Group Finance Controller

London Marathon Events; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

London Marathon Events is seeking a Group Finance Controller to own group consolidation, statutory reporting and cross-border tax across a growing international portfolio. This role partners with the Group Head of Finance to integrate new entities and implement scalable financial controls.

The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with ACA/CA credentials, strong IFRS/UK GAAP knowledge, and proven experience in consolidation, tax planning and leading a small finance team.

Qualifications

• Strong technical accounting knowledge (UK GAAP and/or IFRS).
• Working knowledge of transfer pricing principles and withholding tax/treaty positions.
• Comfortable operating without heavy process - happy to build structure rather than simply follow it.
• Provides order in complex and fast moving environments.
• Strong Excel skills; experience with consolidation or reporting tools is a plus.
• Clear, concise communicator, confident presenting technical matters to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong people management skills, able to develop and set standards for a small team.

Responsibilities

• Manage group consolidation across all group entities, including majority-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and minority equity holdings.
• Lead statutory and management accounts preparation, ensuring consistent, controlled financial reporting across UK and international entities.
• Day to day management of the Group month-end and year-end close process, with a focus on accuracy, timeliness and audit-readiness.
• Responsible for the management of the external audit process, from planning to completion.
• Manage the Group tax affairs, ensuring compliance whilst identifying efficiencies.
• Provide technical accounting judgement on complex or first-time transactions (e.g. business combinations, JV accounting, revenue recognition for multi-year event contracts).
• Support cross-border tax matters as the group expands internationally, including transfer pricing policy and documentation, withholding tax positions, and entity structuring.

Skills

Technical accounting

Transfer pricing

Excel

Communication skills

People management

Analytical thinking

Education

ACA/CA qualified

Tools

Consolidation tools

Job description

London Marathon Events (part of the London Marathon Group) works to inspire, champion and increase activity in all ages, abilities and demographics. We do this through our successful event portfolio (which includes the TCS London Marathon and TCS Mini London Marathon, Brighton Marathon, The Big Half, Vitality London 10,000, Vitality Westminster Mile, Standard Chartered Great City Race and Swim Serpentine), through our extensive outreach programmes working with schools and community groups in London and across the UK and through our network of wholly owned or partially owned companies, such as Maverick, Run 4 Wales, Loch Ness Marathon Ltd, Caledonian Concepts, Athletic Ventures and Friday Night Lights

Our events raise millions for charities every year to improve the lives of individuals and communities and we passionately believe in the power of sport.

Our values are integral to who we are, how we work and what we do:

Caring - We value each other, our customers and the positive impact we make

Curious - We open our minds to new ideas, perspectives and ways of working

Exceptional - We strive to be the best and to redefine the art of the possible

Fun - We create joy, happiness and memories that last a lifetime

Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to ensure they are at the heart of our company. We strongly value diversity within our workforce and recognise that different people bring different perspectives, lived experience, ideas and culture to the company. This difference brings with it great strengths, including diversity of thought. So, if you’re ready to be a force for good, lead change and want to make a difference to society, keep reading.

For successful candidates the offer of employment is subject to satisfactory Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) clearance.

The Role

We are looking for an outstanding Group Finance Controller to take responsibility of financial control, group consolidation and statutory compliance across an increasingly international and growing group portfolio. This is a hands-on role for a technically strong qualified accountant (ideally ACA/CA) who enjoys combining rigorous financial discipline with the pace and variety of a fast-moving entrepreneurial organisation.

As London Marathon Events continues to grow through acquisitions, new ventures and international expansion, you will be at the heart of the journey. Working closely with the Group Head of Finance, you will help integrate new entities, establish scalable financial processes and controls, and provide the technical expertise needed to navigate complex consolidation, tax and regulatory matters across multiple jurisdictions.

This is a rare opportunity to apply first-class financial skills in a business that delivers some of the world's most iconic participation events. The role offers exposure to senior leadership, strategic projects and the opportunity to shape how the finance function evolves as the group continues to scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage group consolidation across all group entities, including majority-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and minority equity holdings.
• Lead statutory and management accounts preparation, ensuring consistent, controlled financial reporting across UK and international entities.
• Day to day management of the Group month-end and year-end close process, with a focus on accuracy, timeliness and audit-readiness.
• Responsible for the management of the external audit process, from planning to completion. Ensuring audit timelines are adhered to, audit requests are responded to, and driving the completion of the front end of the Group accounts.
• Manage the Group tax affairs, ensuring compliance whilst also identifying any efficiencies.
• Provide technical accounting judgement on complex or first-time transactions (e.g. business combinations, JV accounting, revenue recognition for multi-year event contracts).
• Support cross-border tax matters as the group expands internationally, including:
• Transfer pricing policy and documentation across intercompany arrangements (management recharges, royalties, service agreements)
• Withholding tax and treaty positions (e.g. US/UK) on profit repatriation routes
• Coordination with external tax and legal advisers on new entity structuring (e.g. US 501(c)(3) and C-Corp entities)
• Maintain and strengthen the group's financial control environment as new entities and structures are onboarded post-acquisition.
• Supporting Finance Leadership team (Group CFO, FD, Group Head of Finance) with technical M&A financial due diligence and post-deal integration, including opening balance sheets and accounting policy alignment.
• Own key balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany eliminations and FX translation for group reporting.
• Contribute technical input to board and ELT papers on accounting, tax and structuring matters.
• Work with Senior FinOps manager on creating efficiencies across existing processes, utilising technology where possible.
• Support with the management of Group bank accounts.
• Support with the Group Insurance requirements.
• Supporting wider finance team on an ad hoc basis.

Skills & Experience

Experience

• Strong technical accounting knowledge (UK GAAP and/or IFRS).
• Working knowledge of transfer pricing principles and withholding tax/treaty positions.
• Comfortable operating without heavy process - happy to build structure rather than simply follow it.
• Provides order in complex and fast moving environments.
• Strong Excel skills; experience with consolidation or reporting tools is a plus.
• Clear, concise communicator, confident presenting technical matters to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong people management skills, able to develop and set standards for a small team.

Skills

• Experience supporting senior leaders in fast-paced environments,
• Highly organised with strong prioritisation instincts
• Analytical thinker- able to break down complex problems quickly
• Comfortable in the weeds but able to zoom out to strategic context
• Strong communication skills (clear, concise, structured)
• Comfortable being pushed and working at pace