Finance Controller

Company Overview At LevelUp, we believe growth happens when people feel trusted, supported, and challenged. For more than seven years we’ve partnered with agencies, software vendors and website owners to provide world class outsourcing and offshore hiring services in a range of verticals, such as technical, operational, and back-office support. We hire curious problem-solvers, give them room to own outcomes, and back them with systems, support and a culture that makes learning part of the job. Join us and help businesses (and your career) level up. Position Overview 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 ResponsibilitiesFinancial Controls & ComplianceDesign, 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 taxesLiaise with our external UK accountant on UK compliance obligations (HMRC, Companies House, VAT, year-end)Manage vendor master file integrity and payment authorization workflowsPayroll OversightOwn the payroll reconciliation process across all entitiesImplement variance analysis to detect and flag anomalies before payment is madeEnsure salary change authorisation processes are documented and followedServe as the internal check on our Philippines payroll provider, verifying accuracy and compliance independentlyAccounts Payable & ReceivableImplement and manage invoice approval workflows and three-way matching processesConduct regular accounts receivable aging reviews and follow up on overdue balancesMaintain and enforce payment authorisation thresholdsDefine and document credit and collections policyReporting & Financial CloseOwn the monthly financial close process, targeting completion within 10–15 business days of month-endProduce accurate monthly financial statements: income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statementLead monthly budget-to-actual review and present variances with clear explanationsMaintain balance sheet account reconciliations and journal entry controlsCash & BankingOversee monthly bank reconciliations across all accountsMaintain a 13-week rolling cash flow forecastBudgeting & ForecastingLead the annual budgeting process in partnership with the CEOCreate quarterly forecasts that reflect short-term business conditionsProactively flag financial risks and opportunities based on budget vs. actualsQualificationsExperience5+ years in a finance controller, senior accountant, or equivalent roleProven experience building or formalising financial controls in a growing businessPhilippines CPA qualification (required)Deep knowledge of Philippines statutory requirements - BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and payroll tax obligationsExperience working with or overseeing third-party payroll providersExposure 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 & KnowledgeStrong understanding of internal controls and segregation of dutiesSolid grasp of IFRS/PFRS accounting principles and financial statement preparationExperience with payroll reconciliation and variance analysisComfortable designing and documenting financial controls and processes from scratchProficiency with accounting software, e.g. Xero (preferred), QuickBooks, NetSuiteCompetent with Excel/Google Sheets for financial modelling and reportingPersonal QualitiesDetail-oriented with a low tolerance for ambiguity or unexplained variancesSelf-directed - able to identify gaps and take initiative without being toldClear communicator who can explain financial concepts to non-finance colleaguesComfortable working in a lean, fast-moving environment where you may need to be both strategic and hands-onHigh integrity - this role carries significant financial trustMore InformationMetro Manila, Philippines-based, fully remoteRegular Philipp