Senior Financial Controller

Location: Central London (working from our Film Studios). Can work from home one day a week.

(Please note, Linked In quick applications will not be monitored. Please contact us via email; see details at the end.)

We are a combined video production agency and film studio based in London. Fortemus Films is an award-winning video production agency. Kennington Film Studios is a commercial film and photography studio in Central London, with 3 sound-treated studio spaces across 4,500 sq ft and 1 podcast/vodcast studio.

We are looking for a Senior Financial Controller to join the team at our award-winning, established film and video production agency and film studio.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will shape the financial direction of the business alongside senior management, while also running the day-to-day financial control yourself. It suits someone who enjoys the bigger picture but is equally comfortable doing reconciliations, payment runs and credit control.

Reporting to the CFO and Managing Director, you will be responsible for:

• Act as the senior finance lead for both Fortemus Films and Kennington Film Studios, advising the Managing Director on financial decisions and business planning.
• Work with the CFO to develop and deliver the company's financial strategy and long-term plans.
• Provide commercial insight on project profitability, pricing, studio utilisation and overall business performance.
• Identify risks and opportunities, and recommend practical actions to improve margins and cash position.
• Own and continually improve finance processes, systems and controls so they remain fit for purpose as the business grows.
• Act as the main point of contact for external accountants, auditors, HMRC and banks.
• Oversee all accounting operations, including accounts payable and receivable, general ledger and payroll.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
• Manage cash flow and forecasting.
• Manage the year-end process and prepare supporting information for statutory accounts and corporation tax.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax requirements and internal policies.

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets and rolling financial forecasts.
• Monitor and report variances, providing clear and actionable insights to management.
• Support project budgeting and cost tracking across productions.
• Daily reconciliation of bank and nominal ledger balances, and maintenance of accurate Sales, Purchase and General ledgers.
• Produce management accounts for the CFO to review.
• Complete and file VAT returns.
• Credit control: chasing clients for outstanding balances and negotiating with suppliers for better credit terms.
• Prepare and propose daily payment runs.
• Manage supplier payments and communications.
• Monitor overhead expenses and general cost of sales.
• Ensure purchase order processes and systems are followed and fit for purpose.
• Routine procedures, including checking invoices against purchase orders, generating invoices, filing and other ad hoc accounting responsibilities.

• ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified or part-qualified, or AAT qualified with significant experience at a senior level.
• 7+ years' finance experience in an SME, including time in a financial controller or equivalent role.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP (FRS 102).
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Proficiency in Xero and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Commercially minded, with the confidence to advise senior management.
• Able to work under pressure and independently.
• Proactive in identifying where processes can be improved.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership skills to guide and support others.
• Strong organisational skills.
• A good understanding of the key principles of employment law.
• Experience in creative, media or project-based businesses would be an advantage.