Financial Controller

Finance · Full-time · United Kingdom

Job description

Clarity isn't just another agency. We're a global team of digital marketing and communications experts, chosen by visionary companies eager to make a real impact. We work with all kinds of organisations—from scrappy startups to well-established giants—helping them enhance their reputation, drive growth, and achieve their biggest goals.

What makes us special is our blend of local expertise and global reach, offering you the perfect mix of fun, focus, and flexibility. We give you the best of both worlds: the dynamic, close-knit feel of a smaller agency, where you can truly make a difference, along with the exciting projects and career growth opportunities of a global company.

Our role is a fantastic opportunity for hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to a variety of projects. You'll get to develop your skills and advance your career in a supportive, hybrid work environment. Join us at Clarity, and become part of a team dedicated to driving growth, enhancing reputations, and making a meaningful impact!

Our role

We're seeking a Financial Controller to join our London Finance team. This pivotal role oversees all financial aspects, from corporate accounting and regulatory reporting to budget forecasting and internal controls development. The ideal candidate boasts a strong financial management background in media or advertising and will serve as a key partner to senior management.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Financial Reporting & Analysis:
    • Prepare timely and accurate financial statements, management reports, and variance analysis.
    • Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
    • Provide strategic financial insights to the executive team based on data analysis.
  2. Budgeting & Forecasting:
    • Lead the annual budgeting process, including forecasting future financial performance.
    • Monitor and report on budget versus actual performance, identifying and addressing any discrepancies.
  3. Cash Flow Management:
    • Manage the short term cash flow, ensuring the company meets its financial obligations, sharing with our lenders regularly.
    • Monitor and analyse cash flow projections and provide recommendations on liquidity management.
  4. Internal Controls & Compliance:
    • Develop and maintain a strong system of internal controls, ensuring financial integrity and compliance with legal regulations.
    • Coordinate the preparation of regulatory reporting and liaise with external auditors.
  5. Cost Management:
    • Analyse operational costs and identify opportunities for cost savings.
    • Work closely with department heads to manage and control expenses.
  6. Financial Strategy & Planning:
    • Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement financial strategies that align with business objectives.
    • Provide financial analysis and modelling to support strategic decisions, including new business ventures and investments.
  7. Team Leadership:
    • Manage and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
    • Lead recruitment, training, and development of financial staff.

About you

  • Strong Finance generalist skill set – ideal if gained within an international company which is fast moving, dynamic and creative e.g. PR, advertising, marketing, broadcast, publishing etc.

  • Newly qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

  • Supervisory experience of one or more direct reports

  • Excellent knowledge of all core accounting processes (AP, AR, treasury, reconciliations, management accounts), GAAP and  financial reporting

  • Experience working for an international business in a multi-currency environment

  • Proficiency in financial software and advanced Excel skills.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

  • High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results orientation.

Working for us

We combine the fun and pace of working in a small local firm with the opportunities of a global agency. We take risks, learn, adapt and deliver, giving you full scope to achieve your unique potential in a supportive and exciting environment.

Our Benefits

Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family

At Clarity, we know that a happy and healthy team is a productive team. That's why we offer benefits like:

  • Private Medical Insurance: Get the care you need when you need it.
  • Enhanced Family Leave: Welcoming a new child is a special time that deserves special attention.
  • Clarity Cares Time: Appointments and emergencies don't have to eat into your PTO.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
  • Wellness Fund: Invest in your health and happiness.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme: Support for a healthier commute.

Taking Care of Your Community

We believe in giving back to the community, so we offer:

  • Volunteer Time Off: Giving back is good for the soul.
  • Clarity Compass: Internal employee committee helping ensure we’re walking our talk, especially on issues close to our heart - DEI, Environmental Impact, Employee Wellbeing and Community Engagement

Recharging Your Batteries

Everyone needs time to relax and recharge, which is why we offer:

  • Unlimited Holiday: Because who doesn't love time off?

  • Sabbatical Program: Even more time off after five years!

  • Summer Fridays and Winter Break: Enjoying life is important.

  • Flexible Working Program: Life happens, and we can help you adapt.

Other information

Clarity is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and for our Clients. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate against staff or Clients on the basis of age, disability, neurodiversity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Unfortunately due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond directly to all applicants, only to those whose candidacy is being pursued. In addition, the length of the recruitment process varies based on the vacancy needs. Traditionally, the process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Therefore, your patience is greatly appreciated!