Finance Manager

About the Accounts & Finance Team

We are the guardians of our club’s financial health, ensuring that every penny is accounted for and strategically invested to support our mission.

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who thrive on accuracy, transparency, and insightful financial planning.

Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond numbers; we partner with other teams to ensure financial sustainability while enhancing member experiences.

Sunderland AFC is seeking a highly skilled and motivated finance professional to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the preparation and analysis of management accounts, budgets, and long‑term strategic plans to support the club’s growth and decision‑making processes. You will develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to evaluate business performance, working closely with various departments to monitor key financial KPIs and ensure alignment with the club’s strategic objectives.

Your expertise will also be vital in supporting negotiations and conducting financial due diligence related to player transfers, sponsorship agreements, supplier contracts, and commercial partnerships. Additionally, you will oversee cash flow management, financial forecasting, and variance analysis, providing valuable insights and recommendations to senior management to assist in making informed investment decisions.

The role involves leading process improvements in financial reporting and business management systems, managing relationships with financial institutions, and ensuring compliance with external financial regulations and internal policies.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or similar) with proven experience in FP&A, ideally within professional sports, entertainment, or a comparable environment.
• Strong understanding of business management principles, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strategic mindset with advanced Excel and financial software skills; keen eye for detail and high level of accuracy.
• Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive financial information.
• Knowledge of football industry operations and financial regulations is advantageous but not essential.
• Required to obtain a Basic DBS through SAFC.

Annual Leave
25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service

Death in Service
The Death in Service benefit provides peace of mind for you and your family, offering a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss.

Salary Exchange Schemes
Option to reduce your salary through our Salary Exchange Schemes to enjoy tax savings, increased pension contributions, eco‑friendly travel and healthier commutes.

Complimentary Season Tickets
Score two free tickets for all home fixtures, so you can kick back, cheer on the club and enjoy Premiership action.

Enhanced Family and Parental Pay
Enhanced paternity, maternity, and adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay, offering additional financial support to embrace your time with your families.

Employee Assistance Programs
Confidential support services that go beyond just workplace wellness, providing access to counselling, resources, and tools to tackle personal challenges.

Free Parking
Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.

Discounts
SAFC employees enjoy various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.

Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. It owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club and will ensure safety and protection is given to all through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club.

Safeguarding is a collective responsibility that involves everyone associated with the club. All members of the Sunderland AFC community are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns promptly.