Management Accountant - Technology

A key role within the Reporting & Control team at Channel 4, responsible for the production, analysis and reporting of the actual performance of the C4 organisation, including KPI’s and comparative variance analysis, as compared to the periodic budgets, forecasts, plans and YoY benchmarks. This role supports the Finance Manager – Technology and Senior Finance Manager – Group Reporting, as part of the centralised management accounts team, in completing all management accounting requirements to deliver the above, across all close periods (month, quarter and year‑end), managing and maintaining data and reporting in accordance with internal controls, policies and processes; contributing to and supporting the development of the financial systems and reporting tools, formats and deliverables to promote and improve the understanding of the C4 operating performance.

This role will provide financial support to the Distribution & Transmission, Commercial, Content, Broadcast and Data Architecture teams within the Technology pillar, acting as the key stakeholder in Finance for budget holders regarding year‑to‑date actuals and year‑to‑go performance, helping them track, understand and better manage their forward‑looking forecasts and ensure all feedback/changes are incorporated in reporting and analysis, as well as supporting the budget holders where necessary to deliver operational reporting and additional forward‑looking analysis supporting capital investment projects and strategic decisions. This role is also the management accountant for STP – C4’s Streaming Transformation Project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Management Accounting: Work closely with the Finance Manager – Technology, to prepare the monthly management accounts for the Technology cost centres specified for the role as above and the Streaming Transformation project, including detailed analysis to support their department heads and senior stakeholders. Support the month, quarter and year end close cycles including posting of all journal entries – accruals, prepayments and ad‑hoc adjustments. Compliance with and adherence to standard accounting principles, internal controls processes and supporting the external audit, providing the auditors with documented evidence – able to provide logical explanations and walk‑throughs of all areas in their control, and elevate to more senior members of the team where appropriate. Monthly GL reconciliation including balance sheet recs for areas of responsibility with analysis and commentary against monthly/quarterly flux. Month and year‑to‑date P&L variance analysis vs forecast, with commentary for areas of responsibility, understanding and relaying a detailed story behind the numbers. Ad‑hoc support to the Procurement and AP functions to support PO and invoice coding and approval, contract renewals, deal memos and supplier relationship management with a lens toward operating efficiencies and strategic review of our cost base to maximise the returns for the business.
• Project Accounting: Monthly review of Technology project costs and transfer of capitalisable spend to WiP/ Asset Clearing. Liaise with budget holders and Tech PMO to monitor progress and delivery roadmap of Capex projects. Reconcile project costs upon completion against actual spend and prior to capitalisation. Month end postings, reporting and assisting budget holders plan and track project spend. Responsible for maintenance and improvement of Technology forecast tools and financial models, including supporting the future forecast tool replacement project. Assist in preparing the financials for Technology business cases and project closure reports. Review and update project and product codes for own areas, ensuring all entries adhere to wider coding guidance for a controlled tracking of our cost base.
• Financial Planning and Business Partnering: Work closely with the Finance Manager (FP&A) – Technology, Costs & Capital and Finance Manager – Technology to assist in the submission and completion of quarterly forecast, annual budget and 3‑year plan for areas of responsibility. Support and lead where required the monthly reforecast review with Technology heads of department including walkthrough of year‑to‑date and year‑to‑go costs, providing clear guidance and advisory on full‑year picture, flagging any risks and opportunities. Update risks & opportunities schedule in line with the above and explain material updates to FP&A at the monthly risk & opportunities meeting. Responsible for submitting forecasts in Workday each quarter and for annual budget and annual rolling 3‑year plan. Update cashflow forecast for areas of responsibility, flagging any risks to the treasury department and attending quarterly treasury meeting.
• Other: Assist in the ongoing development and improvement of management reporting activities across the business including building out dashboards and automating processes. Other responsibilities as required by the Finance Manager – Technology, SFM – Group Reporting or Head of Group Reporting from time to time. Ad‑hoc involvement in Finance projects outside of Technology, to support own development and exposure to other areas of the business. This role does not come with any direct reports, however scope to support and mentor AMA’s and Finance Apprentice on an ad‑hoc basis is available.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a minimum of 3+ years’ relevant management accounting experience.
• Experience of recognised ERP, BI and Finance systems, preferably Oracle and/or Workday.
• Some experience with Power BI and Co‑Pilot is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience of interacting with and supporting business budget holders in the day‑to‑day management of operating budgets.
• Experience of leading and supporting the creation and development of in‑year forecasts based on year‑to‑date performance as related to the business areas managed.
• Proven experience of building good working relationships with non‑Finance people.
• Advanced Excel Skills and intermediate Word/ PowerPoint.
• Enthusiastic and self‑motivated team player.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Flexible and able to work to tight deadlines.
• An autonomous and proactive approach to work with a demonstrable ability to improve and give valuable contribution to systems and processes.