Syndicated · explicitly fractionalFractional Financial ControllerOxford, England, United Kingdom

Fractional Financial Controller, Fermtech

FRACTIONAL FC JOB · BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR · OXFORD, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

FC · FRACTIONALfractional.quest
Fermtech
◵ OXFORD◷ FRACTIONAL◶ BIOTECHNOLOGY
Fractional Financial Controller at Fermtech, Oxford
Engagement
FractionalEmbedded · part-time
Days / week
Not statedClarify at apply
Day rate
£550ESTNo rate in posting
IR35
Not statedClarify at apply

Fermtech, a 2–10-person biotech/food-ingredients startup, is hiring a fractional Financial Controller to build and oversee financial operations from the ground up. The role is explicitly part-time, contract-based, and hybrid (Oxford + remote). No day rate or hours-per-week is stated, so you'll need to propose terms; the posting welcomes direct candidate outreach and explicitly rejects agencies.

01

Fractional Financial Controller — the balanced verdict

Why this role stands out

  • Explicitly fractional and contract—no ambiguity on engagement type.
  • Early-stage scaling company — high autonomy, broad remit (reporting, forecasting, controls, systems), and meaningful impact.
  • Hybrid flexibility and direct employer relationship; no recruiter intermediary.
  • Clear seniority expectation (qualified accountant: ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) and mission-driven sector (sustainability, food tech).

Worth checking before you apply

  • Days per week and day rate are entirely unspecified—you must propose both; startup budget may be tighter than established firms.
  • Small team (2–10) means broad, hands-on scope; confirm reporting line and decision-making authority before committing.
  • Early-stage cash flow variability is typical; clarify payment schedule and any equity/ESOP component upfront.

Our automated read of the posting text, not the employer's own assessment. Check each point with them before you apply.

Fractional-fit score · this posting85/100

How well the role as written suits a fractional or interim arrangement, scored 0–100 by our automated read of the posting text before it went on the board. It rates the posting, not you — we do not score or match candidates.

02

Fractional Financial Controller — the posting in full

~/original-posting · verbatimsource: fantastic-jobs

Fractionalest £550 Not confirmed still open

Our estimate — based on UK fractional Financial Controller, early-stage biotech/deep-tech, 2–10 headcount, post-seed funding profile; typical range £450–£650/day depending on qual level (ACA/ACCA) and scope.

What the posting asks · quoted from the listing

  • CertificationProfessional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience in financial control, ideally within SMEs or startups.
  • Must-haveStrong foundation in Accounting and Finance, with the ability to manage core accounting processes and financial operations.
  • Must-haveExperience preparing and reviewing Financial Statements and Financial Reporting for management and external stakeholders.
  • Must-haveAdvanced Analytical Skills to interpret financial data, build models, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Must-haveProfessional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience in financial control, ideally within SMEs or startups.
  • Must-haveKnowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations, including experience working with external auditors or accounting firms.
  • Must-haveComfort with implementing or improving finance systems, tools, and controls in a growing organization.
  • Must-haveAbility to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate complex financial information in accessible language.
  • Must-haveInterest in sustainability, food innovation, or manufacturing sectors is beneficial.
  • Must-havePlease note we are only interested in individuals, not agencies, and are not looking to work with recruiters or headhunters. We will only accept and respond to outreach from inter…

Company Description

Fermtech is a food ingredients company that uses natural koji fermentation to unlock more value from agricultural harvests. The team transforms fibrous agricultural side streams, such as cocoa shells, into high-performing food ingredients with strong taste and functional benefits.

Fermtech’s solutions help chocolate, bakery, and food manufacturers reduce costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and lower environmental impact by maximizing existing crops.

The company’s first ingredient, Koji Cocoa™, delivers authentic cocoa flavor while enabling significant cost savings and substantial CO2 reduction. Fermtech offers a mission-driven environment focused on sustainable innovation in the food sector.

Role Description

The fractional Financial Controller will oversee Fermtech’s financial operations, providing strategic and hands-on support to a growing, innovation-led business.

This contract role is hybrid, based in Oxford with flexibility for part of the work to be completed from home. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing financial reporting cycles, preparing and reviewing financial statements, and maintaining accurate accounting records.

The role will develop and refine budgeting and forecasting processes, support cash flow management, and provide analytical insight to guide management decisions. The Financial Controller will also help ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, liaise with external accountants and advisors, and implement effective controls suitable for an early-stage, scaling company.

Qualifications

Strong foundation in Accounting and Finance, with the ability to manage core accounting processes and financial operations.

Experience preparing and reviewing Financial Statements and Financial Reporting for management and external stakeholders.

Advanced Analytical Skills to interpret financial data, build models, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.

Professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience in financial control, ideally within SMEs or startups.

Knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations, including experience working with external auditors or accounting firms.

Comfort with implementing or improving finance systems, tools, and controls in a growing organization.

Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate complex financial information in accessible language.

Interest in sustainability, food innovation, or manufacturing sectors is beneficial.

Please note we are only interested in individuals, not agencies, and are not looking to work with recruiters or headhunters. We will only accept and respond to outreach from interested individual candidates.

03

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The roleWhat it asksA certificationYears askedSkills the listing names

  • Professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience in financial control, ideally within SMEs or startups.
  • Strong foundation in Accounting and Finance, with the ability to manage core accounting processes and financial operations.
  • Experience preparing and reviewing Financial Statements and Financial Reporting for management and external stakeholders.
  • Advanced Analytical Skills to interpret financial data, build models, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience in financial control, ideally within SMEs or startups.
  • Knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations, including experience working with external auditors or accounting firms.
  • Comfort with implementing or improving finance systems, tools, and controls in a growing organization.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate complex financial information in accessible language.
  • Interest in sustainability, food innovation, or manufacturing sectors is beneficial.
  • Please note we are only interested in individuals, not agencies, and are not looking to work with recruiters or headhunters. We will only accept and respond to outreach from inter…
  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Statement Preparation
  • Accounting
  • Budgeting
  • Forecasting
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Modeling
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • UK Accounting Standards
  • UK Tax Regulations
  • Financial Controls

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Est. £550/day · Oxford
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