FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

An established and growing international events and entertainment business is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to take responsibility for the financial management and reporting of the business and its associated companies.

This is a senior, hands-on finance role suited to an individual who is equally comfortable working at a strategic level with the owner of the business and getting into the detail of the day-to-day finance function.

The successful candidate will take ownership of budgeting, forecasting, management accounting and cash flow, while ensuring the business has robust financial controls, accurate reporting and the information required to support commercial decision-making.

The business operates internationally across multiple companies and currencies, and the role will therefore suit someone with experience of multi-company, multi-currency and international accounting , together with an understanding of transfer pricing .

The Head of Finance will work closely with the operational side of the business, developing a strong understanding of how the business operates and ensuring that finance provides meaningful commercial support rather than simply reporting historical results.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day financial management of the group.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
• Provide meaningful analysis and commentary on financial performance, highlighting trends, variances, risks and opportunities.
• Oversee accounting across multiple companies and international operations.
• Manage multi-currency transactions, reconciliations and reporting.
• Maintain robust financial controls and accounting processes.
• Ensure the finance function operates efficiently and financial information is accurate and reliable.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Lead the budgeting process across the business.
• Prepare regular financial forecasts and reforecasts.
• Work closely with operational management to develop realistic budgets and financial plans.
• Monitor performance against budget and provide clear explanations of significant variances.
• Develop financial models and analysis to support business planning and strategic decisions.
• Provide the owner and senior management team with forward-looking financial information.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Take ownership of cash flow forecasting and management.
• Monitor cash balances, receipts, payments and working capital requirements.
• Provide regular visibility of current and projected cash positions.
• Identify potential cash flow issues at an early stage and work with the operational team to address them.
• Ensure appropriate controls are in place around payments and expenditure.

International & Group Finance

• Manage financial reporting across multiple companies and jurisdictions.
• Oversee multi-currency accounting and foreign exchange considerations.
• Work with external advisors on international accounting and tax matters.
• Maintain an understanding of transfer pricing arrangements and ensure appropriate information is provided to external advisors.
• Coordinate financial information across the different businesses and ensure consistency of reporting.

Commercial & Operational Support

• Work closely with operational teams to understand the commercial drivers of the business.
• Provide financial insight to support pricing, investment, expenditure and commercial decisions.
• Challenge assumptions where appropriate and ensure financial considerations are incorporated into business decisions.
• Develop strong working relationships across the business, acting as a trusted financial partner rather than simply a reporting function.
• Translate financial information into clear and practical recommendations for non-financial stakeholders.

External Relationships

• Act as the principal finance contact for the company's external accountants and other professional advisors.
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors and other external specialists as required.
• Coordinate year-end accounts, tax and other statutory requirements with external advisors.
• Ensure external advisors have accurate and timely information.
• Manage relationships with external accountants and other professional advisors.

Senior Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the owner of the business, providing regular financial updates, insight and advice.
• Be comfortable discussing financial performance, cash flow, forecasts and commercial issues directly at owner level.
• Provide a clear and objective financial perspective on key business decisions.
• Have the confidence to challenge constructively when required while maintaining a commercially focused approach.

Experience & Skills

The successful candidate is likely to be a qualified accountant or qualified by experience with substantial experience in a hands-on senior finance role.

They should have:

• Strong management accounting and financial reporting experience.
• Proven experience of budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Strong cash flow management and forecasting skills.
• Experience working across multiple companies and international operations .
• Experience of multi-currency accounting .
• A good understanding of transfer pricing and experience working with external tax/accounting advisors.
• Strong practical experience of Xero .
• Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills.
• The ability to understand the commercial and operational drivers of a business.
• Experience of working closely with owners, MDs or senior management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The confidence to operate at a senior level while remaining prepared to be hands-on.