[Hiring] Finance Controller @LevelUp

Role Description

We are looking for a hands-on Finance Controller to build and manage the financial control infrastructure of our business. This is a foundational hire - you will be coming into an environment where the bones of good financial management are in place, but where there is a clear opportunity to professionalise and systematise how we operate.

You will work directly with the CEO and will have broad ownership of everything from day-to-day accounting and payroll oversight to building out our reporting, compliance, and control frameworks. A core focus of this role is Philippines statutory compliance - BIR filings, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and payroll tax obligations - as well as oversight of our local payroll function. On the UK side, you will collaborate with our external UK accountant who handles HMRC, Companies House, VAT, and year-end matters. This is not a back-office role - we want someone who can translate financial rigour into business insight and help the leadership team make better decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Controls & Compliance
  • Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive set of internal financial controls across payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.
  • Own the Philippines statutory compliance calendar, including BIR filings, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and local withholding taxes.
  • Liaise with our external UK accountant on UK compliance obligations (HMRC, Companies House, VAT, year-end).
  • Manage vendor master file integrity and payment authorization workflows.
• Payroll Oversight
  • Own the payroll reconciliation process across all entities.
  • Implement variance analysis to detect and flag anomalies before payment is made.
  • Ensure salary change authorisation processes are documented and followed.
  • Serve as the internal check on our Philippines payroll provider, verifying accuracy and compliance independently.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable
  • Implement and manage invoice approval workflows and three-way matching processes.
  • Conduct regular accounts receivable aging reviews and follow up on overdue balances.
  • Maintain and enforce payment authorisation thresholds.
  • Define and document credit and collections policy.
• Reporting & Financial Close
  • Own the monthly financial close process, targeting completion within 10–15 business days of month-end.
  • Produce accurate monthly financial statements: income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
  • Lead monthly budget-to-actual review and present variances with clear explanations.
  • Maintain balance sheet account reconciliations and journal entry controls.
• Cash & Banking
  • Oversee monthly bank reconciliations across all accounts.
  • Maintain a 13-week rolling cash flow forecast.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with the CEO.
  • Create quarterly forecasts that reflect short-term business conditions.
  • Proactively flag financial risks and opportunities based on budget vs. actuals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a finance controller, senior accountant, or equivalent role.
• Proven experience building or formalising financial controls in a growing business.
• Philippines CPA qualification (required).
• Deep knowledge of Philippines statutory requirements - BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and payroll tax obligations.
• Experience working with or overseeing third-party payroll providers.
• Exposure to international or multi-entity finance, particularly UK operations (nice to have).
• Experience working directly with a founder or CEO in a lean finance function (nice to have).

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Solid grasp of IFRS/PFRS accounting principles and financial statement preparation.
• Experience with payroll reconciliation and variance analysis.
• Comfortable designing and documenting financial controls and processes from scratch.
• Proficiency with accounting software, e.g. Xero (preferred), QuickBooks, NetSuite.
• Competent with Excel/Google Sheets for financial modelling and reporting.

Personal Qualities

• Detail-oriented with a low tolerance for ambiguity or unexplained variances.
• Self-directed - able to identify gaps and take initiative without being told.
• Clear communicator who can explain financial concepts to non-finance colleagues.
• Comfortable working in a lean, fast-moving environment where you may need to be both strategic and hands-on.
• High integrity - this role carries significant financial trust.

Benefits

• Metro Manila, Philippines-based, fully remote.
• Regular Philippines employment.
• HMO and equipment provided.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am - 6pm Philippines time.
• ₱90,000 - ₱100,000 a month.