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 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

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)

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

More Information

Metro Manila, Philippines-based, fully remote

Regular Philippines employment

HMO and equipment provided

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am - 6pm Philippines time

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