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 growing international customer and partner base.
• Work-Life Balance: We encourage a healthy work-life balance.

This is a rare opportunity to take real ownership of finance and operations in a fast-growing deep-tech start-up. You will be a key member of a small, ambitious team, with the chance to build processes from the ground up and see the direct impact of your work as the company scales. Apply via the portal and successful candidates will be taken forward for interview.

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