Financial Controller

This Entertainment Company is a household name, market leader in its field and employer of choice. They continue to expand and develop both organically and through acquisition.

They are now looking for an experienced Financial Controller to manage their UK operations on a long term maternity cover.

Reporting to the Divisional FD this is a broad role encompassing day to day management of the UK finance function/team.

Key Responsibilities:
• Manage and develop the UK finance team
• Manage the UK's month-end and quarter-end processes to ensure that timely and accurate management information is provided both to the UK business and the group head office
• Provide regular and ad hoc financial analysis for the corporate team, including balance sheet commentary for the UK business
• Provide support to the wider business in all areas of operational finance to ensure that the needs of the business are met at all times
• Manage the financials for UK overheads including preparation of the annual budget, monthly forecast updates and monthly actuals with full support required for the P&L, balance sheet and headcount reporting
• Support the UK tax team on all corporation tax issues as well as oversee preparation of quarterly tax packs and annual tax reporting
• Manage compliance and enforce a robust internal control environment
• Review and submit bi-weekly cash-flow projections and act as point of contact for Treasury for any cash-flow queries.
• Pro-actively make recommendations for cash improvements
• Liaise with the IT Financial Systems team to ensure that systems-based opportunities to provide enhanced management reporting and to maintain a robust control environment are maximised
• Pro-actively manage the relationships with internal and external auditors, including overseeing all audit processes
• Act on any recommendations from auditors with regards to changes in procedures
• Manage the preparation and submission of the annual statutory accounts
• Ad hoc project & analysis work as directed by the business .

Required Experience:
• ACA/CIMA/ACCA Qualified
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to work through problems logically and with perspective.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, interacting effectively at all levels in business.
• Initiative, drive and strength of character.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Ability to deliver in high pressure scenarios and to meet regular tight reporting deadlines.
• Highly flexible attitude towards working hours around key Finance deadlines.
• Experience of managing an audit process
• Experience of managing a finance team at operational level
• Previous media sector experience essential