<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">
<p> </p><h2 data-end="132" data-section-id="1xdsdwd" data-start="84">Finance Assistant </h2><h3 data-end="154" data-section-id="9wd6ee" data-start="134">About the Role</h3><p data-start="155" data-end="468">We are working with a growing organisation that is seeking a Finance Assistant to support the smooth running of its finance operations. This opportunity would suit someone with experience in both payroll and purchase ledger who is looking to develop their skills within a collaborative and fast-paced environment.</p><p data-start="470" data-end="674">The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time, while also managing supplier invoices and supporting the wider business with finance-related queries.</p><h3 data-end="707" data-start="681" data-section-id="1xmbd3v">Key Responsibilities</h3><br><br>Payroll<br><br><ul data-start="724" data-end="1241"><li data-end="852" data-section-id="dgf69l" data-start="724">Process end-to-end payroll, including hours worked, holiday pay, commissions, new starters, leavers, and contractual changes</li><li data-end="953" data-section-id="m1io4g" data-start="853">Administer salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. pensions, cycle to work), ensuring accurate deductions</li><li data-end="1073" data-start="954" data-section-id="ghti2n">Maintain payroll records, carrying out regular checks to ensure accuracy and compliance with statutory requirements</li><li data-section-id="1hrqtrv" data-start="1074" data-end="1159">Act as a first point of contact for payroll queries, escalating where appropriate</li><li data-end="1241" data-start="1160" data-section-id="1x1rno2">Prepare payroll reports and support statutory submissions and audit processes</li></ul><br><br>Finance & Purchase Ledger<br><br><ul data-end="1891" data-start="1276"><li data-end="1362" data-start="1276" data-section-id="11hvxqk">Reconcile supplier accounts, ensuring invoices and payments are accurately matched</li><li data-start="1363" data-section-id="1j9pt2c" data-end="1406">Process weekly and monthly payment runs</li><li data-end="1485" data-section-id="1xt1kxi" data-start="1407">Respond to finance and purchase-related queries from internal stakeholders</li><li data-end="1551" data-section-id="19x9it9" data-start="1486">Match, code, and process supplier invoices in a timely manner</li><li data-end="1611" data-section-id="12pg2q2" data-start="1552">Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies</li><li data-section-id="1w2iw1x" data-start="1612" data-end="1671">Handle enquiries from suppliers via telephone and email</li><li data-start="1672" data-section-id="ngig8" data-end="1765">Manage company expense and credit card processes, ensuring accurate coding of expenditure</li><li data-section-id="sg5w4q" data-start="1766" data-end="1824">Maintain accurate and well-organised financial records</li><li data-section-id="d8ag46" data-start="1825" data-end="1891">Provide general administrative support to the finance function</li></ul><h3 data-end="1939" data-section-id="1b6fyk2" data-start="1898">Skills, Experience & Qualifications</h3><br><br>Essential<br><br><ul data-start="1958" data-end="2407"><li data-end="2045" data-start="1958" data-section-id="9r728c">Previous experience in payroll processing (including hourly and salaried employees)</li><li data-start="2046" data-section-id="nkx83c" data-end="2121">Good understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements</li><li data-end="2181" data-section-id="mqf18m" data-start="2122">Experience in purchase ledger or a similar finance role</li><li data-end="2232" data-section-id="17q9xoz" data-start="2182">High level of accuracy and attention to detail</li><li data-section-id="1pv7eef" data-start="2233" data-end="2292">Strong Excel skills and experience with finance systems</li><li data-section-id="184yv4k" data-start="2293" data-end="2354">Proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement</li><li data-end="2407" data-section-id="10bv3zt" data-start="2355">Excellent communication and interpersonal skills</li></ul><br><br>Desirable<br><br><ul data-end="2521" data-start="2426"><li data-end="2469" data-section-id="b0d19f" data-start="2426">Experience using purchase order systems</li><li data-section-id="c78nkt" data-start="2470" data-end="2521">Familiarity with accounting or payroll software</li></ul><h3 data-section-id="4kg8gk" data-start="2528" data-end="2560">Location & Working Pattern</h3><ul data-start="2561" data-end="2657"><li data-end="2587" data-start="2561" data-section-id="11s6g2v">City centre (Edinburgh)</li><li data-end="2657" data-start="2588" data-section-id="1m1jhzn">Hybrid working: 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home</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/SGFtaXNoLkNoYXBwbGUuMzkzNzIuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
