Financial Controller

Elite Project Group is a leading sports management and consultancy agency based in Mayfair, representing high-profile clients across the sports industry. Our work involves complex, multi-party commercial arrangements and sensitive client information, so accuracy, discretion, and sound judgement sit at the heart of everything the finance function does.

Role Purpose

The Financial Controller takes hands-on ownership of the company's accounting operations, financial controls, and reporting. You will be responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of all financial records and reporting across the group, ensuring the numbers directors rely on are right, on time, and properly controlled. You will line manage the Finance Administrator, act as the primary point of contact for our external accountants and payroll provider, and ensure our financial processes stand up to the regulatory scrutiny that comes with operating in professional football.

Job Specification

• Financial Reporting Management Information
  • Prepare monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and commentary on performance against budget.
  • Produce financial reports, KPI analysis, and board-level information for directors as required.
  • Lead month-end and year-end close processes using Xero.
  • Prepare year-end files and supporting schedules for statutory accounts, working with our external accountants to ensure accurate and timely filing.
• Budgeting, Forecasting Cash Management
  • Prepare the annual budget in partnership with the directors and maintain rolling forecasts.
  • Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital, ensuring the business always has clear visibility of its cash position.
  • Provide variance analysis and flag risks and opportunities to directors early.
• Financial Operations
  • Oversee accounts payable, including invoice administration, supplier payments, and management of outstanding balances.
  • Oversee the raising of sales invoices, ensuring accuracy and alignment with client and contractual terms, and lead credit control.
  • Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly.
  • Oversee the administration and reconciliation of staff expense cards, expense requests, and reimbursement claims.
• Tax, Payroll Statutory Compliance
  • Prepare VAT returns and ensure timely, accurate submission.
  • Liaise with our external payroll provider on payroll administration, PAYE, and pension compliance.
  • Liaise with our external accountants and tax specialists on Corporation Tax matters and support statutory filings, including Companies House requirements.
  • Interpret multi-party contractual agreements for their VAT and tax implications.
• Industry Regulatory Finance
  • Reconcile commission income against representation agreements and payment schedules, tracking amounts due from clubs, players, and third parties.
  • Ensure financial processes support compliance with FA and FIFA Football Agent Regulations, including the correct handling and recording of intermediary payments.
  • Maintain audit-ready records for all client-related financial transactions.
• Controls, Systems Team Leadership
  • Design, implement, and maintain robust internal financial controls, including segregation of duties, payment authorisation, and fraud prevention measures.
  • Own the Xero environment and continuously improve finance systems and processes.
  • Ensure financial data is handled in line with confidentiality obligations and UK GDPR.
  • Line manage, develop, and support the Finance Administrator, including workload planning, review of work, and performance management.
  • Undertake ad hoc financial analysis and projects as directed by the directors.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• QUALIFICATIONS
  • Essential: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), or equivalent recognised qualification; Evidence of up-to-date continuing professional development (CPD).
  • Desirable: Degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline; Additional tax qualification or specialist VAT training.
• EXPERIENCE
  • Essential: Significant post-qualification experience in a finance role with broad responsibility, ideally running or deputising for a finance function in an SME; Hands-on experience preparing management accounts, VAT returns, and year-end files; Proficiency in Xero; Experience interpreting multi-party contractual agreements for their VAT and tax implications; Experience working with external accountants, auditors, or advisers.
  • Desirable: Experience in sports, entertainment, agency, or another client-service environment handling high-profile individuals; Experience of multi-entity or group structures; Prior line management experience; Familiarity with FA/FIFA Football Agent Regulations or a comparable regulated payments environment.
• KNOWLEDGE SKILLS
  • Essential: Strong working knowledge of UK GAAP (FRS 102), VAT, and PAYE; Advanced Excel and strong financial modelling and analysis skills; Ability to build and maintain internal controls appropriate to a small, fast-moving business; Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-finance colleagues and directors.
  • Desirable: Working knowledge of QuickBooks or Sage; Understanding of image rights, intermediary, or commission-based revenue models.
• PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
  • Essential: Demonstrated commitment to ethics, confidentiality, and integrity when handling sensitive financial and client information; Proactive, self-directed, and comfortable owning outcomes rather than tasks; Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities to deadline.

What's On Offer

£55,000 – £60,000 depending on experience. Full ownership of the accounting function, with visibility and direct access to directors. Work with a respected sports consultancy representing high-profile clients, in the heart of Mayfair. A collaborative, professional team and a high-challenge environment that values accuracy, integrity, and excellence.