At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive strategic insights for a growing education tech company.
- Company: Join MarcoPolo Learning, transforming early childhood education with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, flexible working, and 20 days paid holiday.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a mission-driven company at the forefront of education and technology.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 7+ years in finance, ideally in SaaS or fintech.
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 optimization 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.
Financial Controller employer: MarcoPolo Learning
At MarcoPolo Learning, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and family-friendly work culture. Our hybrid working arrangements and commitment to employee growth provide a unique opportunity for the Financial Controller to shape the finance function of a mission-driven global education company, directly impacting early childhood education. With competitive salaries, stock options, and a focus on work-life balance, we empower our team members to thrive in a fast-scaling, innovative environment in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like MarcoPolo Learning. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to MarcoPolo Learning.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on MarcoPolo Learning's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MarcoPolo Learning
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with MarcoPolo Learning.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at MarcoPolo Learning will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former MarcoPolo Learning employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
