Financial Controller

Financial Controller | Creative Manchester Marketing Agency

£70 - 80k DOE

About the Company

We are thrilled to be partnering exclusively with a dynamic and innovative Creative Marketing Agency based in Manchester. Renowned for crafting impactful campaigns and strategies across diverse industries, the agency prides itself on pushing creative boundaries while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.

As a key member of the team, you'll join a close-knit group of around 40 passionate professionals. With an exciting growth trajectory and a focus on delivering excellence for their clients, the agency is seeking an experienced and proactive Financial Controller to oversee their financial operations and drive the next stage of growth.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working closely with the leadership team, the Financial Controller will play a pivotal role in managing and improving financial processes. From overseeing management accounts and cash flow forecasting to implementing strategic initiatives, this role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and is eager to make a tangible impact on the company's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, ensuring accurate balance sheet reconciliations, prepayments, deferred revenue, and accruals.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Manage cash flow forecasting, variance analysis, and budgeting to support strategic decision-making.
• Tax & Compliance: Oversee VAT returns, liaise with external accountants on R&D tax claims, and ensure all regulatory compliance requirements are met.
• Operational Efficiency: Implement and refine financial processes to improve efficiency and accuracy across purchase and sales ledgers.
• Payroll & Expenses: Manage monthly payroll for UK staff, oversee global payroll via external providers, and streamline employee expense and credit card platforms.
• Leadership: Partner with department heads to provide financial insights and guide the business on cost management and financial planning.
• Strategic Projects: Support the leadership team with ad hoc financial projects, including potential system upgrades, growth planning, and operational strategies.

About You

We're looking for an experienced finance professional who is not only detail-oriented but also strategic and collaborative. You should be confident in managing financial operations while contributing to the agency's long-term vision.

Qualifications & Skills

• A qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA) with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role, ideally in a creative, marketing, or agency environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK VAT, tax compliance, and general accounting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Google Sheets/Excel; experience with agency management systems is a plus.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• A passion for creativity and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to challenges.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Hybrid working model (mix of office and remote).
• Opportunity to work with a high-energy, creative team making an impact across industries.
• A supportive and inclusive environment that values growth and innovation.

We are committed to fostering an equitable workplace and actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Every candidate will be thoughtfully considered, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.