Finance Director - Ceremony of Roses

Ceremony of Roses is a global media, branding, design and events company with a full service music merchandise arm, covering every aspect of merchandise sales, production and distribution worldwide. The Finance Director is responsible for the financial leadership, governance and operational finance management of Ceremony of Roses UK & Probity Merchandise. The role ensures the integrity of financial reporting, compliance, royalty accounting, tax obligations and audit requirements, whilst partnering with leadership to support commercial decision-making and business growth.

What you'll do:

• Manage the monthly close process, including financial commentary and analysis of performance versus plan and forecast and performing balance sheet reviews.
• Review royalty statements based on contract terms as needed and reconciliation processes.
• Ensure accurate accounting treatment of inventory, stock movements and related intercompany activity.
• Ensure timely submission of corporate deliverables, including monthly forecasts and annual business plans for current ventures, new acquisitions, and business units.
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes, providing performance analysis, financial insight and modelling to support business objectives and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain reporting packages, including periodic artist and business unit P&Ls.
• Lead deal analysis for potential artist deals and evaluate financial performance against targets.
• Analyze, assess and then develop quantitative-based recommendations to support revenue growth and improve margin and profitability.
• Serve as the business lead for integration projects related to new and acquired entities, defining requirements around systems, data integration, workflow, processes, and reporting needs.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and intercompany operations to enhance efficiency, controls and reporting effectiveness.
• Oversee the accuracy and integrity of artist royalty reporting, ensuring timely calculations, reconciliations and payments in line with contractual obligations.
• Lead VAT reporting, compliance and indirect tax governance across the UK and European territories, ensuring accurate filings, regulatory compliance and effective management of tax risk.
• Own the statutory reporting process and serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, coordinating audits, financial statement preparation and regulatory submissions.

Who you are:

• Experience and strong proficiency in financial planning, analysis, and reporting with strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Public accounting or financial reporting experience preferred.
• Qualified Accountant or similar professional qualification.
• Progressive experience in finance and accounting roles, with experience in a leadership position.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial modelling tools.
• Strong proficiency in financial budgeting, forecasting and deal analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely.
• Experience in the merchandising, retail, or entertainment industry is a plus.
• Proficiency with financial software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Hyperion).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and business integration projects.
• A critical thinker with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Experience in risk management and implementing financial controls.
• Knowledge of tax compliance and royalty management.
• Excited to learn and make an impact.

What we give you:

• You join a vibrant global community with the opportunity to channel your passion every day.
• A modern office environment designed for you, empowering you to bring your best.
• Investment in your professional growth and development enabling you to thrive in our vibrant community.
• The space to accelerate progress, positively disrupt and create what happens next.
• We give you the platform to champion positive change, with the opportunity to contribute to our social impact, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
• We provide an excellent range of benefits like private medical cover, a generous pension scheme, life assurance, income protection, plus loads of music industry perks.
• There’s also time off over winter break.

Equal Opportunities

As an active part of a culturally and socially diverse society, Sony Music’s aim is that our workforce is diverse and inclusive. Sony Music is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity. We employ, retain, promote and otherwise treat all employees and job applicants according to their merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We apply this policy without regard to any individual’s sex, race, religion, origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition or disability. Please note that applicants must be at least 18 years of age.