Singular Photonics
Financial Controller
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Singular Photonics
Singular Photonics is a fast-growing fabless semiconductor start-up, pioneering the development of next-generation image sensors based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). Our sensors integrate advanced on-chip computation, allowing meaningful information to be extracted at the point where light is first detected, and enabling the development of smaller, faster and more efficient systems that meet the growing demands of edge computing and AI-driven applications.
About the Role
We’re looking for a hands-on Financial Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day finances of a fast-growing deep tech start-up. At Singular Photonics, you will be a key member of a small, ambitious team, with the chance to build processes from the ground up and see the direct impact of your work as the company scales.
You will manage management accounts, budgeting, cash flow and financial controls, working closely with the leadership team, external accountants and advisors, and play a key role in shaping financial and operational processes as the company scales. As a small and agile company, this role also covers general office administration and logistics, so you'll need to be equally comfortable building a forecast as you are organising a supplier delivery or managing the office.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly management accounts, cash flow reports and board packs for leadership and investors.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Build and maintain budgets, forecasts and financial models to support business planning.
- Cash Management: Monitor cash flow, manage banking relationships and support fundraising and investor reporting activity.
- Bookkeeping & Controls: Own day-to-day bookkeeping, purchase and sales ledgers, and maintain robust financial controls and processes.
- Payroll & Pensions: Process monthly payroll and pension contributions, liaising with external providers as required.
- Statutory Compliance: Prepare VAT returns and support year-end accounts, audit and corporation tax filings with external accountants.
- Grants & R&D Tax Credits: Support claims and reporting for grants and R&D tax credits where applicable.
- Supplier & Credit Control: Manage supplier invoicing, payment runs and credit control.
- Procurement: Manage end to end procurement process
- General Office Administration: Oversee office supplies, facilities and day-to-day admin to keep the office running smoothly.
- Logistics: Support shipping, imports/exports and logistics for components, equipment and customer deliveries.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Qualifications & Skills
Essential:
- Part-qualified or qualified accountant - ACCA, CIMA, ICAS CA (or ACA), or equivalent relevant experience.
- Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Assistant or senior bookkeeping role.
- Strong Excel skills and experience with cloud accounting software (Xero or similar).
- Experience preparing management accounts, budgets and cash flow forecasts.
- Comfortable working independently and taking on tasks outside a traditional finance remit.
Desirable:
- Experience in a start-up, scale-up or SME environment.
- Experience with R&D tax credits or Innovate UK/Scottish Enterprise grant reporting.
- Exposure to a technology, engineering or manufacturing business.
- Experience of MRP systems
- Experience supporting fundraising rounds or investor reporting.
Behavioural Competencies
- Ownership & Initiative: Self-motivated and comfortable owning tasks end-to-end in a small team.
- Attention to Detail: Diligent and accurate across financial reporting, compliance and admin tasks.
- Adaptability & Resilience: Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving start-up environment where priorities shift.
- Integrity & Confidentiality: Trusted to handle sensitive financial and company information.
- Effective Communication: Able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues, and across all seniority levels
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Work well across a small, close-knit team, pitching in wherever needed.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Benefits
At Singular Photonics, we are committed to fostering a rewarding and supportive environment for our team. As Financial Controller, you will benefit from:
- Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
- Hybrid Working: Primarily office-based, with flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week (full time worker). Part time working may also be considered.
- Career Growth: The opportunity to shape financial and operational processes as the company scales.
- Innovative Work Culture: Join a passionate team working on cutting-edge photonics technology.
- Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the health and wellbeing of our employees, and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
- Collaborative Team Environment: Work closely with a talented, close-knit team in a highly collaborative setting.
- International Exposure: Contribute to a company with a growing international customer and partner base.
Location
Based at the company’s headquarters in Edinburgh, this role is primarily office-based, with flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. Right to work in the UK is essential.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills