Financial Controller

Citadel Source is delighted to be partnering on an exclusive basis with Different Dog to recruit a high-calibre Financial Controller to be based at their new head office in Telford.

About the Client

Different Dog is a fast-paced business devoted to revolutionising canine nutrition. From their kitchen based in Shropshire, Different Dog cooks varied recipes, meticulously crafted from fresh, all-natural ingredients, featuring 100% British-sourced meat and fish, complemented by vegetables, fruits, and superfoods. Customers are served through a convenient subscription service, with meals delivered fresh to their doorstep.

The mission is to promote healthier, happier, and longer lives for dogs through superior nutrition.

Different Dog are committed to minimising their impact to the environment and are proud to be a B Corp business.

The Role

This role is really exciting and looks to support the Finance Director as her number two in further professionalising the organisation as it continues to grow at pace. As Different Dog cook their product from scratch, whilst also utilising advanced digital marketing to acquire customers, the successful candidate will gain broad exposure across both finance and the broader business, unique and valuable professional experience.

You’ll take a key role in building a best in class Finance function. You will also work closely with other functions within the business (including tech, marketing, customer delight, operations) to support the smooth running of the business and ensure all processes are being followed.

About You

You will be a proactive, motivated qualified accountant with a hunger for continuous improvement, seeking a role where you play an integral role the organisation and take ownership of driving efficiencies across finance. As an SME, Different Dog offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. The successful candidate will need to adapt to multiple roles, demonstrating both a keen eye for detail and the ability to think strategically—sometimes within the same day. Different Dog benefits from an informal culture where everyone takes responsibility for the success of the business, you will be comfortable in this environment and happy to get stuck in however needed.

As Financial Controller your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and contributing to the daily operations of the finance function, managing financial tasks and a small team while maintaining a strategic focus.
• Taking full ownership of external reporting, including the management of the annual financial audit, tax filings, and other ad hoc reporting.
• Overseeing and enhancing the monthly financial close process, ensuring the timely delivery of accurate management accounts within five working days.
• Managing the P&L and Balance Sheet, ensuring precise record-keeping, and providing support to the wider finance team.
• Defining and managing financial processes, utilising business data to provide actionable insights to the leadership team, including the preparation of board reporting packs.
• Maintaining and improving financial systems, including leading finance system implementations.
• Collaborating with the Finance Director to build robust business plans and establish measurable targets and KPIs across the organisation.
• Leading the budgeting and forecasting processes, working closely with key stakeholders to develop a bottom-up budget and ensure accountability for its delivery.
• Providing decision support to the business, offering insights on ROI and making recommendations where appropriate.
• Managing cash flow and working capital, and effectively communicating financial positions as they evolve to key stakeholders.
• Implementing and standardising internal controls across both financial and non-financial operations, ensuring accountability throughout the business.

What the Client Offers:

1. Circa £70,000, but with some flexibility for the right candidate
2. Matched pension
3. Flexible working (2 days on-site recommended)
4. Discounted Different Dog product
5. 25 days holiday
6. Cash health plan
7. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in work!

If you are interested in discussing this role, please reach out to Oliver Price at Citadel Source.

All direct cv’s or speculative cv’s will be forwarded to Citadel Source for management