Financial Controller

KennedyPearce are hiring an experienced Financial Control to oversee financial reporting, accounting operations and governance across a complex international business. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, regulatory compliance and continuous process improvement, while leading and developing a high-performing finance team. This is a global sports and media agency and the ideal candidate will be working in a similar industry. This role is 3-4 days in the office and manages a team of 3.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will provide technical accounting expertise, drive operational excellence and help shape the future finance function.

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• Lead all aspects of the accounting function, including month-end close, financial consolidation and statutory reporting.
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• Oversee the timely and accurate production of monthly, quarterly and annual financial results across multiple international entities.
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• Review commercial contracts and new business arrangements to identify accounting implications and ensure appropriate treatment.
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• Provide technical accounting guidance on complex and significant transactions, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, including UK GAAP, US GAAP and other applicable international standards.
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• Assess emerging accounting standards and lead implementation of new reporting requirements where necessary.
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• Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment, ensuring processes, systems and policies support business growth.
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• Strengthen internal controls to protect company assets, minimise risk and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
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• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures that promote consistency and best practice across the business.
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• Ensure all finance activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and company policies.
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• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes through automation, systems enhancement and operational efficiencies.
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• Lead cross-functional finance projects and support major organisational change initiatives.
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• Champion the use of technology to improve reporting accuracy, efficiency and decision-making.
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• Develop and deliver effective change management and communication plans for finance initiatives.
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• Lead statutory audits across multiple legal entities and support group audit activities.
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• Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure timely resolution of technical accounting matters.
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• Support external financial audits, internal audits and regulatory reviews.
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• Work closely with tax specialists to ensure compliance with local tax legislation across multiple jurisdictions.
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• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing finance team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
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• Set clear objectives, provide coaching and support career development across the team.
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• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders across the business to deliver a customer-focused finance function.
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• Build organisational capability by implementing best-practice structures, processes and ways of working.
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You are a technically strong accounting professional with extensive leadership experience and a passion for building high-performing finance functions. You combine excellent technical expertise with commercial awareness and thrive in fast-paced, international environments.

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• Fully qualified ACA or ACCA.
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• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP, US GAAP and international financial reporting requirements.
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• Ideally worked in a US listed business
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• 15+ years' progressive accounting experience, ideally combining public practice and industry.
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• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience managing complex financial reporting environments.
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• Highly proficient in ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
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