Club Financial Reporting Manager in Preston

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Contract Type: Permanent

Workplace: EFL House, Preston

Reporting to: Senior Club Financial Reporting Manager

Working Pattern: M-F, 35 hours

The EFL is looking for a qualified chartered accountant to work as a Club Financial Reporting Manager within the EFL's Club Financial Reporting Unit. The role will be responsible for the detailed review of submissions provided by Clubs under the ‘Financial Regulations’ as defined by the EFL.

JOB PURPOSE

This role is one of two manager roles responsible for the detailed review of submissions provided by Clubs under the ‘Financial Regulations’ as defined by the EFL. The Club Financial Reporting Managers are the regular point of contact for the people responsible for Finance at Clubs. Within the role, there will be a primary focus on the Championship P&S rules and League One and League Two SCMP rules as well as financial records requirements of EFL Regulation 16. They may also be involved with supporting any investigative work or regulatory action being taken in relation to Clubs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• FINANCIAL REGULATIONS: The detailed review of Club submissions under the ‘Financial Regulations.’ This includes:

• Submissions made by Championship Clubs in relation to Profitability and Sustainability Rules (or any replacement);
• Submissions made by League One and League Two Clubs in relation to the Salary Cost Management Protocol Guidelines as well as any ‘live monitoring’ of player registrations conducted under those guidelines;
• Submissions made by all EFL Clubs under EFL Regulation 16 – Club Financial Records and EFL Regulation 17 – HMRC Reporting.

• ACQUISITIONS OF CONTROL: Assisting with the detailed financial review of Club changes of control including the appraisal of proposed business plans. Liaising with the EFL Governance team to understand the structure of any proposed acquisition and its impact on the financial forecasts.

• INVESTIGATIONS AND REGULATORY ACTION: Supporting the work of the Director and Senior Manager within the team regarding any investigations or regulatory action concerning Clubs. This can involve placing Clubs under registration embargoes, monitoring against agreed business plans or reviewing information provided under formal information requests.

• INTERNAL ANALYSIS: The preparation of financial data analysis and benchmarking reports for the Executive Leadership Team, Club Financial Review Panel and Member Clubs and other external stakeholders.

• ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES: To maintain a professional, business-like approach when representing the EFL with both internal and external stakeholders ensuring the reputation of the EFL is maintained and enhanced at all times. Ensuring any work is documented with the utmost accuracy and clarity so that it may relied upon, with confidence, in any legal proceedings. Ensure Safeguarding is at the forefront of everything you do to promote a safe environment for the organisation, Clubs, Football Club charities and Partners. Contribute to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion as part of the culture of the organisation.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING: The ability to work on multiple projects and / or tasks at the same time while meeting set deadlines for those projects and tasks. A proven ability to review and query the assumptions in work and forecasts prepared by others including junior team members. Acute understanding of working with extremely confidential and sensitive information.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Qualified Accountant (ACA or ACCA) with demonstrable working competency within an audit role or something equivalent in nature. Technical and working knowledge in reviewing financial statements and detailed financial forecasts. Advanced working competency in the use of Microsoft Office packages especially Microsoft Excel. Excellent attention to detail and ability to document work performed clearly and thoroughly.

ATTRIBUTES: A commitment to self-development and learning from others as well as holding a ‘growth mindset’ when it comes to identifying improvements to existing processes and work. An able written and oral communicator with an ability to flex communication styles to suit the situation and audience. A proven ability to meet a variety of deadlines throughout the season. Able to build and sustain good working relationships with others, both internally and externally. Lead by example by contributing to promoting the principles of the EFL: Everybody Working Together- We are one team supporting each other and collaborating on our shared goals. Fairness & Equality- Being consistent and inclusive for everyone - showing respect. Listening & Learning- Communicating with trust and honesty - growing as individuals and enabling others to do so too.

INTRODUCTION TO THE EFL: The English Football League (EFL) is the highest attended football league and largest single body of professional clubs in Europe. It is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Sky Bet Play-Offs, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy competitions, plus youth and reserve team football. A vital part of sporting life, both in the UK and across the globe, the EFL operates some of the world’s most competitive, popular and successful football competitions, acting as part of the fabric of life for millions of fans and families. EFL Clubs are truly embedded in the hearts of their 72 local communities, spanning the breadth and depth of England and Wales. Away from the match‑day, Clubs and Football Club charities interact seven days a week, 365 days a year, making a positive contribution to the communities in which they serve.

CLUB FINANCIAL REPORTING UNIT: The Club Financial Reporting Unit reviews the financial regulatory submissions of the 72 EFL Clubs and assesses each Club's compliance against the relevant rules. Any regulatory action the CFRU takes is referred to the Club Financial Review Panel, an external, multi‑disciplinary body set up to provide the necessary independence and expertise to adjudicate on matters raised or contested. The Unit is led by the Director of Club Financial Reporting who is responsible for making recommendations concerning any regulatory action. The Director is supported in their assessment by the Senior Club Financial Reporting Manager as well as the EFL Legal Department.

OUR TEAM AT THE EFL: The EFL offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, Clubs, commercial partnerships and media in the market. We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment. Our employees are crucial to our success and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental elements of building our team. Each of us has an array of qualifications, skills and life experiences.

If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this in your application. The EFL reserves the right to close this vacancy early should we receive enough applications.