Group Financial Controller
About this role:
We are seeking a highly motivated Group Financial Controller to join our dynamic team. Reporting directly to the Finance Director and Managing Director, the Group Financial Controller will be responsible for the financial management, reporting, control, and consolidation of Milk Visual Effects Limited and its international subsidiaries in the UK, Spain, Ireland and France. The role will ensure accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, statutory compliance, cash flow management, and timely delivery of consolidated group accounts to support both local management and the parent company, Phantom Media Group.
The position combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational responsibility within a lean finance structure supported by a Finance Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting & Group Consolidation
- Oversee the monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting process for the group.
- Prepare timely and accurate consolidated accounts for the UK, Spain, Ireland & France
- Manage intercompany accounting, reconciliations and eliminations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, including UK GAAP and local statutory requirements.
- Produce consolidated reporting packs for Phantom Media in India.
- Develop and maintain group consolidation models and reporting procedures.
- Analyse financial performance, key variances, margins, project profitability & cash flow
Statutory Compliance & Audit
- Manage year-end statutory accounts preparation and external audits across all entities.
- Coordinate with external accountants, auditors and tax advisers in each jurisdiction.
- Ensure compliance with UK Companies Act & local regulations in Spain, Ireland & France.
- Oversee corporation tax, VAT, payroll tax and other statutory filings.
- Maintain compliance with transfer pricing and intercompany transaction requirements as applicable.
Finance Operations
- Oversee Accounts payable and vendor management
- Oversee Invoicing and credit collection function
- Oversee payroll and expenses processes
Financial Control & Governance
- Establish and maintain robust financial controls and procedures.
- Ensure balance sheet integrity through regular reconciliations and review processes.
- Monitor compliance with internal policies and delegated authorities.
- Manage financial risk including foreign currency exposures and working capital requirements.
- Lead process improvement initiatives across the finance function.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Partnering
- Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
- Work closely with operational management to provide commercial financial support.
- Deliver financial analysis and insights for strategic decision-making.
- Support business planning, investment cases and growth initiatives.
- Monitor project and production profitability within the visual effects business.
Treasury & Cash Management
- Manage group cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning.
- Oversee banking relationships and payment controls.
- Monitor working capital performance and optimise cash utilisation.
- Coordinate funding requirements with Phantom Media where necessary.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Act as lead finance owner for Xero accounting software across the group.
- Drive improvements in financial systems, reporting automation and data integrity.
- Develop efficient group reporting structures and standardised financial processes.
- Ensure appropriate use of technology to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor and develop the Finance Manager.
- Allocate and review work to ensure timely and accurate delivery of finance activities.
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative finance function.
- Build strong relationships with operational and corporate stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
Key Relationships:
Internal
- Directors and Senior Leadership Team
- Finance Manager
- Phantom Media Group Finance Team (India)
- Production and Operations Management
External
- External Auditors
- Tax Advisers
- Banks and Financial Institutions
- Payroll Providers
- Regulatory Bodies
- Local accounting advisers in Spain, Ireland & France
Person Specification:
Essential Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role.
Essential Experience
- Experience managing multi-entity and multi-currency group structures.
- Proven experience preparing financial consolidations.
- Strong knowledge of intercompany accounting and consolidation adjustments.
- Experience of statutory reporting and audit management.
- Hands-on experience using Xero accounting software.
- Experience working with international subsidiaries.
- Strong cash flow management, budgeting & forecasting experience.
- Experience leading and developing finance staff.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of media, entertainment, visual effects, film production or creative industries.
- Experience reporting to an overseas parent company.
- Exposure to UK GAAP and IFRS reporting environments.
- Knowledge of Spanish, Irish and French statutory reporting requirements.
Skills & Competencies
- A seasoned Business Partner
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent technical accounting skills.
- Strong consolidation and group reporting capability.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently within a lean finance environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Delivery of monthly accounts within agreed deadlines.
- Accuracy and timeliness of group consolidations.
- Successful completion of annual audits.
- Statutory compliance across all jurisdictions.
- Forecast accuracy and budget management.
- Cash flow performance and working capital management.
- Continuous improvement of finance processes and controls.
- Effective management and development of the Finance Manager.