Financial Controller

Financial Controller I Independent Media Agency

Salary £70k-£75k + great benefits

Hybrid Working - 3 days in the office

Our client is a thriving and highly successful independent full-service media agency located in the heart of Clerkenwell. They collaborate with fantastic clients, foster a strong team culture, and offer an inspiring office environment.

The Financial Controller will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, ensuring strategic planning, analysis, and risk management align with business objectives. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, they will manage the Management Accountant, ensuring financial accuracy, forecasting, and compliance.

This role requires close collaboration with the Commercial Manager to integrate revenue projections with strategic growth plans. Additionally, the Financial Controller will play a key role in streamlining financial processes, enforcing internal controls, and enhancing cash flow management. Ideal for a proactive finance professional who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth environment, the role offers the opportunity to work closely with commercial teams to optimize financial performance.

THE ROLE

Financial Strategy & Forecasting

• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and scenario modelling to drive business planning.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Manager to ensure revenue forecasts align with contract terms and profitability analysis.
• Provide regular financial reports, including P&L statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections.
• Develop a dynamic forecasting model that adapts to real-time revenue and cost fluctuations.

Financial Governance & Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong financial governance practices.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee tax compliance, VAT returns, and regulatory obligations.
• Liaise with external auditors and coordinate annual audits.

Revenue & Expense Optimization

• Partner with the Commercial Manager and account teams to monitor revenue recognition and invoicing accuracy.
• Track profitability across various client accounts and business divisions, ensuring financial resilience.
• Implement cost-control measures to maximize efficiency across overhead and direct expenses.
• Oversee credit control, debt management, and cash flow optimization, ensuring timely receivables and effective working capital management.
  

Strategic Financial Collaboration

• Contribute to pricing strategies, rate card adjustments, and margin improvements in partnership with the Commercial Manager.
• Provide financial insights and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
• Implement automation and technology solutions to improve financial reporting accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist in financial evaluations for acquisitions, investments, and expansion opportunities.

Leadership & Process Enhancement

• Manage and mentor the Management Accountant, fostering efficiency in financial operations.
• Develop improved financial tracking tools, dashboards, and real-time monitoring systems for key metrics.
• Promote financial discipline across departments, ensuring strategic alignment with best practices.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Fully qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a background in media, advertising, or professional services.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial forecasting, budgeting, and profit/loss management.
• Strong technical understanding of UK GAAP and tax regulations.
• Advanced analytical abilities, with a knack for translating complex financial data into actionable insights.
• Experience partnering with commercial teams to link financial data with business strategy.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems such as Xero, MediaOcean.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset focused on driving financial efficiency and profitability.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

• Prior experience in agency financial management.
• Exposure to M&A evaluations or investment assessments.
• Expertise in process automation and financial system implementation.
• Leadership skills with experience mentoring finance teams.

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