Financial Controller

Transgressive Records; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent record label in London is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee the complete finance function. You will lead budgeting and forecasting efforts, analyse performance, and provide insights for strategic decisions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of the music industry and has experience in financial management. This role offers a dynamic environment that embraces creativity and a culture of accountability.

Benefits

Negotiable salary based on experience

Probationary period of three months

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a senior finance role in an independent record label.
• Deep understanding of music business and artist royalty structures.
• Ability to interpret music industry contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead FP&A efforts including financial models and cash flow forecasts.
• Track and analyse incoming revenue streams.
• Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Financial modelling

Budgeting

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Xero

Sage

Royalty accounting systems

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

Transgressive is an independent record label, publisher and management company based in London and New York.

Transgressive seeks an experienced, commercially minded and highly organised person to join our team as Financial Controller.

This is a pivotal role for a proactive, hands-on finance professional with a proven track record in the independent music sector. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end finance function, providing clarity on company performance, advising on strategic decision-making, and ensuring financial rigour in a fast-moving, creatively-driven environment.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Forecasting, Budgeting & Analysis

• Lead the company’s FP&A efforts: build and maintain financial models, cash flow forecasts, and company budgets.
• Track artist and project budgets, working closely with A&R, marketing, and product managers to ensure financial discipline and resource optimisation.
• Prepare forward-looking financial projections for strategic planning and board reporting.
• Analyse and report on variances vs budget, providing insight and recommendations.
• Regularly update budget holders on their spend position, particularly for A&R and marketing campaigns.

Commercial Deal Support & Royalty Oversight

• Support commercial decision-making by modelling new artist deals, licensing agreements, and catalogue acquisitions.
• Provide margin analysis and deal profitability assessments to A&R and leadership teams.
• Oversee the royalties function: ensure timely and accurate statement production, understand deal terms, and help explain income trends and payouts to artists.
• Liaise with external royalties teams or software providers and ensure correct mapping and allocation of revenue.

Music Income & Performance Analysis

• Have a strong working knowledge of income streams across the music business: DSPs, physical sales, publishing income, neighbouring rights, sync, and international revenue.
• Track and analyse incoming revenue from digital and physical distributors, flagging anomalies and over/underperformance.
• Produce regular performance reporting for senior management: income trends, label profitability, artist/project performance, and cash runway updates.

Financial Management & Control

• Ownday-to-day financial operations, including banking, Accounts Payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes, including management accounts, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Maintain robust internal controls, ensuring compliance with all statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements (e.g. VAT, Companies House filings).
• Work with external accountants and auditors to deliver annual financial statements.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Be the go-to finance partner for cross-functional teams, especially A&R, marketing, and operations.
• Support department leads in financial literacy and budget ownership.
• Provide clear, actionable insights to the leadership team and help drive a culture of accountability and financial awareness across the organisation.
• Manage outsourced providers as required.

CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

• Qualified (or QBE) accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 3+ years in a senior finance role in an independent record label
• Deep understanding of the music business, artist royalty structures, and deal types
• Ability to interpret music industry contracts
• Strong FP&A and modelling skills – Excel/Google Sheets proficiency is essential
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• Confident communicator who can translate financials into actionable insight
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, creative business where priorities evolve
• Familiarity with royalty accounting systems (e.g. Curve) and accounting software (e.g. Xero, Sage) is a plus

SALARY / EMPLOYMENT TERM

• Salary - negotiable / reflective of experience

N.B. There will be a three-month probationary period.

LOCATION

The role is based in London and will involve office and remote working.

ABOUT TRANSGRESSIVE

Transgressive is an independent, award-winning music company that has been established for 20 years. We believe in taking musical and artistic risks, conducting ambitious, diligent work on behalf of our artist roster, and exhibiting consistent kindness and care throughout the process, from point of artist discovery through to final project delivery, internally and externally. We wish to empathetically empower and support both those in front of the camera and behind the scenes, as well as inspire a new generation of audiences in the process.

Transgressive is an equal opportunities employer. We embrace diversity and are committed towards creating a working environment in which no one will be treated less favourably on the grounds of their sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age.