At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations for a growing education tech company, ensuring accuracy and strategic insight.
- Company: Join MarcoPolo Learning, a mission-driven leader in early childhood education technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible remote work, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with innovative leaders across the UK and US.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 7+ years in finance, ideally in SaaS or tech.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Fractional Financial Controller
Engagement Type: Fractional / Part-time - approx. 2 days per week (minimum 20-22 hours/week), ongoing
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 Fractional Financial Controller who thrives in a fast-scaling, international Saa S environment.
Role Overview
We're seeking an experienced, hands-on Fractional Financial Controller to own and mature our finance operations across the UK and US entities on a part-time basis of approximately 2 days per week (minimum 20-22 hours).
You'll work directly with the executive team to run the finance function, strengthen controls, keep reporting accurate and timely, and provide strategic financial insight that drives growth.
This is a remote engagement with flexibility over how your days are structured; occasional in-person time in London with the CEO and leadership team is welcomed but not required on a fixed schedule.
The ideal candidate has operated as a fractional or hands-on Controller in fast-scaling Saa S/technology businesses, managed multi-entity operations across the UK and US, and can hit the ground running with minimal onboarding.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the finance function across the UK and US, including accounting, tax, payroll, and reporting.
- Run the month-end close, management accounts, consolidation, and audit preparation, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Partner with leadership on financial planning, analysis, and scenario modelling to support data-driven decisions.
- Maintain and improve finance workflows and automation (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 optimization of ERP and accounting systems to ensure scalability.
- Provide financial insight to Operations, Sales, and Product teams to align 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 fractional finance experience in a Saa S, fintech, or technology business, ideally post-Series A/B.
- Proven ability to run and improve finance functions independently with minimal oversight.
- 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.
- Self-starter with high ownership, attention to detail, and a process improvement mindset.
- Able to commit approximately 2 days per week (minimum 20-22 hours) on an ongoing basis.
What We Offer
- Competitive day rate (fractional basis)
- Fully flexible, remote working around a ~2-day-per-week commitment.
- A collaborative, family-friendly, mission-driven environment.
- The opportunity to shape the finance function of a mission-driven global education company at a key growth stage.
- Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to bring your financial leadership to a growing company at the intersection of education, media, and technology.
You'll work closely with senior leaders across London and the US, helping us scale efficiently and sustainably - on a flexible, fractional basis that fits around your portfolio.
Note: This is a UK-based engagement. 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 pride ourselves on a supportive and mission-driven working environment.
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Fractional 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 Fractional Financial Controller
✨Dive into Financial Communities
Join financial forums and local networking events where professionals in financial controlling hang out. Places like the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or local finance meetups can connect us with insiders who know about part-time opportunities, like the one at Marco Polo Learning.
✨Leverage Campus Resources
If we’re still studying or recently graduated, let’s not forget to use our university’s career services. They often have leads on part-time roles in financial controlling, particularly with companies looking for students to fill these positions, making it a win-win!
✨Demonstrate Your Skills Publicly
Share your insights on financial topics through blogs or LinkedIn posts. Showcasing our expertise in areas like budgeting, forecasting, or variance analysis can attract the attention of potential employers, including Marco Polo Learning. Plus, it sets us apart from other candidates.
✨Check Out Freelance Platforms
Even for a part-time gig, consider platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. They often have short-term projects in financial controlling, and landing one can help us build our portfolio. Keep an eye on roles that could lead to more permanent positions at places like Marco Polo Learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Financial Acumen:For a role in financial controlling, we really want to see your analytical skills shine through. Make sure your CV highlights any coursework or experience with financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. If you've worked on any projects that involved financial modelling, definitely mention those!
Quantified Achievements Are Key:In financial roles, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your experience, use quantifiable achievements whenever possible. For example, if you helped reduce costs or improved a process, include the percentage or amount saved. This will make your application really pop!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Part-Time Availability:Since this is a part-time position, it's super important to specify your availability in your cover letter. We want to know when you can work and how you plan to balance this role with other commitments. Highlight your motivation for joining Marco Polo Learning and why this flexibility fits your lifestyle.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:If you have any certifications related to finance or accounting (like ACCA or CIMA), make sure they're front and centre in your application. Even if you're studying towards a qualification, mention that too! It shows your commitment to the field and continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marco Polo Learning
✨Get comfy with numbers!
Since you're diving into financial controlling, be ready to crunch some numbers during the interview. Brush up on key financial concepts and be prepared for technical questions about budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Practicing some numerical problems will really help us shine!
✨Show off your analytical skills
For a part-time role in financial controlling, you'll likely face scenario-based questions. Prepare to discuss how you would analyse company performance or tackle cash flow issues. We want to demonstrate our problem-solving approach and critical thinking—making a sense of data is key!
✨Bring your portfolio of wins
Even if it’s part-time, showcasing our past experience can set us apart. Gather examples of projects where you implemented financial controls or helped improve reporting processes. Concrete achievements give us an edge, showing that we can deliver real value to Marco Polo Learning.
✨Know the part-time game
With part-time roles, employers want to see that we can effectively manage our time. Be ready to discuss our availability and how we plan to balance work and other commitments. We should convey our motivation and readiness to contribute without compromising quality!
