Shape the Future of a Premium Whisky Brand - Where Finance Meets Vision
Lochlea is not your average distillery. They are a pioneering Single Estate Single Malt Whisky producer based in Ayrshire, where every step of the journey, from field to bottle, is done on-site with integrity, purpose, and passion.
Now, as they build momentum and drive forward with their long-term growth strategy, they are seeking a Financial Controller who is both technically strong and commercially astute.
You’ll lead the finance function with precision, delivering accurate reporting and financial controls. But you’ll also be the MD’s right hand, bringing insight, challenge, and strategic
thinking to help them grow smarter, leaner, and stronger.
If you’re a qualified accountant who loves to roll up your sleeves but also enjoys stepping back to see the big picture, this is a rare opportunity to embed yourself in a truly unique whisky business with global ambitions.
The Role
You’ll be more than just the numbers person. This is a high-impact, senior role where you’ll oversee everything from management accounts, cashflow, and budgeting to advising on pricing, operations, export strategy, and investment decisions.
As part of a close-knit leadership team, you’ll get under the bonnet of the business, working directly with the MD to guide long-term planning, improve performance, and spot opportunities before others do.
This is ideal for someone with both a strong technical foundation and the commercial curiosity to dig deeper and ask the right questions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all core finance operations: monthly reporting, reconciliations, forecasting, and statutory compliance
- Deliver clear, insightful management accounts and performance dashboards that drive decisions
- Support the MD with strategic planning, scenario modelling, and board-level financial reporting
- Analyse product margins, pricing, stock valuation, and customer/channel profitability
- Oversee HR, payroll, contracts, insurance, and risk management with the same high standards
- Work with production to refine costing and batch valuation for casks, inventory, and future releases
- Champion systems improvement, automation, and efficiency using SAGE and integrated tools
What We’re Looking For
You’ll thrive in this role if you are:
- Technically grounded - a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with strong experience in reporting, budgeting, tax, and cashflow management
- Commercially curious - able to dig into the numbers, challenge assumptions, and help shape strategy
- Hands-on and pragmatic - comfortable rolling up your sleeves in a fast-moving SME environment
- A strong communicator - confident working with the MD, department leads, and external stakeholders
- Detail-driven but big-picture focused - you know how to balance accuracy with insight
Bonus points for experience in:
- Premium spirits, FMCG, artisan production, or export-driven businesses
- Stock management, bonded warehouses, or customs/export finance
- Working in founder-led or owner-managed businesses
Why Join Lochlea?
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Pension scheme
- Staff discount on products
- Flexible working potential
- A strategic leadership role in a premium, values-led whisky business with a bold vision
Lochlea is a business with heritage, ambition, and integrity. If you want to be part of something meaningful, where your financial insight will drive real decisions, I’d love to hear from you.