Financial Controller

What Is A Financial Controller?

As a key addition to our growing team, the Financial Controller will be instrumental in supporting the operational, commercial, and financial health of the agency. This is a pivotal role created to strengthen the bridge between our Commercial and Finance teams, ensuring robust financial management and safeguarding the agency’s current and future success.
We are proud of our established operational and financial frameworks, which have enabled us to maintain a strong cash flow, healthy profit margins, consistent year-on-year growth, and zero debt. As we continue to grow rapidly, the demands on our controls, processes, and commercial operations increase. We are seeking a Financial Controller who will uphold and evolve our financial and commercial discipline, maintaining our high standards as we scale.

Working closely with the Finance Director and Commercial Director, you will lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of financial controls, reporting processes, and operational best practices. You will ensure that financial operations align closely with commercial strategies to drive sustainable, profitable growth.

In addition, you will champion the adoption of automation and technology to streamline processes and improve efficiency across both the Finance and Commercial functions. Ensuring regulatory compliance, including adherence to GDPR and data privacy requirements, will form part of your remit.

The Financial Controller will work alongside Business Directors to track and report on revenue forecasts, client margins, staff utilisation and capacity management. You will monitor key financial and commercial KPIs, highlighting risks and opportunities, and contribute significantly to the achievement of annual revenue and profit targets.

Cost control and working capital management will also be key areas of responsibility, supporting the wider finance team in maintaining strong financial discipline.

We are looking for someone who is not only technically strong - with a background in finance, controls, and process management - but who also brings a commercially minded, proactive approach. You will combine high attention to detail with a forward-thinking, solutions-driven attitude. You will thrive in a fast- paced environment, have excellent negotiation and communication skills, and possess a sound understanding of the media agency operating model. Experience in accountancy, media finance, trading,
or commercial finance within a marketing or media environment will be highly beneficial.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Forecasting

• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and scenario modelling to support business planning and sustainable growth.

• Work closely with the Commercial Director to align revenue projections with contractual terms and profitability models.
• Deliver accurate monthly and quarterly financial reports, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasts.
• Continuously monitor and update revenue forecasts, client margins, and profitability, providing insights to senior leadership.
• Support the month-end and year-end close processes and assist in preparation for internal and external audits.

• Collaborate with the Finance Director to strengthen internal financial controls, ensuring robust revenue recognition, cost allocation, and risk management.
• Maintain strong financial governance practices, overseeing tax compliance, VAT returns, regulatory filings, and GDPR adherence.
• Own the preparation and management of the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors.
• Implement and maintain frameworks to ensure financial stability, including cash flow management, working capital optimisation, and credit control.

• Support client contract negotiation, renewals, and commercial governance, ensuring agreements drive profitability and align with agency objectives.
• Partner with the Commercial Manager to review and refine pricing strategies, margin improvement initiatives, and rate card updates.
• Provide commercial input to ensure scopes of work, pricing models, and client agreements reflect operational capacity and financial goals.

Operational Performance & Insights

• Maintain tools for tracking client profitability, staff utilisation, and agency-wide capacity management.

• Oversee timesheet compliance and reporting, ensuring transparency in project costs and account health.
• Deliver actionable commercial insights around client profitability, media income, and overall agency financial performance.
• Drive adoption of technology and automation to enhance commercial reporting, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

• Work closely with Commercial and Account teams to ensure timely revenue recognition, accurate invoicing, and cost allocation.
• Monitor client account profitability and divisional financial performance, ensuring financial sustainability across the business.
• Strengthen credit control processes to ensure prompt client payments and minimise outstanding debt.
• Lead initiatives to control overhead and direct costs, optimising agency spending while maintaining operational excellence.

Strategic Finance & Growth Support

• Provide commercial and financial insights to inform strategic decisions around business expansion, investment opportunities, and partnerships.
• Support due diligence activities for acquisitions, partnerships, or new revenue streams.
• Stay abreast of market and industry trends, competitor pricing models, and emerging commercial practices to maintain a competitive edge.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Manage and mentor the Management Accountant & Financial Assistant, ensuring high performance and development of best practices.
• Continuously improve financial processes, reporting tools, and dashboards, providing real-time access to key financial and commercial metrics.
• Foster a culture of financial discipline, encouraging collaboration and best-practice adoption across all operational and client teams.

Salary: £70,000-£75,000 depending on experience.