Financial Controller

Trafalgar Entertainment; Woking; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment company based in Woking seeks a Group Financial Controller to lead its finance function. This pivotal role involves oversight of cash management, statutory reporting, and managing a high-performing finance team. Applicants should have at least 3 years of experience in accounting, strong leadership skills, and a solid understanding of IFRS. The position offers a chance to influence strategic initiatives while ensuring financial compliance and integrity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years Qualified accountant, preferably ACA trained in a top-tier audit firm.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams with strong review skills.
• Solid understanding of cash flow forecasting and treasury principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team to support strategic initiatives.
• Oversee Group-wide cash flow forecasting and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and policies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Excel

Understanding of cash flow forecasting

Technical accounting experience (IFRS)

Education

Bachelor's degree

ACA qualification

Tools

Business Central

Sage

Job description

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are seeking a technically strong and commercially astute Group Financial Controller to lead our Group Finance function in a fast-paced and evolving entertainment business. This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring accurate statutory reporting, robust technical accounting, effective cash management, and strong financial governance across the Group. Ability to set and meet tight deadlines to drive efficiency across Finance.

You will lead a small, high-performing finance team, working closely with senior stakeholders to support strategic initiatives, maintain financial integrity, and contribute to the Group's continued growth.

LOCATION

Based from our Woking office with travel to London.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Group Finance Leadership

• Lead and develop the Group Finance Manager, Group Financial Accountant and Group Assistant Management Accountant.
• Oversee monthly Group consolidation and Group-level financial reporting.
• Ensure integrity of financial data and compliance with internal controls and policies.

Cash Management

• Oversee Group-wide cash flow forecasting and reporting, ensuring accuracy in a timely manner.
• Monitor daily cash positions and ensure optimal liquidity across entities.
• Manage intercompany funding arrangements and support treasury-related activities.
• Work closely with operational teams to improve working capital efficiency.
• Support financing and refinancing activities, including covenant compliance and lender reporting.
• Manage money market deposits to optimise returns on cash held.

Budgeting

• Prepare consolidated cash flows and analysis thereon for budgets and forecasts.
• Overall oversight and ownership of the parent company budget.

Business Partnering & Strategic Projects

• Partner with the Corporate Finance and Development Director on key initiatives, including M&A and refinancing.
• Provide financial insight, technical expertise and support to business leaders.
• Represent Finance on the Groups data protection committee
• Lead or contribute to ad hoc projects as required.

Financial Governance & Controls

• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, and internal controls.
• Draft and maintain Group accounting policies and ensure consistent application across entities.
• Support the delivery of finance transformation initiatives and system enhancements.
• Ensure tax, regulatory, and statutory compliance across all jurisdictions.

Compliance

• Lead the preparation of Group consolidated financial statements under IFRS.
• Manage the year-end statutory audit process, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors, ensuring the signed accounts are delivered within the required time frame.
• Manage subsidiary financial statement filing compliance for UK entities.
• Manage UK Corporation Tax returns filing for UK entities.
• Facilitate VAT advice, as required.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of audit requirements and resolution of technical accounting queries.

Technical Accounting

• Provide authoritative guidance on complex accounting matters including revenue recognition, lease accounting (IFRS 16), financial instruments and business combinations (including Special Purpose Vehicles).
• Monitor changes in accounting standards, assessing and implementing changes as required.

ABOUT YOU

Essential

• 3+ years Qualified accountant, (ACA preferred) ideally trained in a top-tier audit firm.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and developing finance teams utilising excellent review skills to drive team performance
• Excellent analytical skills and strong use of Microsoft Excel
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with senior stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of cash flow forecasting and treasury principles.
• Strong technical accounting experience (IFRS).
• Proven experience leading audits and preparing consolidated financial statements.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Group Finance role.
• Experience in the media, entertainment, or multi-entity international businesses.
• Familiarity with financial systems such as Business Central, Sage, or similar ERP platforms.
• Strong academic background with minimum Bachelor’s degree