A+E

Financial Controller

Hammersmith, West London 

Competitive

Calling on all Financial Controllers!  Are you hungry for a challenge?  We’re seeking a strong, ambitious, hands on Financial Controller that can make a difference.  If you have experience in designing effective processes and putting together teams in the Media industry then click apply.

A+E NETWORKS UK run a family of global TV brands broadcasting in the UK and EMEA. Our channels include History, H2, Lifetime, Crime+Investigation and new free to air channel, BLAZE. We are an ambitious and creative team who strive to build strong brands for our territories, whilst working closely with the Head Office in New York.

Our work environment appeals to self motivated and flexible thinkers who are great collaborators and always strive to discover what is next creatively. We are customer focused and sustain and build a diverse range of programme brands from Vikings and Crimes that Shook Britain to Dance Moms and Britain’s Next Top Model. A+E Networks UK foster an open and creative approach which is helping us to deliver ground breaking work.

A+E Networks UK is a progressive, friendly and fun place to work. We’re looking for professionals who are motivated and excited by challenge and driven to deliver results. We employ energetic, inspiring individuals who love to innovate and are passionate about the industry. This role is based in Hammersmith West London, in our fabulous brand new office space.

The Role

The purpose of this role is to manage the month end closing process and provide timely, accurate financial reporting and relevant KPI’s for the Group so that the management team has the information it needs to support commercial strategies and tactical decision making.

The successful candidate will be required to rigorously manage the balance sheet, working capital and the processes and controls required to ensure that both the business and the finance function operates efficiently.

The role will be responsible to ensure that the Group is compliant with all appropriate legislation including, PAYE, VAT, WHT, Corporation Tax, Treasury and Transfer Pricing. This role manages a team of nine.

Key Responsibilities

Management Results and Reporting

  • Manage the completion of the monthly management accounts to enable the timely production of the Group’s consolidated P&L, balance sheet and cash flow, with comparative against budget, prior year and forecast.
  • Oversee and approve the production of all monthly balance sheet reconciliations by the finance team so that rigorous financial control of the balance sheet is maintained.
  • Support the finance team in the compilation of the annual budget and regular forecasting activities.

Statutory Reporting and Responsibilities 

  • Liaise with external advisors on the preparation of the Company and Group statutory financial statements and accompanying notes, and establish an audit regime across the company which is both cost effective and operationally efficient.
  • Manage all tax and regulatory compliance issues including the timely preparation of tax computations for VAT and Corporation Tax and pass them to the relevant external advisors for completion and submission.
  • Lead the tax planning drive in the Group, ensuring that the appropriate Transfer Pricing agreements are in place and that the Group recovers the maximum amount possible in withholding tax.
  • Ensure appropriate procedures are in place to ensure the business is fully PAYE compliant.

Controls and Process Management

  • Support the team in designing and evolving appropriate processes and controls for the business and the finance function, to deliver on its obligations and help the business to understand the purpose of the finance function and the disciplines it promotes.
  • Manage the Payables transaction processing to ensure that supplier queries are dealt with on a timely basis so the working relationships with external stakeholders are maintained and the Group’s working capital is not adversely impacted.
  • Ensure that there are adequate controls in place in all Payroll areas in the Group. Prepare consolidated monthly reporting on payroll costs and headcount.
  • Ensure that the Travel and Entertainment Policy is properly applied and that adequate controls are in place keep the costs within budget. Also ensure that all relevant benefits tax regulations are complied with.
  • Develop the financial systems, processes and controls within the business and leverage any synergies that exist with other business systems in order to enhance the visibility and flow of financial information across the business.
  • Monitor DSO and manage cash collections and credit control team

Cash Flow Management

  • Prepare, on a weekly basis, a 13-week cash flow forecast together with commentary and variance analysis to highlight any exposures and risk mitigation using the company cash flow forecasts provided by the finance team.
  • Rigorously manage the company’s cash flow by ensuring reconciliations are completed and any variances or discrepancies are investigated through to satisfactory conclusion.
  • Provide long range cash flow forecasting reports for senior management and the Board.
  • Ensure efficient usage of business cash flow, particularly around forex risk.

People Management

  • Project work that results from the responsibilities above.
  • Provide direction to your direct reports to ensure that the day to day operations are managed and performed correctly and within set deadlines.
  • Undertake the line management, training, development, appraisal and motivation of your direct reports to ensure all logistical tasks are carried out on time and to a high standard and that objectives are being met.

Key Skills and Qualifications

  • ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant with a minimum of eight years PQE
  • Up to date technical knowledge on accounting regulations
  • Up to date awareness of Tax legislation in the UK
  • Strong business analysis, problem solving and decision making skills
  • Effective communication skills (both face to face and written); to work effectively and productively with both financial and non-financial personnel
  • Competent use of financial systems, such as SAP, JD Edwards
  • Highly numerate with demonstrable problem-solving skills to provide accurate, timely and relevant information with added value
  • Microsoft Office conversant; has excellent Excel skills and is an experienced user of accounting and reporting software e.g. JD Edwards and Hyperion
  • Demonstrable experience in UK & International within multi-currency environments, ideally within a media environment
  • Able to build relationships and quickly develop an understanding of the broadcasting business
  • Effective influencer and persuader and is a confident and credible presenter
  • Resilient and is capable of saying “no” when required and in a constructive manner
  • Proactive and ambitious, keen to add value
  • Professional, adaptable and positive approach to a varied workload
  • A successful team leader with experience of line managing staff and structuring strong teams
  • Able to provide clear direction and motivate colleagues, empowering them and delegating tasks appropriately
  • Ability to mentor your team and help them to develop their skill set

A+E