Financial Controller

KennedyPearce are hiring an experienced Financial Control to oversee financial reporting, accounting operations and governance across a complex international business. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, regulatory compliance and continuous process improvement, while leading and developing a high-performing finance team. This is a global sports and media agency and the ideal candidate will be working in a similar industry. This role is 3-4 days in the office and manages a team of 3. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will provide technical accounting expertise, drive operational excellence and help shape the future finance function. Key Responsibilities: • Lead all aspects of the accounting function, including month-end close, financial consolidation and statutory reporting. • Oversee the timely and accurate production of monthly, quarterly and annual financial results across multiple international entities. • Review commercial contracts and new business arrangements to identify accounting implications and ensure appropriate treatment. • Provide technical accounting guidance on complex and significant transactions, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, including UK GAAP, US GAAP and other applicable international standards. • Assess emerging accounting standards and lead implementation of new reporting requirements where necessary. Controls & Governance • Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment, ensuring processes, systems and policies support business growth. • Strengthen internal controls to protect company assets, minimise risk and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. • Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures that promote consistency and best practice across the business. • Ensure all finance activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and company policies. Process Improvement • Drive continuous improvement across finance processes through automation, systems enhancement and operational efficiencies. • Lead cross-functional finance projects and support major organisational change initiatives. • Champion the use of technology to improve reporting accuracy, efficiency and decision-making. • Develop and deliver effective change management and communication plans for finance initiatives. Audit & Compliance • Lead statutory audits across multiple legal entities and support group audit activities. • Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure timely resolution of technical accounting matters. • Support external financial audits, internal audits and regulatory reviews. • Work closely with tax specialists to ensure compliance with local tax legislation across multiple jurisdictions. Leadership • Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing finance team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. • Set clear objectives, provide coaching and support career development across the team. • Foster strong relationships with stakeholders across the business to deliver a customer-focused finance function. • Build organisational capability by implementing best-practice structures, processes and ways of working. The ideal candidate:You are a technically strong accounting professional with extensive leadership experience and a passion for building high-performing finance functions. You combine excellent technical expertise with commercial awareness and thrive in fast-paced, international environments. • Fully qualified ACA or ACCA. • Strong knowledge of UK GAAP, US GAAP and international financial reporting requirements. • Ideally worked in a US listed business • 15+ years' progressive accounting experience, ideally combining public practice and industry. • Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience managing complex financial reporting environments. • Highly proficient in ERP systems and financial reporting tools.