Finance Head

About Claritas

Claritas is the next generation professional services firm. Our services and solutions are tailored to the needs of start-ups and enterprise companies in Southeast Asia and beyond.

About the Client

Our client is a fast-growing F&B chain with stores in BGC and Makati. They currently operate four branches in Metro Manila.

We are looking for a Finance Head/Finance Controller

The Finance Head / Financial Controller will be responsible for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, inventory controls, cash management, business analysis, and financial systems. This role will work closely with ownership and department heads to improve profitability, strengthen controls, support expansion, and ensure financial discipline throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

* Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.

* Develop store-level and company-wide financial models.

* Analyze business performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability.

* Provide management with clear explanations of financial results, trends, and key business drivers.

* Support strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.

Financial Reporting & Business Insights

* Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly financial reports.

* Develop dashboards and KPIs for management review.

* Produce store-level P&Ls and consolidated company reporting.

* Ensure management understands where money is being spent and why.

* Provide recommendations to improve financial performance.

Cost Control & Profitability

* Monitor food cost, labor cost, operating expenses, and overall profitability.

* Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational inefficiencies.

* Review purchasing trends and supplier costs.

* Establish tighter financial controls and accountability throughout the organization.

* Work closely with operations to improve margins and profitability.

Inventory Controls & Audit

* Implement and maintain inventory control systems.

* Monitor inventory variances and investigate discrepancies.

* Identify pilferage, waste, fraud, and operational leakages.

* Coordinate regular inventory audits and spot checks.

* Develop systems to minimize losses and improve accountability.

* Ensure commissary and store inventory records remain accurate.

Cash Flow & Financial Controls

* Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital requirements.

* Oversee payment schedules, accounts payable, and financial obligations.

* Establish approval processes and payment controls.

* Ensure company assets and cash are properly safeguarded.

* Improve financial discipline and reporting accuracy.

Expansion & Growth Support

* Prepare financial projections and feasibility studies for new stores.

* Assist ownership in evaluating expansion opportunities.

* Develop investor presentations and financial projections.

* Support fundraising initiatives and investor discussions.

* Assist with bank loans, credit facilities, and financing requirements.

Team Leadership & Development

* Lead and develop the finance and accounting team.

* Create clear responsibilities, systems, and accountability.

* Build a finance department capable of supporting future growth.

* Train team members on reporting, controls, and financial processes.

Weekly Finance Committee (FinCom)

* Lead weekly FinCom meetings.

* Present financial performance, variances, risks, and opportunities.

* Track action items and ensure execution.

* Recommend initiatives to improve profitability and controls.

Qualifications

* Minimum 7–10 years of finance, accounting, FP&A, or financial control experience.

* Experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality, FMCG, or multi-unit operations preferred.

* Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.

* Experience managing inventory controls and operational audits.

* Strong understanding of restaurant or retail P&Ls.

* Experience building financial systems, controls, and reporting structures.

* Experience leading and developing finance teams.

* Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

* Hands-on, detail-oriented, and execution-focused.

* Comfortable working in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Success Metrics

* Accurate and timely weekly and monthly financial reporting.

* Improved profitability across all locations.

* Reduction in inventory variances and losses.

* Strong cash flow management and payment controls.

* Successful implementation of financial systems and controls.

* Accurate projections for new store openings and expansion.

* Successful support of financing, banking, and investor initiatives.

* Development of a strong and accountable finance team.