Financial Controller
Orbital
Location
London, UK
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
Hybrid
Department
Finance
Orbital uses AI to build data center hardware that outperforms the competition. Our AI simulates materials at the atomic level, tests millions of hardware configurations in the time traditional methods test hundreds and finds optimal designs - not just good ones. The result is shipped hardware with specs incumbents can't match.
Every deployment generates field data that improves our AI models. Better models produce better hardware. Better hardware enables more capable AI. The loop is already closed and tightening with each build cycle. We are not just beneficiaries of AI progress, we are a lever on its rate.
Data Centers are where we start, because the market is urgent and the specs are demanding. But the AI-accelerated development process we've built - materials discovery, hardware design, manufacturing optimization - applies to any complex physical system. Data Centers are the proof point, not the ceiling.
We have sites in London, Canada and the USA, building teams across ML research, Product development, Mechanical engineering, and Chemical engineering. If you want to work where AI meets atoms, we'd like to hear from you.
Role Overview
Orbital’s Financial Controller will build and own Orbital's first scalable finance function from the ground up - leading financial operations across UK/US/Canada as we transform the physical world with the help of AI .
As the CFO's right hand, you'll own the company's financial data ensuring its quality, build robust controls, and deliver strategic insight to continue fueling our rapid growth. This is a rare opportunity to shape the finance engine powering the first AI industrial company in the making.
Key Responsibilities
Financial reporting: own and manage company’s financial reporting, including company’s day to day financial operations; the monthly, quarterly and annual close; consolidation of company’s accounts across entities in the UK, US, and Canada ensuring timely and accurate results.
Controls: establish and maintain a robust financial control environment, including policies, procedures and approval frameworks keeping in mind the company's growth ambitions and any potential strategic operations.
Financial infrastructure: build and scale the company’s finance infrastructure, including ERP implementation, chart of accounts design, and reporting systems aiming at establishing digital infrastructure fit for the company's expected strong growth in the years to come. Continuously improve processes and systems to ensure the finance function is scalable, efficient and audit-ready.
Compliance, tax and policies: ensure compliance with local statutory reporting, tax filings and regulatory requirements in all operating entities. Partner with external advisors on corporate tax, VAT/sales tax and international structuring matters, including transfer pricing.
Audit & board matters: own relationships with external auditors and advisors, and lead the annual audit process across all jurisdictions. Help with preparation of group-level management accounts and board reporting packs, including variance analysis and key insights.
Financial analysis: provide financial insight and analysis to support decision-making across the business.
Growth & team: build, manage and mentor a growing finance team, starting with core accounting and operational roles and be a right hand person to the CFO in all finance-related matters, including fundraising, M&A and IPO preparations.
What We’re Looking For
5–10 years’ Financial Controller (or equivalent) experience, Big 4 or high-growth trained, with hands-on ownership of month-end, audits and multi-entity operations across EMEA & North America in particular.
Strong accounting and reporting expertise (GL, revenue, tax basics, IFRS/GAAP), advanced Excel/ERP proficiency and ideally ACA/ACCA/CPA qualified
Operates as a hands-on owner across finance operations, building scalable processes from scratch, with strong communication, analytical thinking and comfort in fast-changing environments
Experience implementing or upgrading finance systems and driving process improvements to increase accuracy, efficiency and scalability
Extensive experience working as a trusted partner to CFO and leadership, able to deliver board-level insights, support fundraising/DD, and collaborate cross-functionally in a growing organisation
Why Join Orbital?
Competitive salary and equity package - the ability to own part of Orbital as we grow
Flexible and generous paid time off
Excellent health, dental and vision insurance plan
Regular company offsites
The experience of working in a cutting-edge organisation dedicated to a better future
Orbital is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.