At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive growth in a fast-paced, international SaaS environment.
- Company: Join MarcoPolo Learning, a leader in innovative early childhood education technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, hybrid work, and 20 days paid holiday.
- Other info: Collaborative, family-friendly culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global education while shaping finance for a mission-driven company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 7+ years in finance, ideally in SaaS or tech.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Financial Controller
- Location: London, UK Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
- About Marco Polo Learning
Marco Polo Learning is a leading provider of innovative content, technology, and instructional support for early childhood education.
Since 2013, we've impacted thousands of classrooms and hundreds of thousands of families across North America.
Our Emmy-nominated Marco Polo World School app and The Polos TV series bring STEM and global discovery to life for young learners.
Backed by top-tier investors, we're on a mission to transform early learning at scale - and we're looking for a Financial Controller who thrives in a fast‑scaling, international Saa S environment.
Role Overview
We're seeking an experienced, hands‑on Financial Controller to lead and mature our finance operations across the UK and US entities.
You'll work directly with the executive team to scale systems, streamline processes, strengthen controls, and provide strategic financial insight that drives growth.
The ideal candidate has successfully supported post‑Series A/B growth, managed multi‑entity operations across geographies, and built high‑performing finance teams that combine strong compliance discipline with operational agility.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and scale the company's financial operations across the UK and US, including accounting, tax, payroll, and reporting functions.
- Own the month‑end close, management accounts, consolidation, and audit preparation, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Partner with leadership to develop financial planning, analysis, and scenario modelling that support data‑driven decisions.
- Implement process improvements and automation across finance workflows (AP, AR, payroll, P2P, and expense management).
- Oversee UK & US tax compliance, including VAT, R&D, PSA, P11D, PAYE, and US sales tax; liaise with external advisors as needed.
- Manage year‑end audits, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS, and US GAAP (ASC 606).
- Oversee cash flow and working capital management, ensuring optimal liquidity.
- Support the implementation and optimisation of ERP and accounting systems to ensure scalability.
- Drive cross‑functional collaboration with Operations, Sales, and Product teams to align financial insights with business strategy.
- Support equity management (EMI schemes), intercompany transactions, and consolidation reporting.
- Provide accounting guidance for M&A transactions, due diligence, and post‑acquisition integration where applicable.
What We're Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or CPA) with a minimum of 7+ years of progressive finance experience.
- Hands‑on Controller or Senior Finance Manager experience in a Saa S, fintech, or technology business, ideally post‑Series A/B.
- Proven ability to scale finance functions, implement systems, and reduce close times.
- Strong technical knowledge across UK GAAP, IFRS, and US GAAP (ASC 606).
- Demonstrated success in multi‑entity, multi‑currency environments (UK/US).
- Proficient in ERP and P2P tools, advanced Excel, and comfortable with automation and data‑driven decision‑making.
- Excellent understanding of Saa S financial metrics (ARR, deferred revenue, churn, LTV/CAC).
- Experience managing tax, audit, payroll, and statutory compliance.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross‑team collaboration skills.
- Self‑starter with high ownership, attention to detail, and a process improvement mindset.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (£95,000 - £100,000) plus stock options.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- 20 days of paid holiday.
- Collaborative, family‑friendly environment that values balance and autonomy.
- The opportunity to build and shape the finance function of a mission‑driven global education company.
- Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to join a growing company at the intersection of education, media, and technology, where your financial leadership will directly impact our global mission.
You'll work closely with senior leaders across London and the US, helping us scale efficiently and sustainably through the next stage of growth.
Note: This is a UK‑based position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available at this time.
Marco Polo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
We have flexible remote/hybrid working arrangements and we pride ourselves on a supportive and mission‑driven working environment.
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Financial Controller employer: Marco Polo Learning
At MarcoPolo Learning, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Our hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities ensures that you can thrive in your career. Join us in making a meaningful impact in global education, with competitive salaries and stock options that reflect our dedication to rewarding your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Marco Polo Learning. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Marco Polo Learning.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Marco Polo Learning. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Marco Polo Learning and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Marco Polo Learning how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marco Polo Learning
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Marco Polo Learning.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Marco Polo Learning's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
