Group Financial Controller - Media/Entertainment - London

Job Description

We are looking for a Group Financial Controller for an award winning Media business based in London. This is a full time permanent position, working closely with the CFO and executive stakeholders. The duties of the Group Financial Controller will includethe Group accounting, reporting and compliance across the Finance function and influence business decision making through timely provision of information.The ideal candidate will be fully qualified, with a background in the Media/Creative industry. Alternatively, we are also considering candidates with experience working within PE backed organisations. We require an enthusiastic, high energy individual withthe gravitas to take on a pivotal role and implement change and transform processes.Key responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor and develop the Finance Team, deputising for the CFO as required.
• Support the CFO as the business grows through consistent and high-quality financial management - in relation to the existing business and future acquisitions and developments.
• Participate in cross-functional senior team / Exec meetings and initiatives as required.
• Responsible for delivery of timely, accurate and meaningful financial reporting across the Group structure
• Provide an insightful senior business partnering role to the wider business and deliver clear financial information to the wider teams to support decision making.
• Responsible for leading the automation, streamlining and efficiency of the current processes and controls.
• Drive efficiency and effectiveness in current finance reporting and KPIs.
• Identify and help realize potential cost savings within the business and process efficiency.
• Ensure process and controls are in place and adhered to for cash optimisation - across AR/ AP - including banking and payment process.
• Ensure consistency across the entire finance function including overseeing the evolution of XERO, CETA and other business systems, working closely with the operations and engineering team.
• Ensure timely submission of the Groups VAT returns and other regulatory filings.
• Oversee the payroll process (with 3rd party) to ensure compliance and on-time reporting.
• Interact freely with the PE sponsor in the CFOs absence.
• Production and review of Management accounts providing insightful commentary.
• Deliver accurate and timely management accounts to all divisional heads.
• Consolidation and reporting of the Groups financial results including P&L, BS and CF in meaningful, agreed format.
• Ensure compliance and financial management of the Holdco entities including regulatory/ tax.
• Support the reporting of banking covenants and ensure all loan obligations are reflected/ reported and paid on time.
• Undertake monthly financial reporting as required for Exec meetings, including measurement and monitoring of KPIs.
• Ensure integrity and reconciliation within the Balance Sheet across all entities.
• Monitor the Groups cash flow reporting and forecasting and raise any concerns to the Board.
• Lead the external Audit.
• Support weekly flash report production with the business.
• Work with operations to ensure single data view and alignment on all reporting.
• Identify areas of weakness in controls and work with team to implement robust processes
• Responsible for ensuring thorough adherence to spend matrices and documentation of financial processes, controls and procedures.
• Ensure timely submission of all statutory filing requirements.
• Development of direct reports optimise ways of working, building a right first-time culture.
• Support financial training where needed within the business.
• Support annual insurance renewal.
• Collaborate and liaise with PE team as required.

Key skills:

• Qualified accountant
• Experience of managing a small finance team in fast-moving environments
• Ambitious, entrepreneurial, pragmatic, commercial, highly analytical, clear communicator, comfortable with ambiguity
• Experience within a PE backed business would be highly desirable
• Or experience within the Creative industry (Media/Entertainment/Visual Effects)
• Fantastic communication and interpersonal skills Ability to build strong customer relationships and communicate effectively with business customers, the Heads of Departments, and other teams
• High energy, high integrity, hands on where required and can-do mind-set.
• Capable of identifying problems with the passion and ability to resolve.
• IT proficient with strong MS Excel
• Knowledge of Xero is a bonus!

Apply today! Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.