Financial Controller

IMG; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in fashion is seeking a Head of Finance to manage all accounting aspects for its London-based operations. This role involves team leadership, compliance with financial regulations, and budget forecasts. Candidates should possess strong accounting qualifications and substantial experience, especially with UK laws and SAP systems. This position offers a dynamic workplace within a reputable firm.

Qualifications

• Established professional experience in accounting; preferably background in Big 4.
• Experience of managing a team required.
• US GAAP experience valued.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all Finance, Accounting and Tax functions for WME Fashion businesses.
• Manage the Fashion UK accounting team and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts for P&L and cash flow.

Skills

Management experience of AP, AR

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent proficiency in Excel

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Accounting qualification or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Equivalent ERP systems

Job description

• Responsible for all aspects of Finance, Accounting and Tax functions for WME Fashion businesses (IMG Models, The Wall Group and Art + Commerce) based in London.
• Manage the Fashion UK accounting team whose main responsibilities are:
• Client accounting
• Billing and Credit Control
• Account Payables
• Management reporting
• Providing coaching and support to the team
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Implementing, documenting, and monitoring accounting controls.
• Weekly prepare Cash Forecast (collections and disbursements) for WME Fashion businesses based in London
• Month end close management, including:
• Preparation of journal entries in SAP for accounting adjustments as required
• Monthly analysis of actual results to budget. Preparation of gap analysis
• Ensuring that detailed balance sheet reconciliations are prepared monthly. Supervising regular clear down of balance sheet accounting entries
• Monitoring accounts receivable positions, driving collections and assessing risk
• Responsible for reconciliations between CRM and SAP system interfaces. Identifying and resolving any differences
• Review and preparation of variance/analytics across WME Fashion businesses in London
• Main point of contact for questions on taxation matters relating to the WME Fashion businesses in London
• Providing operations support across legal, business and HR
• Prepare budget and regular forecasting of P&L and cashflow for the Fashion business. Provide detailed explanations to VP, Finance Director and SVP, Finance Director for approval. Drive stimulus to ensure that the business adheres to budgets.
• Establish a close working relationship with Senior Management and the WME Fashion agency team. Identify and support their needs and seek full range of business solutions as necessary.
• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new initiatives, strategies, and any regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with external auditors and consultants as necessary in relation to the WME Fashion London businesses.
• Assess the current finance structure to improve segregation of duties and efficiencies in key finance cycles.
• Work closely with Corporate (based in US and UK), providing support on UK company-wide issues e.g.:
• Standardize and document policies and processes in line with companywide objectives to implement control improvements
• Work with outsourcing partner (WNS) to ensure timely and accurate processing for O2C, P2P and R2R, where applicable
• Ensure CRM systems across the WME Fashion businesses are compliant, working with the development teams to make recommendations and participate in user testing
• Other duties, ad-hoc reporting, due diligence assistance and analysis as assigned

What You'll Do:

• Responsible for all aspects of Finance, Accounting and Tax functions for WME Fashion businesses (IMG Models, The Wall Group and Art + Commerce) based in London.
• Manage the Fashion UK accounting team whose main responsibilities are:
• Client accounting
• Billing and Credit Control
• Account Payables
• Management reporting
• Providing coaching and support to the team
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Implementing, documenting, and monitoring accounting controls.
• Weekly prepare Cash Forecast (collections and disbursements) for WME Fashion businesses based in London
• Month end close management, including:
• Preparation of journal entries in SAP for accounting adjustments as required
• Monthly analysis of actual results to budget. Preparation of gap analysis
• Ensuring that detailed balance sheet reconciliations are prepared monthly. Supervising regular clear down of balance sheet accounting entries
• Monitoring accounts receivable positions, driving collections and assessing risk
• Responsible for reconciliations between CRM and SAP system interfaces. Identifying and resolving any differences
• Review and preparation of variance/analytics across WME Fashion businesses in London
• Main point of contact for questions on taxation matters relating to the WME Fashion businesses in London
• Providing operations support across legal, business and HR
• Prepare budget and regular forecasting of P&L and cashflow for the Fashion business. Provide detailed explanations to VP, Finance Director and SVP, Finance Director for approval. Drive stimulus to ensure that the business adheres to budgets.
• Establish a close working relationship with Senior Management and the WME Fashion agency team. Identify and support their needs and seek full range of business solutions as necessary.
• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new initiatives, strategies, and any regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with external auditors and consultants as necessary in relation to the WME Fashion London businesses.
• Assess the current finance structure to improve segregation of duties and efficiencies in key finance cycles.
• Work closely with Corporate (based in US and UK), providing support on UK company-wide issues e.g.:
• Standardize and document policies and processes in line with companywide objectives to implement control improvements

• Work with outsourcing partner (WNS) to ensure timely and accurate processing for O2C, P2P and R2R, where applicable
• Ensure CRM systems across the WME Fashion businesses are compliant, working with the development teams to make recommendations and participate in user testing
• Other duties, ad-hoc reporting, due diligence assistance and analysis as assigned

You Have These:

• Established professional experience in accounting; preferably background in Big 4 or equivalent firms
• Accounting qualification or equivalent, bachelor's degree in accounting
• Strong accounting skills: management experience of AP, AR, inter-company processes, month end close procedures
• Experience of legal, financial and tax and payroll reporting and regulations in UK
• Knowledge of SAP or other equivalent ERP systems
• Experience of managing a team
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written
• Strong written, verbal communication, and reporting skills
• US GAAP experience
• Self-motivated with ability to lead and teach others
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to develop multiple solutions
• Excellent proficiency in Excel

Working Conditions:

Perm, London The Strand

Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6pm