<p>Robert Half is delighted to retained by Merchant Leisure to recruit a newly created Financial Controller role. </p><p>Merchant Leisure is a privately owned hospitality, property and leisure group with operations across Edinburgh city centre. The group operates a growing portfolio of bars and restaurants, alongside a well established property and construction arm, and is now expanding into tours and events. </p><p>The hospitality division continues to perform strongly year on year, supported by ongoing venue development and new concepts launching in 2026. The business employs approximately 150-170 staff across its operating sites and maintains a lean, collaborative head office function. </p><p>The head office is based in central Edinburgh in recently acquired premises. While the role is primarily office based, there is flexibility around working hours, recognising the needs of a senior hire. </p><p><strong>The Role </strong></p><p>This is a hands on Financial Controller position, sitting at the centre of the group's finance function. Reporting to the directors, the successful candidate will take ownership of financial reporting and controls while also providing commercial insight and analysis to support strategic decision making as the business continues to evolve. </p><p>The role combines technical accounting responsibility with leadership, business partnering and forward looking financial planning. </p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong> </p><p><strong>Financial Control & Reporting</strong> </p><ul><li data-leveltext="" data-aria-posinset="1" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol">Production and ownership of monthly management accounts for the group </li><li data-listid="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol">Balance sheet control, including bank and control account reconciliations </li><li data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-listid="1" data-leveltext="">Preparation and submission of VAT returns, PAYE and CIS returns </li><li data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-leveltext="" data-aria-posinset="4" data-listid="1" data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1">Cashflow management and forecasting across multiple entities </li><li data-leveltext="" data-listid="1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol">Support external accountants with year end statutory accounts </li><li data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-leveltext="" data-aria-posinset="6" data-listid="1">Submission of dormant accounts and confirmation statements to Companies House </li></ul><p><strong>Commercial & Strategic Support </strong></p><ul><li data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1">Creation, monitoring and refinement of budgets and forecasts </li><li data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="2" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}">Provision of meaningful financial analysis and insight to support operational and investment decisions </li><li data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-leveltext="" data-aria-posinset="3" data-listid="2">Holding monthly P&L and performance review meetings with management </li><li data-leveltext="" data-listid="2" data-aria-posinset="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol">Supporting directors with scenario planning as new ventures launch (e.g. tours and events) </li></ul><p><strong>People & Operations</strong> </p><ul><li data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-leveltext="" data-aria-posinset="1" data-listid="3" data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1">Day-to-day oversight of the finance function, remaining hand-son where required </li><li data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-listid="3" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1">Management and development of two Accounts Assistants, including mentoring and support with professional exams </li><li data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-aria-posinset="3" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}">Oversight of supplier payments, payroll processing (fortnightly and monthly) and finance operations </li><li data-listid="3" data-aria-posinset="4" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol">Continuous improvement of processes, controls and reporting </li></ul><p><strong>The Candidate</strong> </p><p>The ideal candidate will be a strong all round accountant with experience operating in a growing SME environment. </p><p><strong>You will likely have:</strong> </p><ul><li data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="4" data-aria-posinset="1" data-leveltext="">Proven experience in a Financial Controller / senior Finance Manager role </li><li data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-aria-posinset="1" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}">Strong technical accounting background (qualified preferred; QBE considered) </li><li data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-listid="4" data-leveltext="">Experience producing full management accounts and supporting year end </li><li data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="4" data-aria-posinset="4" data-leveltext="">Commercial mindset with the ability to translate numbers into insight </li><li data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol" data-aria-posinset="5" data-listid="4" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}">Confidence operating in a hands on, fast moving environment </li><li data-font="Symbol" data-aria-level="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-leveltext="" data-listid="4" data-aria-posinset="6">Strong Excel skills </li><li data-aria-level="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-listid="4" data-aria-posinset="7" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}">Experience with<strong> </strong>Sage (or similar accounting systems) </li></ul><p>Experience within hospitality, leisure, property or multi-entity businesses would be advantageous, though not essential. </p><p>For full details on this exciting opportunity please apply and if interested to discuss further please contact Reggie McMahon: 0131 240 3703 </p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/cmVnZ2llLm1jbWFob24uMTY5MTcuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
