Senior Finance Manager

About 501 Entertainment Limited (“501”)

Founded in 2018, 501 is the global leader in social entertainment systems, dedicated to bringing innovative and engaging solutions to the market. As a pioneering tech company, we specialise in transforming traditional activities (such as darts, golf and more), into digitally enhanced, competitive socialising experiences.

The Senior Finance Manager is the operational lead of the finance function at 501 Entertainment — a fast‑growing, investor‑backed entertainment technology business. Reporting to the CFO, this role owns the day‑to‑day running of the finance team, the period‑end close, management reporting, payroll, tax compliance, and audit liaison. The Senior Finance Manager manages two Finance Managers and a Finance Assistant and acts as the primary point of technical escalation for all finance matters below CFO level.

This is a hands‑on role in a lean, high‑growth environment that is adding complexity rapidly — new billing models, manufacturing, overseas indirect tax exposure, and enhanced investor reporting requirements are all in the pipeline. The right candidate will be comfortable owning complex processes end‑to‑end, communicating clearly with senior stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement across the finance function.

• Own the full period‑end close on a 4‑weekly reporting cycle.
• Prepare management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, and KPI’s with independent variance commentary.
• Review all journals, accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations to close deadline.
• Present management accounts to the CFO.
• Maintain audit‑ready records at all times.

• Facilitate the annual budget process in partnership with the CFO.
• Support commercial analysis and scenario modelling as required by the business.

• Own VAT returns, ensuring full compliance with HMRC requirements and timely submission.
• Support corporation tax and R&D tax credit processes in liaison with external advisors.
• Monitor and respond to developing indirect tax obligations, including overseas compliance as the business expands internationally.
• Ensure all statutory filing obligations are met.

• Act as primary contact for external auditors during the year‑end audit process.
• Manage relationships with tax advisors and other professional service providers.
• Ensure the finance function maintains audit readiness throughout the year.

• Own the full payroll process — calculation, approval, and payslip issuance.
• Ensure payroll is accurate and issued on time each period.
• Communicate payroll position clearly to senior management.

• Support the CFO in preparing board and investor reporting packs.
• Ensure investor reporting obligations (including Series A requirements) are met accurately and on time.
• Develop and maintain KPI reporting as the business and its reporting requirements evolve.

• Line‑manage two Finance Managers and a Finance Assistant, setting clear priorities, objectives, and standards.
• Develop team capability and manage workload effectively.
• Act as the day‑to‑day escalation point for finance queries across the business.

• Manage supplier payment runs with strong cash discipline.
• Support treasury management as the business scales.

• Maintain and improve finance systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Keep SOPs current and ensure they are followed consistently by the team.

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (essential).
• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience within industry.
• Demonstrable track record of owning the period‑end close and preparing management accounts independently.
• Experience managing VAT compliance and liaising with external auditors.
• Background in a fast‑growth SME environment; technology or SaaS experience is advantageous.
• People management experience desirable.

The ‘how’ we fulfil our role is very important and therefore the following skills…