Marston Events is looking for an ambitious, commercially minded Financial Controller to lead and transform our finance function as we enter an exciting period of business growth. This is an opportunity for an experienced finance professional who combines strong financial control with a track record of improving systems, processes and teams. You will play a pivotal role in strengthening our financial foundations, developing a high-performing finance team and building the systems, insight and reporting capabilities needed to support the next stage of our growth. Marston's Financial Controller owns the month-end close, produces reliable management and board reporting, leads the finance team day to day. Line Manager: CEO with dotted line to CFO Direct Reports: Finance Team Department: Finance Location: Andover, Hampshire, UK Job type / hours: Full time - 5 days a week on site (Andover) Role Purpose The Financial Controller is accountable for the integrity of Marston's financial records and the timely delivery of monthly management accounts, board reporting and statutory year-end financials. They lead the finance team and own the month-end close and internal controls. They also lead the finance transformation, working with the CFO, IT and Operations to modernise how finance captures, reconciles and reports data. About Marston Marston Events delivers graduation ceremonies for universities and colleges across the UK, working in partnership with each institution (our Partners). We provide academic dress, ceremony photography, ticketing and on-the-day services to graduating students and their guests (our Customers). The business is highly seasonal and event driven. Revenue is earned across a large number of ceremonies either via an e-commerce site or via , on-site sales. Person specification Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA). At least five years' post-qualification experience, including two or more as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or equivalent. Hands-on ownership of a month-end close. Track record of producing monthly management accounts with clear commentary for non-finance managers. Experience preparing board packs and presenting to a board or senior leadership team. Proven people manager who has built and developed a small finance team. Experience improving finance processes and systems, from specifying requirements to testing and embedding change. Project management experience within finance transformation. Experience in an events, ticketing, education services, retail or other seasonal, high-volume transaction business. Experience in a PE-backed or owner-managed SME, or a business going through change. Power BI (or similar BI tool) and a working understanding of SQL or relational data. Experience reconciling payment gateways (for example WorldPay or Stripe) and e-commerce platforms to the ledger. Stock accounting and valuation. Organised and deadline-driven, with high standards of accuracy. Comfortable working hands-on as well as leading others. Curious about data and how the business works, and willing to challenge the way things are done. Clear communicator who can explain financial results to operational colleagues. Resilient through the peak ceremony season. Key responsibilities 1. Month-end close and financial accounting Own and run a formal month-end close calendar. Prepare or review all balance sheet reconciliations each month, including bank, payment gateways (WorldPay, Stripe), debtors, creditors, VAT, payroll, accruals, prepayments, deferred income and stock. Review and approve manual journals before the period is locked in Xero. Own revenue recognition and deferred income by revenue stream, ensuring income is released in line with when ceremonies take place. Reconcile order and payment data from SQL Server database to Xero each month, including on-the-day takings and refunds. Maintain the chart of accounts, cost centres and Xero tracking categories (Events, Ceremony Month) so costs and income are coded to the right event. Calculate and reconcile commission due to Partners each month. 2. Management reporting Deliver a monthly management accounts pack: P
Financial Controller in Hampshire employer: Marston Events
Marston Events is an exceptional employer that values professionalism and teamwork, providing a dynamic work culture where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for continuous improvement and leadership development, all while delivering meaningful events that celebrate achievements across the UK. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to make a significant impact in the lives of graduates and their families.
