Finance Intern (CFO Trainee) | NEANDERTAL — London, United Kingdom

Neandertal is an artist-led conceptual fragrance brand exploring the boundaries of scent, design, and culture. We operate globally, collaborating with leading creatives and institutions, while expanding our retail and e-commerce presence. Our projects are deeply interdisciplinary, combining fragrance with art, design, sound, and storytelling.

We are seeking a highly motivated Finance Intern (CFO Trainee) to join us at a pivotal stage of growth. This is a rare opportunity for a candidate with strong interests in fashion, fragrance, luxury, and entrepreneurship to gain firsthand experience in financial leadership within a creative startup.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine financial forecasting and business models.
Support budgeting, cost control, and profitability analysis.
Contribute to stock purchasing strategies and inventory planning.
Optimize inventory purchasing cycles, ensuring stock is secured at the right time to balance availability and cost efficiency.
Maintain strong cash flow management by prioritizing essential expenditures and aligning payments with business needs to maximize liquidity.
Perform day-to-day accounting tasks in Xero.
Familiarize yourself with and help manage Unleashed (inventory management software).
Understand and monitor Shopify and retail order flows, linking sales and finance.
Manage cross-border transactions and stock flows between the UK and EU companies.
Analyze performance and provide input into key business and investment decisions.
Assist in preparing reports and presentations for investors and partners.
Participate in the company’s fundraising journey, supporting investor outreach and financial due diligence.
Provide financial insights into marketing initiatives and product development, ensuring decisions are grounded in sound financial strategy.

Profile We are looking for someone who is not only technically strong but also curious, entrepreneurial, and motivated by creativity and innovation.

Education MBA student or recent graduate in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or related field.
Analytical skills Strong financial modeling ability; capable of translating complex data into clear insights.
Technical skills
- Comfortable with Xero for accounting.
- Willingness to learn and apply Unleashed for inventory management.
- Understanding of Shopify and retail operations.
- Experience or strong interest in managing cross-border finance and logistics (e.g., moving funds and stock between UK and EU entities).
- Strong proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets.
Strategic mindset Able to see the bigger picture and connect financial insights to marketing, product, and operational decisions.
Industry passion Strong interest in the luxury, fashion, or creative industries, with an understanding of their unique business dynamics.
Entrepreneurial drive Excited about working in a startup environment, where adaptability and initiative are essential.
Communication skills Able to present ideas clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
Collaboration Comfortable working closely with creative, commercial, and operational teams, adding value from a financial perspective.

What We Offer

Direct mentorship from the founder.
Guidance from the former CFO of a world-renowned fragrance company, offering unique industry insight.
Exposure to fundraising, investor relations, and cross-functional decision-making.
Input into marketing and product development strategy from a finance perspective.
Potential participation in the company’s stock option plan, aligning long-term incentives with growth.
A front-row seat to the startup journey, with real responsibilities and measurable impact.
Opportunity to grow into a permanent strategic finance role as the company scales.

How to Apply Please email kentaro@neandertal.co.uk.

Please cite Calibre Careers as your referral source.