Financial Controller

We are looking for an ambitious, qualified Financial Controller with 5 years+ post-qualified experience to work for a PE-backed, award-winning computer games / technology business.

Working directly for the CFO, and managing a team (2-3 people) in this small, but fast-moving business, you will be responsible for all areas of financial accounting, including looking after the month end / close process, AP/AR/GL/Payroll/tax and Audit. Please note - you will work alongside the FP&A Manager and your key focus will be financial accounting / reporting. 

The ideal candidate will be from a small, medium-sized enterprise background (SME c. £10-£100m turnover) or a small/medium-sized practice background where you have worked with SME client companies.

It is key that you have a strong focus on, and interest in, the financial accounting side. This is a good role if you ultimately want to progress to a number one / FD role, but not if you are looking to be heavily involved in the commercial / business-partnering side in the short-term.

We are looking for someone with a "start-up mentality" - a hands-on approach with the experience / ability to implement processes, procedures and internal controls. Ideally you will have had exposure to private-equity / SME /IPO environments. Good systems skills, ideally SAP.

Experience of working in an online / data driven consumer centric business in the digital, technology or FMCG sectors would be advantageous, but not essential. 

In return - you will gain excellent experience / exposure in a hands on FC role in a fast-moving, growth sector. This is a hybrid role with 2-3 days a week in the office. A friendly and inclusive environment with plenty of opportunities for social events and offering a range of well-being initiatives including mental health charter, charity talks and gym membership contribution.

The Financial Controller will be responsible for:

• Overseeing and reviewing all month end reporting (management accounts, GL, AP, AR, bank recs, payroll & KPI reporting) and ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Development of internal controls and accounting policies in line with the group requirements.
• Assisting in accounting for studio acquisitions.
• Oversee preparation of annual financial statements and audit. Fully engage the Group auditors as required.
• Weekly Cash flow reporting and analysis.
• Submission of statutory returns (HMRC, Companies House) including working with external advisors on submissions for overseas studio.
• Tax experience preferred, including deferred taxes, Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) monthly accounting. Liaising with external specialists on annual calculations of relief and with the BFI on certification.
• Development of direct reporting packs and insight into Operating costs.
• Calculation and booking for 3rd Party Studio royalty statements ensuring a high level of accuracy and further streamlining of process. Potential systems implementation.
• Instrumental in process improvement and challenging current process.
• Ad-hoc tasks as required by CFO.

What we want from you:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with at least 5 years' post qualified experience.
• Excellent Communicator, ability to work across business functions and multiple legal entities and manage multiple stakeholders
• Strong reporting experience, particularly in management accounts and ability to explain variances to forecast.
• Previous experience of implementation of internal controls and incorporation of these controls into the wider business is important
• Experience of managing a team
• Good analytic and systems skills including Excel, SAP, PowerPoint.
• Experience of working in online, data-driven and consumer centric businesses is an advantage but not essential
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, fluid and flexible SME environment

What you get from us:

Our client is always striving for excellence in what they do as a business, but also as an employer. We believe supporting our staff in a positive way, not only ensures productivity is high but encourages them to keep happy and healthy.

We achieve this through creating a friendly and inclusive work environment both in-person in our newly refurbished office and online through providing plenty of opportunities for social events and offering a range of wellbeing initiatives including mental health charter, charity talks and gym membership contribution. We also offer flexible, remote working and working from home support. This in turn allows our staff to feel comfortable and to be confident in supporting one another.

Other benefits we offer include:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro Rata)
• Medicash (Health Cash Plan), including EAP, Dental and Optical
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Group Income Protection, Critical Illness and Life Assurance Cover
• Employee referral scheme
• Personal development

This is an excellent opportunity in a fast-growing, ambitious business in the gaming/technology sector. Working directly for the CFO, this is a high-profile role which will give you exposure to senior management and PE investors.