<h2 data-start="84" data-section-id="8clclm" data-end="133"><strong data-end="131" data-start="87">Finance Administrator </strong></h2><p data-start="134" data-end="191">Fife| £28,000 - £30,000 | Full-time, Office-based</p><p data-end="439" data-start="193">We are working with a growing UK-based business to recruit a Finance Administrator to join their finance team. This is a varied role offering exposure across payroll, purchase ledger and sales ledger, with strong development opportunities.</p><h2 data-section-id="11iwts8" data-start="446" data-end="463"><strong data-end="461" data-start="449">The Role</strong></h2><p data-start="464" data-end="568">Working as part of a collaborative finance team, you will support across multiple areas of the function.</p><h3 data-end="598" data-section-id="165gfiz" data-start="570"><strong data-start="574" data-end="598">Key Responsibilities</strong></h3><p data-start="600" data-end="613"><strong data-end="611" data-start="600">Payroll</strong></p><ul data-end="828" data-start="614"><li data-end="667" data-start="614" data-section-id="hv0r0c"><p data-start="616" data-end="667">Assist with weekly and monthly payroll processing</p></li><li data-end="723" data-start="668" data-section-id="skptx1"><p data-end="723" data-start="670">Maintain accurate payroll records and employee data</p></li><li data-start="724" data-section-id="2n228i" data-end="787"><p data-end="787" data-start="726">Act as a first point of contact for payroll-related queries</p></li><li data-end="828" data-section-id="1d3djhf" data-start="788"><p data-end="828" data-start="790">Support HMRC and pension submissions</p></li></ul><p data-end="865" data-start="830"><strong data-start="830" data-end="863">Sales Ledger / Credit Control</strong></p><ul data-end="1090" data-start="866"><li data-section-id="4ecuna" data-start="866" data-end="914"><p data-start="868" data-end="914">Raise invoices and issue customer statements</p></li><li data-end="992" data-section-id="81kwpt" data-start="915"><p data-end="992" data-start="917">Support credit control activities, including chasing outstanding payments</p></li><li data-section-id="14awhef" data-start="993" data-end="1046"><p data-end="1046" data-start="995">Allocate payments and reconcile customer accounts</p></li><li data-end="1090" data-section-id="1764dk7" data-start="1047"><p data-start="1049" data-end="1090">Investigate and resolve invoice queries</p></li></ul><p data-start="1092" data-end="1113"><strong data-start="1092" data-end="1111">Purchase Ledger</strong></p><ul data-end="1306" data-start="1114"><li data-start="1114" data-section-id="1odk5sj" data-end="1152"><p data-start="1116" data-end="1152">Process and code supplier invoices</p></li><li data-end="1203" data-section-id="lf3n2v" data-start="1153"><p data-end="1203" data-start="1155">Prepare payment runs and support BACS payments</p></li><li data-section-id="1v4t8a6" data-start="1204" data-end="1261"><p data-end="1261" data-start="1206">Reconcile supplier accounts and resolve discrepancies</p></li><li data-end="1306" data-section-id="ssl3lg" data-start="1262"><p data-start="1264" data-end="1306">Liaise with suppliers and internal teams</p></li></ul><p data-start="1308" data-end="1337"><strong data-end="1335" data-start="1308">General Finance Support</strong></p><ul data-end="1508" data-start="1338"><li data-section-id="10k65pr" data-start="1338" data-end="1387"><p data-end="1387" data-start="1340">Assist with month-end processes and reporting</p></li><li data-end="1446" data-start="1388" data-section-id="qzpe9a"><p data-start="1390" data-end="1446">Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems</p></li><li data-start="1447" data-section-id="4xyk48" data-end="1508"><p data-start="1449" data-end="1508">Support wider finance team activities and ad hoc projects</p></li></ul><h2 data-end="1533" data-section-id="1pnot4b" data-start="1515"><strong data-end="1531" data-start="1518">About You</strong></h2><ul data-end="1834" data-start="1534"><li data-end="1593" data-start="1534" data-section-id="1hand2c"><p data-start="1536" data-end="1593">Experience in a finance admin or general admin</p></li><li data-start="1594" data-section-id="1loa10x" data-end="1637"><p data-start="1596" data-end="1637">Strong attention to detail and accuracy</p></li><li data-start="1638" data-section-id="tj083i" data-end="1659"><p data-start="1640" data-end="1659">Good Excel skills</p></li><li data-end="1721" data-start="1660" data-section-id="6ydpbj"><p data-start="1662" data-end="1721">Confident communicator with the ability to handle queries</p></li><li data-section-id="nw7rlf" data-start="1722" data-end="1787"><p data-end="1787" data-start="1724">Well organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities</p></li><li data-section-id="102hg8q" data-start="1788" data-end="1834"><p data-start="1790" data-end="1834">Positive attitude and willingness to