Financial Controller (Full-time)

About algo1

We’re a VC-backed stealth-mode company building behavioural AI solutions for the retail industry. Our platform is designed from the ground up - no legacy, no patchwork systems - just a clean slate and a clear vision. Our mission is to bring the intelligence of modern machine learning directly to the in-store shopping experience.

We are taking an almighty swing of the bat; it is difficult, full of risk, and exactly why we are here.

The Role

We're looking for a Financial Controller to work closely with our leadership team to build and run the finance function that will scale with algo1. We're a VC-backed startup redefining in-store shopping through personalisation and retail media, and as we grow, we need someone who can bring order, control, and rigour to an increasingly international group.

You'll own core financial operations end to end while building the processes, controls, and systems that let a fast-moving company scale without breaking.

What You Will Own

• The month-end and year-end close process across the including management accounts, consolidated reporting, and board/investor packs

• Cash flow forecasting, burn and runway modelling, treasury, and intercompany transactions across the group

• Payroll across jurisdictions (UK PAYE, and international staff via EOR), alongside accounts payable, expenses, and the spend approval process

• Statutory compliance across the group — Companies House filings, annual accounts, VAT, corporation tax, R&D tax credit claims, and US filings in conjunction with external advisors

• Relationships with auditors, external accountants, tax advisors, and legal counsel

• The design and continuous improvement of financial controls, policies, and processes as we scale

Essential Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or finance professional

• Solid experience with UK statutory accounts, compliance, and governance, including hands-on Companies House filings

• Experience preparing management accounts and reporting for boards

• Comfortable working autonomously across a broad remit and building processes from scratch

Nice to Have

• Exposure to multi-entity or international group structures (particularly UK/US)

• Experience with payroll across multiple jurisdictions

• Experience with R&D tax credit claims

• Experience with modern accounting and HR/payroll software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Rippling)

• Familiarity with share option schemes (particularly EMI) and cap table platforms (e.g. Carta)

• Experience supporting fundraising processes, due diligence, or data room preparation

If you’re excited by the idea of shaping the future of retail and eager to make a real impact from day one, we’d love to hear from you.