[25426] - Financial Controller / Finance Systems Manager

Temporary assignment – period 3-4 months 

Based in London E3 area  

Competitive hourly rate:  Equivalent to £65-70K pro rata  

Full time – hybrid role  – minimum 3 days from the office

We are looking for a highly skilled Financial Controller or Financial Systems Manager to join our team and help drive the day-to-day finance management of the company. With an ever-growing client base across the UK and beyond – this is an opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative team within a creative agency.

Responsibilities

Financial Management:

• Oversee and manage the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, including quarterly.
• management accounts, quarter end reporting as well as overseeing and maintaining G-Accon month end reporting.
• Report company finances, management accounts and prepare financial reports for the Managing Directors.
• Oversee the financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including VAT, payroll, pensions and pension
• reconciliation, as well as other regulatory filings.
• Track cash flow, overhead, pipeline & forecasting, P/L and expenditure.
• Lead the year-end audit process and liaise with all stakeholders and auditors.
• Work alongside the company Accountant to update and improve all financial systems, streamlining the reporting process and driving efficiencies.
• Support with annual tax submissions.
• Support with the preparation of monthly UK VAT submission.
• Review and support with foreign territory GST submissions (Australia) as well as in the EU.
• Oversee credit control and approve weekly payment runs.

Financial Planning & Analysis:

• Oversee the company finance system (Scoro). This is a large part of the job and previous experience on this system is desirable.
• Support teams with budgets, ensuring all data is fed into the revenue tracker as well as streamlining the process.
• Manage the company invoice tracker, keeping on top of all cash flow and ensuring team members are informed of payments. Ensure all late payments are chased up in a timely manner.
• Manage the financial calendar, adding all key dates including payroll, TOIL, invoice due dates, etc.
• Develop and maintain financial models to support strategic planning and decision-making. Including
• monitoring the overhead and suggesting savings as well as ways to increase profit margins.
• Provide detailed financial analysis and reports to the management team, offering insights and
• recommendations for business improvement and commercial growth.
• Partner with Account Directors and department heads to help develop budgets and financial plans aligned with company goals.
• Monitor financial performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement:

• Lead the optimisation of all financial systems.
• Oversee the implementation of Scoro, the financial system, to ensure efficient and effective integration with other business systems for seamless operations.
• Set-up reports on Scoro, utilising the functions to continuously report and suggest savings and improvements.
• Evaluate and improve current financial processes, policies, and controls to enhance accuracy, security, and efficiency.
• Onboard new team members to financial systems that they will need to use.
• Manage relationships with external financial software providers and consultants.
• Project Budgets:
• Support with reviewing project budgets and project reconciliations, ensuring this is completed in a timely manner.
• Provide data and reports to support project teams with reporting to clients.
• Identify and support with negotiating deals with repeat suppliers, providing cost saving opportunities.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of all overhead budgets to align with reporting requirements.
• Manage timesheets and ensure this is completed by all team members.
• Monitor project budgets and report any projects not meeting desired profit margins to the Managing.
• Support with increasing margins where possible.

Team Leadership:

• Provide clear direction and support to improve ways of working. Including annual reviews, setting goals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Develop and provide training and guidance to ensure the wider team is well-versed in financial systems and procedures.
• Oversee the recruitment, training and development of finance staff as needed.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the company is protected against potential financial threats.
• Develop and implement financial policies that adhere to best practices and regulatory requirements.

Ad Hoc:

• Support new business responses by providing financial information requested in RFPs.
• Support with managing Google Workspace.
• Support the People and Culture Lead with HR tasks as required; inc. onboarding, HR system, employment contracts.
• Perform additional duties as needed and as time permits.

Requirements and skills

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a financial management role, preferably within the events, media, or
• creative industries.
• Proven experience in managing financial systems and improving financial processes.
• Strong understanding of UK financial regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Experience or exposure within a creative / agency desirable.

Skills:

• Proficient in financial management software (e.g. Xero) and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Desired experience with Scoro.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable manner and the ability to work effectively with all members of the team.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on team development and continuous improvement. Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced.