
- Support the design, setup, and ongoing administration of the company’s employee stock option plan.
- Oversee HR operations, including payroll coordination, HR documentation, onboarding/offboarding, and system access management in partnership with the CTO.
- Support wider operational matters and act as an enabler for Delivery and Commercial teams to execute effectively.
Requirements:
- Qualified Accountant preferred (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
- Broad finance/operations exposure, preferably gained in a tech, analytics, engineering, or start‑up environment.
- Ability to adapt and deliver in a fast moving environment
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills.
- Strong grasp of core finance processes and financial controls.
- Clear communicator, reliable follow‑through, and able to work autonomously.
Location:
London (Hybrid)
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
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