Financial Controller

About Chemist4U Chemist4U is one of the UK’s largest online pharmacies, making medicines, expert advice, and everyday health essentials easier to access than ever. We’re redefining modern healthcare and helping people “feel better for less.” With a fast-growing, innovative team, we deliver trusted pharmacy care straight to our customers’ doors. Join us and be part of a company that’s transforming healthcare and making a real difference every day. Our Purpose: Help everyone feel better, sooner. The Mission: Empower everyone to take control of their health by providing world class technology and pharmacy services. Our Values: Collaboration • Integrity • Positivity • Growth • Customer centricity We simplify processes and medication management by leveraging cutting-edge technology and empowering our team. Whether through seamless online services or expert support, we ensure reliable and hassle-free healthcare so our customers can focus on their well-being. About the role Job type: Permanent Salary: Competitive Working Pattern & Hours: Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week Location: Hybrid/Flexible (Office located: Lancashire, WN8) At Chemist4U, we’re looking for a commercially minded Financial Controller to join our fast-growing Finance Team. You will play a critical role in building a best-in-class finance function. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a start-up environment and enjoys developing team members and structures in line with business needs. You will take ownership of financial reporting, establish robust financial controls, and design scalable processes that support growth, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. This is a hands-on role requiring both strategic thinking and attention to detail. Key Responsibilities In your role as Financial Controller, you will play a pivotal part in shaping the Finance function, overseeing key processes, and ensuring strong financial governance. Your responsibilities will fall into the following key areas: Financial Reporting & Insight Own the production of accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow Develop and deliver clear reporting packs for board presentation Drive enhancement of reporting cycle, to ensure shortened month end timetable with meaningful reporting as the ultimate end product Automate reporting and reconciliations to deliver a robust control framework. Controls & Process Development Design, improve & implement financial control frameworks Drive process & system improvements to further enhance controls, embracing automation and systemic advancement at the heart of the process Strengthen audit trails and documentation procedures Prepare the business for external audits, due diligence and potential future investment. Strategic Planning & Analysis Partner with business unit leaders and the FP&A team to analyse financial models and budgets. Conduct cost analysis and identify cost-saving opportunities Support the development and implementation of long-term financial strategies Manage financial risk by analysing potential risks and developing mitigation strategies. Compliance & Regulation Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and HMRC requirements Manage VAT, tax submissions and statutory reporting Liaise with external accountants, auditors and advisors Monitor and optimise cash flow across the operation, setting clear working capital targets to maximise returns Oversee inventory valuation and stock controls Improve payment cycles and supplier terms to further enhance working capital optimisation. Leadership & Collaboration Act as a key finance partner to operations, marketing and clinical teams Support the growth of the finance function including development of team members and potential further growth in team size Establish finance best practices and discipline across the organisation Identify & support training opportunities for team members. About You You are a commercially minded Finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. You enjoy building structure where it’s needed, strengthening teams, and developing processes that scale with the business. You’re confident taking ownership of financial reporting, implementing strong financial controls, and ensuring full compliance in a regulated sector. You combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, comfortable working at both a high level and in the detail. You’re motivated by growth, continuous improvement, and the opportunity to shape a best-in-class Finance function within a rapidly expanding online pharmacy. Qualifications & Experience To excel in this role, the Financial Controller will need a solid foundation of financial expertise, strong analytical ability, and the confidence to lead both processes and people. The successful candidate will possess the following skills and experience: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) Experience managing financial reporting and control processes in a scaling business Strong knowledge of UK financial compliance and reporting standards Experience with ERP systems, ideally Microsoft Business Central 365 or Navision Self-starting attitude with the ability to work independently or as part of a team Ability to adapt to a changing environment and shape outputs as appropriate Experience managing and developing teams. Company benefits Working with an NHS-focused organisation means doing work that truly matters, every day, you’ll help make a real, positive impact on the lives of patients across the UK and Ireland. And that’s just the start. We also offer: Discounted gym membership Pension scheme Funded training Enhanced Maternity & Paternity 33 days holiday Health & Wellbeing benefits Staff discount Sick Pay Scheme Blue light card membership is available Free seasonal flu vaccination Regular social events.