Commercial Finance Analyst (12 month Fixed Term Contract) (London Area)

*In-Person work required in Chiswick Park*

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Management Accounting

• Responsible for period end accounting closes for rugby generally, various Fight Sports properties and output deal sales contracts. New properties may be added as the role evolves.
• Finance support for the centralised Marketing team, liaising with the VP of Marketing.
• Prepare & analyse commercial team T&E reports
• Variance analysis of actual results against forecast

Commercial Accounting

• Preparation of periodic client accounting reports for rights properties including liaising with clients.
• Compliance with obligations under client and customer contracts
• Liaison with group accounts payable function to ensure all company payments are made on a timely basis.
• Valuation and appraisal of new sports rights acquisition opportunities

Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis:

• Preparation of forecasts for rights properties and on a 2 year rolling basis. This involves liaising with Commercial, Production, Legal and Finance colleagues to ensure all relevant information is collected.
• Periodic cash-flow forecasting for rights properties.

Other

• Support the wider Rights accounting team to standardise workbooks and improve efficiency of month end close process.
• Support controllership team with month end reconciliations.
• You may also be required to carry out any other duties which are within the scope and purpose of the job.

Key Results Areas

• The timely preparation and submission of month end, quarter end and year end results and analysis of those results
• Compliance with commercial reporting requirements on rights properties

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Mandatory

• Good knowledge of UK and US GAAP
• Confident and flexible team player with the ability to work with commercial staff across the organisation.
• Must be able to work on own initiative to identify and resolve problems.
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition

Desirable

• Hands on experience of working within the media or sports rights industry
• Experience of working in a worldwide group
• Experience in using SAP accounting system.
• Experience of financial planning and analysis work

Skills and Abilities

Mandatory

• Must be able to plan and organise work to meet deadlines and determine priorities.
• Must be able to work on own initiative to identify problem areas and work through to a satisfactory conclusion.
• Strong Excel ability
• Good communication (written and verbal) skills
• Proven experience of business partnering

Qualifications and Training

Mandatory

• Qualified Accountant– ACA / CIMA / ACCA or equivalent

Desirable

• Established post qualification experience (2 years preferred)
• Experience working in media industry

Aptitudes/Personal Profile

Mandatory

• Must be able to work calmly under pressure and work as part of a team to achieve results.
• Proactive and self motivated with excellent communication and organisational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; and
• A “finisher” with the genuine drive and commitment to always deliver against objectives.

Desirable

• A strong interest in both Sports and Media