Financial Controller

Part-time / Hybrid

SPARTA Biodiscovery is a scientific instrumentation business, centred around the SPARTA® – Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis – technology. We enable development of next-gen nano-formulations and nano-therapeutics by providing high level compositional analysis of nanoparticles through use of the AGIS I, our primary product.

Currently implemented in both academic and industry facilities in Europe and North America, SPARTA users have optimized formulation parameters in LNP and PNP production, demonstrated incorporation of critical components at the single particle level, and identified diagnostic potential of biologically derived nanoparticles. The use of our Raman approach continues to evolve as users identify novel ways to utilize the data-rich output and as we develop further SOPs and software improvements.

We’re seeking an experienced finance professional with a start-up company mindset and a strong understanding of the life sciences industry to join our team on a part-time, flexible basis.

London-based Biotech

As a spin-out company of Imperial College, Sparta Biodiscovery is based at Scale Space in White City, London, a vibrant and growing life science cluster with a modern office and brand-new laboratory space. SPARTA Biodiscovery invites you to become part of a vibrant and professional workplace with the chance of bringing ideas to life and science to market for the benefit of both society and human welfare. More information can be found here.

The role

We are seeking a capable and enthusiastic Financial Controller to work closely with the CEO/CTO, Dr Jelle Penders and the rest of the SPARTA team.

As Financial Controller, you will take ownership of the company’s day-to-day financial operations, financial reporting and compliance, while providing valuable financial insights to support strategic decision-making and business growth.

This is a part-time role and can be worked on a flexible, hybrid basis, with a strong preference for the successful candidate to be able to be in the office once or twice a month, (or more if preferred).

Your key responsibilities will include:

Financial Management & Reporting

Manage the company’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial records
Prepare monthly management accounts, statutory accounts and financial reports for presentation to the Board
Develop and maintain financial forecasts, including annual budgets and rolling forecasts, to support business planning and decision-making
Prepare financial scenarios and sensitivity analyses for the Board, providing insights into potential financial outcomes and business performance
Monitor and track expenditure across budget categories, providing regular updates to support cash flow management, forecasting and cost control
Liaising with the bank and facilitating treasury management

Accounts Payable, Receivable & Payroll

Manage the company’s payroll processes, ensuring accurate and timely salary payments and compliance with relevant requirements
Oversee client invoicing, ensuring invoices are issued accurately and promptly
Manage supplier invoices and accounts payable, ensuring timely processing and payment
Act as the primary point of contact for incoming invoice queries and other accounts-related enquiries, resolving issues directly and efficiently, including credit control responsibility
Review, process and reimburse employee expense claims in accordance with company policies

Compliance & Tax

Manage all required financial and statutory filings with HMRC and Companies House, ensuring compliance with relevant deadlines and regulatory requirements
Coordinate the preparation and submission of R&D tax credit claims, working with external advisers where appropriate
Maintain robust financial controls, accounting records and processes to support effective governance and regulatory compliance

Grant Funding & Financial Support

Support the management and administration of grant funding, including the preparation, coordination and submission of Innovate UK funding claims
Maintain accurate records of grant-related expenditure and ensure claims are supported by appropriate financial documentation
Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to monitor grant budgets, track eligible expenditure and support funding compliance

Key Selection Criteria:

Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline
Previous experience working in a start-up or fast-growing life sciences business is highly desirable
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and effectively to a range of stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, building strong relationships across the business

Further Information

Helen Reynolds, Founder of Vita Research Associates, is our dedicated independent Talent Acquisition Consultant and all initial discussions and correspondence remain completely confidential until you decide to progress to the next stage of the process and give Helen your permission to share your details with SPARTA Biodiscovery.

For further information or if you have any queries or concerns about the role or the process, please address them to Helen directly on 07780 968489 or helen@vitaresearch.co.uk

SPARTA Biodiscovery is an equal-opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or marital status.

Legal authorization to work in the United Kingdom is required. In compliance with UK law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. SPARTA Biodiscovery reserves the right not to make an appointment.

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Financial Controller

About the role