Group Financial Controller

ROLE DESCRIPTION ROLE TITLE Group Financial Controller REPORTING TO Group Finance Director ('GFD') OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB This is a new role established to lead a central shared service centre within Finance, accountable to Finance Directors in each of the areas of Agency, Pottermore, Stage and TV Production. This central team will be responsible for the financial 'plumbing', financial control, the maintenance of financial records and compliance across all TBP associated businesses. The Financial Controller will focus on delivering all outputs with efficiency, consistency and best practice and leading on system & process improvements. They will manage a team of accountants who specialise in specific groups of entities or processes and who also provide FP&A support to FDs as required. SUMMARY OF DUTIES Financial Control Responsible for ensuring that excellent, accurate accounting records are kept in a timely fashion and in line with accounting standards and data requirements across the group. Apply a consistency of approach. Identify areas of weakness and disconnect and ensure appropriate financial controls are in place. Understand the various business models employed and processes for recording gross margin in a range of operating companies overseeing delivery and control of gross margin management. Responsible for maintenance of accurate and up to date accounting records in the GL in X3 for all TBP and associated entities. Leading period-end close processes and effectively manage the team to ensure internal and external compliance deadlines are met. Liaise with external auditors taking lead from FDs. Ensure that all intercompany transactions within the group are recorded accurately and corresponding accounts are reconciled regularly ensuring consistency between companies and maximising system capabilities. Understand group structure vs purpose and continually review and assess to ensure aligned working closely with Legal and Business Affairs team when changes are required. Financial Systems & Processes As owner of the GL Accounting System X3, ensure systems & processes are optimised across all accounting and reporting requirements identifying & overseeing improvements proactively identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and areas of improvement. Continuously improving financial accounting processes: Streamlining and improving all financial operations and systems. Developing internal control policies and procedures. Implementing software solutions that improve the quality and efficiency of the financial processes. Supported by Finance Systems Manager. Audit, Audit Admin & Compliance Support the FDs in preparing for the audit. Deliver TB and records to external auditors and answer any follow up questions. Work with auditors to prepare Statutory Accounts for sign off by FDs. Ensure all compliance requirements are met. Cash Management Responsible for cash balance reporting and processing FX trade settlement Financial Planning and Analysis Providing the foundations for the FDs to prepare the budget and multi-year business plan models, ensuring accuracy and alignment with strategic goals. Support the FDs in presentation of financial results by delivering summarised and reviewed GL output in line with business data requirements to an agreed timetable. Oversee team in analytical review of P&L & preparation of variance analysis actuals vs budget and prior periods as required. Working with the GFD to deliver specific stakeholder reporting as required bringing together key information from across the group of associated companies. Tax Management UK Corporation tax compliance. Withholding tax management supported by external tax specialists. UK VAT Return Review across multiple entities. Coordinate on international tax considerations. Accounts Payable Reviewing and releasing Payments on the banking system across multiple entities. Take ownership for reviewing and delivering process improvements across all areas of the P2P processes, including managing the Financial Controller - Shared Services and his team to identify and deliver process improvements. Team & Personal Development Champion excellence in financial control throughout the team acting as the go-to internal consultant on any challenging areas, supported by external accountants as needed. Driving the team towards reporting deadlines by coordinating and task planning effectively across the group. Review development of team members, conduct regular check-ins to set goals and strategies which are aligned with the group and team goals. Work towards team success collaborating, sharing regular feedback and knowledge with the broader finance team and business contribute actively to meetings and contribute ways to achieve team goals. Continue to learn by building knowledge of the group businesses and understanding the connections and the accounting implications of them. Gain an understanding of the broader financial processes, systems and responsibilities to help guide the business teams through and be able to effectively represent the Finance Team as ambassador group wide. General Other ad hoc tasks as required (resolving queries, preparing reports and system implementation/updates). PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience, Technical knowledge and skills Background in a combination of practice (audit) and running accounting function in operational entities including team management Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a minimum of 10 years PQE Proven experience of leading a finance team, in one or more of the following sectors: media, technology, publishing, digital retail or entertainment ideally having had experience across the range of financial management from bookkeeping through to presentation of commercial analysis to senior leadership. Dynamic team player with the ability to drive results across a diverse team in an entrepreneurial environment and not afraid to 'get hands dirty' Excellent interpersonal & communication skills with ability to influence up and down and get the best out of a team Able to demonstrate a deep understanding of complex accounting and business models and external market conditions and be able to use this to inform business plans and ongoing operations. Finding the connections between diverse sources of data & information and the ability to present these in a cohesive and eloquent way, so they are understood by non-Finance people; Ability to teach, train and coach non-financial staff in financial concepts Experience of working with international markets e.g. US, Asia and Europe would be useful Super organised and able to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, prioritise and meet tight & often changing deadlines calmly but ensuring that responses are timely and the team are onboard Thrives on an evolving environment and always looks for ways to improve; comfortable with ambiguity Data-savvy mindset, preferably with experience in business intelligence tools (BI) Proven experience in developing and coaching individuals and getting results; strong influencer Comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment Advanced excel user with a data focussed approach and a keen interest in how financial data is processed and manipulated for successful reporting and insight. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US Competitive Salary Company Bonus Scheme Hybrid working policy (2 days/week working from home) 25 days' holiday (plus 8 bank holidays). Progressive and inclusive policies around Carers, IVF, Menopause, Pregnancy Loss, etc. Enhanced maternity leave (18 weeks at full pay) and paternity leave (2 weeks immediately after birth, and 10 additional days over the following 12 months, at full pay) Group Pension Plan where we contribute 5% and annual pensions workshops Life Assurance of 4 times salary Health Insurance (currently with Vitality) Health Shield Cashback Plan - dental, optical, physio and wellbeing benefits and much more. Annual Creative Bursary to spend on the creative activity of your choice. 2 paid days off per year to spend volunteering and giving back to your favourite cause or community project. Monthly Lunch & Learn events - hearing great stories from colleagues, clients and external speakers Regular fundraising events to raise money for our charity of the year - we are currently fundraising for the Unique - Understanding Rare Chromosome & Gene Disorders Seasonal company parties and team lunches Subsidised on-site massages Learning and Development opportunities, including an in-house Mentoring Programme #J-18808-Ljbffr