learn</p></li></ul><h2 data-section-id="1omw3ut" data-start="1841" data-end="1865"><strong data-start="1844" data-end="1863">The Opportunity</strong></h2><ul data-start="1866" data-end="2081"><li data-end="1930" data-start="1866" data-section-id="xhlakx"><p data-start="1868" data-end="1930">Join a growing business with clear progression opportunities</p></li><li data-end="1981" data-start="1931" data-section-id="dx1v0l"><p data-end="1981" data-start="1933">Gain exposure across the full finance function</p></li><li data-end="2051" data-start="1982" data-section-id="k0frt2"><p data-end="2051" data-start="1984">Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development</p></li><li data-section-id="1vkhw1e" data-start="2052" data-end="2081"><p data-end="2081" data-start="2054">Fast-paced, hands-on role</p></li></ul><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/SGFtaXNoLkNoYXBwbGUuNDY4MTQuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
<p> </p><p data-start="0" data-end="333">This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of an expanding independent accountancy firm in Edinburgh that genuinely values flexibility and high standards. You'll take the lead on VAT and bookkeeping for a diverse portfolio of clients, building strong working relationships and contributing to the next phase of the firm's growth.</p><p data-end="623" data-start="335">As VAT Bookkeeper, you'll be responsible for overseeing core bookkeeping and VAT obligations across a range of SMEs. This position would suit someone who enjoys being hands-on, takes real pride in producing accurate work, and appreciates having autonomy in how they manage their workload.</p><h3 data-end="651" data-start="625">Key Responsibilities</h3><ul data-end="1157" data-start="653"><li data-start="653" data-end="722"><p data-start="655" data-end="722">Preparation and submission of VAT returns in line with deadlines.</p></li><li data-start="723" data-end="792"><p data-end="792" data-start="725">Delivery of bookkeeping services for multiple clients using Xero.</p></li><li data-end="864" data-start="793"><p data-start="795" data-end="864">Performing bank, control account and balance sheet reconciliations.</p></li><li data-end="936" data-start="865"><p data-end="936" data-start="867">Maintaining clear, compliant and well-structured financial records.</p></li><li data-end="1020" data-start="937"><p data-end="1020" data-start="939">Acting as a point of contact for client queries and day-to-day finance matters.</p></li><li data-end="1083" data-start="1021"><p data-start="1023" data-end="1083">Providing support with management accounts where required.</p></li><li data-end="1157" data-start="1084"><p data-end="1157" data-start="1086">Recommending improvements to systems and processes where appropriate.</p></li></ul><h3 data-start="1159" data-end="1182">What You'll Bring</h3><ul data-start="1184" data-end="1521"><li data-end="1247" data-start="1184"><p data-start="1186" data-end="1247">Demonstrable experience completing VAT returns (essential).</p></li><li data-end="1287" data-start="1248"><p data-start="1250" data-end="1287">Confident user of Xero (essential).</p></li><li data-start="1288" data-end="1366"><p data-start="1290" data-end="1366">Previous bookkeeping experience within a practice or multi-client setting.</p></li><li data-end="1424" data-start="1367"><p data-end="1424" data-start="1369">Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.</p></li><li data-end="1473" data-start="1425"><p data-end="1473" data-start="1427">Clear and professional communication skills.</p></li><li data-end="1521" data-start="1474"><p data-start="1476" data-end="1521">A self-motivated and team-oriented mindset.</p></li></ul><p data-end="1621" data-start="1523">An AAT qualification, or active study towards it, would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite.</p><h3 data-end="1647" data-start="1623">Package & Benefits</h3><ul data-end="1926" data-start="1649"><li data-start="1649" data-end="1692"><p data-start="1651" data-end="1692">Competitive salary based on experience.</p></li><li data-start="1693" data-end="1763"><p data-end="1763" data-start="1695">Hybrid working with flexibility around office and home-based days.</p></li><li data-start="1764" data-end="1815"><p data-start="1766" data-end="1815">Friendly and collaborative working environment.</p></li><li data-end="1868" data-start="1816"><p data-end="1868" data-start="1818">Varied client exposure across different sectors.</p></li><li data-start="1869" data-end="1926"><p data-end="1926" data-start="1871">Opportunities for continued learning and development.</p></li></ul><h3 data-start="1928" data-end="1957">Why Consider This Role?</h3><ul data-is-only-node="" data-start="1959" data-end="2230" data-is-last-node=""><li data-end="2022" data-start="1959"><p data-start="1961" data-end="2022">Play a meaningful role in a growing and ambitious practice.</p></li><li data-end="2082" data-start="2023"><p data-end="2082" data-start="2025">Enjoy flexibility and autonomy in a supportive setting.</p></li><li data-start="2083" data-end="2157"><p data-end="2157" data-start="2085">Work closely with business owners and develop long-term relationships.</p></li><li data-is-last-node="" data-end="2230" data-start="2158"><p data-start="2160" data-is-last-node="" data-end="2230">Grow your experience alongside a firm that is investing in its future.</p></li></ul><p>The salary range/rates of pay is dependent upon your experience, qualifications or training.</p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/SGFtaXNoLkNoYXBwbGUuNjkxOTIuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
