Head of Finance/Financial Controller - Entertainment Group

A leading Entertainment group is looking for an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to join their London based finance team.

Known for their creative & innovative flair, this multi-faceted, award-winning business has an excellent reputation within both the industry and across its global audiences. With offices in the UK & US, and continued delivery of many much-loved entertainment formats across difference platforms, this business continues to increase its strong foothold within their space.

Reporting to the Finance Director, the FC plays a critical role within the finance team, helping to support both the UK & group entities whilst managing a team of 8.

This role is a blend of technical accounting, reporting & compliance, alongside a strong emphasis on commercial support and business partnering to all business units.

To be a successful candidate, it is essential that you are professionally qualified (preferably ACA, but ACCA will also be considered) and preferably have started your career in an audit practice. You will have previously held a managerial position and have previous experience gained within the Entertainment/TV/Media industry. You will have highly capable of managing the month/year end process, be a great people manager whilst also being commercially astute.

There is also a strong emphasis on systems improvement, automation and change management within this position so an individual needs to have a proven background of this.
 

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a vibrant, entrepreneurial powerhouse within the entertainment world. If you love a varied and interesting role, thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment and love people & stakeholder management this is the role for you!
 

Responsibilities of the role include:

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering collaboration and service excellence across the organisation.
• Oversee group financial management, including statutory reporting, audit, compliance and tax obligations across all entities.
• Partner with senior leadership through analysis to monitor performance, and support strategic business planning
• Full involvement in the budgeting, forecasting and reporting process
• Deliver accurate and timely management accounts, cashflow, and forecasting, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and funding requirements.
• Lead preparation of group returns and oversee payroll, VAT, and related regulatory submissions.
• Strengthen financial controls and compliance frameworks, driving consistency and efficiency across divisions.
• Ensure best practice in financial systems and data management, optimising automation and reporting accuracy.
• Manage external relationships with auditors, advisors, and banking partners, ensuring transparency and sound risk management.

Candidate specification:

• Fully qualified accountant, ACA/ACCA or equivalent is with extensive PQE is essential, preferably gained within an entertainment/media business. ACA is preferred!
• Previous team management skills is essential with the ability to create a collaborative, harmonious and positive working environment
• Solid, technical accounting background, particularly in UK GAAP, group consolidations and taxation. Ideally having commenced your career in a top accountancy practice.
• Commercially focused with a proven background in business partnering and stakeholder management
• Self-starter who thrives in a dynamic, fast paced environment whilst working with initiative and accuracy
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Ability to drive change, improve systems/controls/processes and continuously seek to enhance the efficiency & effectiveness of the finance function
• Great communication and presentation skills
• Advanced Excel & systems skills