Financial Controller

• 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr