Fractional Head of Finance | Film & TV Start-Up | 1.5 days p/w

The Client is an exciting new films sales agency, based out of London but with staff in the US. Led by a highly respected industry veteran with decades of experience in film sales and production, it is an ambitious company which will be heavily involved in production. It will launch officially in autumn 2026 with a significant library as well as a slate of new titles.

This is a hands-on and commercially focused role requiring a proactive and detail-oriented individual who is comfortable operating across both day-to-day finance and strategic financial planning. As the company is just commencing operations, initial work will prioritise day-to-day finance matters (such as cash collections, creating core processes), but the strategic role will develop as the company eventually looks to hire a financial controller/manager.

As Fractional Head of Finance, you will take ownership of the finance function while partnering closely with senior leadership to improve reporting, strengthen controls, and provide meaningful commercial insight to support decision-making across the business. This role would suit someone who enjoys working within scaling businesses where processes are still evolving and who can balance operational delivery with strategic input.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and oversee monthly management accounts, reporting packs, and financial analysis (initially as required)
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes, including variance analysis and commentary
• Monitor and manage cashflow forecasting and wider financial performance
• Partner with leadership on commercial planning, pricing strategy, and growth forecasting
• Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
• Work on (and laterally oversee) accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure smooth day-to-day operations including the vital process of issuing sales invoices and maintaining collections reports.
• Manage payroll processes, including pensions, benefits, and statutory obligations, initially via third party provider but with the intent to bring this in-house as the team expands
• Support board reporting and provide financial insight to senior stakeholders
• Put in place and streamline financial systems, reporting processes, and controls
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and advisors where required
• Support wider strategic and operational decision-making across the business
• Working closely with legal, sales and other teams within the business.

Essential Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Previous experience within a Financial Controller, Head of Finance, or Finance Director position
• Strong management reporting, forecasting, and commercial finance experience
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced and evolving environment
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and financial systems experience
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability
• Experience working within a Media business

Bonus Experience

• Exposure to board reporting and investor-facing environments, financial covenants
• Familiarity with Xero or similar cloud-based finance systems
• Experience working within a Film business.
• Experience of iRights/iCash software

Day Rate: £550-£650 per day (Outside IR35)

Location: Remote initially, with a day in the office in London when premises are acquired by the Client (in Q4 2026)

Contract Length: until end of 2026 (possibility to temp-to-perm)

Working Pattern: 1.5 days per week, with a possibility of moving to 2 days a week depending how the business scales.

Start Date: ASAP

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.