Job Description

A leading independent entertainment group with operations in both the UK and US is seeking a technically strong, hands-on Financial Controller to join its London-based finance team. Renowned for its creative excellence and innovative approach, this award-winning, multi-faceted business has built an outstanding reputation within the entertainment industry and continues to deliver highly successful content across multiple platforms to global audiences.

Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a senior, technically focused role requiring a fully qualified accountant with significant post-qualified experience. The successful candidate will ideally have trained in practice before moving into industry and will have experience gained within the entertainment, media, creative or a similar sector. The Financial Controller will oversee both UK and group entities, leading and developing a team of eight, whilst ensuring robust financial reporting, compliance and control across the business.

Whilst technically focused, the role also plays a key commercial finance role, partnering with senior stakeholders to provide insight, challenge performance and contribute to strategic direction. The position combines strong technical accounting expertise with commercial awareness, supporting business units through meaningful financial analysis and informed decision-making. There is also a strong emphasis on systems improvement, automation and process enhancement, requiring an individual with a proven track record of driving change and improving the effectiveness of the finance function.

This role requires attendance in the office four days per week and presents an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic, entrepreneurial organisation operating at the forefront of the entertainment industry.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering collaboration and service excellence across the business
• Overseeing group financial management, including statutory reporting, audit, tax and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Managing the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of management accounts, forecasts and cashflow reporting
• Partnering with senior leadership to provide commercial insight, support budgeting processes and contribute to strategic business planning
• Strengthening financial controls and governance frameworks, ensuring consistency and best practice across the group
• Leading preparation of group returns and overseeing payroll, VAT and related regulatory submissions
• Driving improvements in financial systems, automation and reporting capabilities to enhance accuracy and efficiency
• Supporting senior stakeholders through business partnering, providing analysis to challenge assumptions, improve performance and support growth initiatives
• Managing relationships with external auditors, advisors and banking partners, ensuring transparency and effective risk management

Candidate profile:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA preferred, although ACCA or CIMA will be considered) with extensive post-qualified experience
• Background ideally originating in practice, followed by industry experience within entertainment, media, creative or similar sectors
• Strong technical accounting expertise, including UK GAAP, group consolidations and tax
• Proven experience managing and developing teams within a collaborative and high-performing environment
• Demonstrable experience providing commercial insight through effective business partnering with senior stakeholders
• Track record of improving systems, controls and finance processes, including exposure to automation and change initiatives
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Advanced Excel and financial systems capability

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly respected and innovative entertainment business in a broad and visible role that combines technical excellence with strategic commercial exposure.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted regarding this position.