At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting at BAFTA, ensuring accurate reporting and control.
- Company: Join BAFTA, a leading arts charity championing creativity and social change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and encourages all backgrounds to apply.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a creative environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong financial accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, 60% in Soho, London Office
Contract: Full Time
Overview
We are looking for a highly capable and proactive Financial Controller (FC) to lead the financial accounting function at BAFTA. Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance, Business Affairs & Information (FD), this pivotal leadership role is responsible for the integrity of BAFTA’s financial reporting and control environment, delivery of statutory accounts and audit, oversight of core accounting processes across the group, and development of robust financial systems, policies and controls. The FC will play a central role in shaping and continuously improving BAFTA’s finance function during a period of growth and change, and will lead key finance transformation projects – modernising systems, improving reporting capabilities, and ensuring the finance function can meet increasing organisational and stakeholder demands. Working closely with the FD, Senior Management Accountant, FP&A team, and wider organisation, the FC will ensure that financial data is accurate, timely, and supports effective decision‑making across BAFTA’s diverse activities. This role requires a strong technical accountant with a questioning mindset, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to balance operational delivery with strategic improvement.
Responsibilities
- The integrity of BAFTA’s financial reporting and control environment
- Delivery of statutory accounts and audit
- Oversight of core accounting processes across the group
- Development of robust financial systems, policies and controls
Benefits
- A salary of circa £65,000 per year
- Holiday – 29 days a year plus bank holidays
- Pension – 8% contributory pension
- Employee health cash‑back plan
- Long‑term sickness insurance
- Life assurance – four times your annual basic salary
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice
- Cycle 2 Work Scheme & season ticket loan
- Access to cinemas throughout the UK and to BAFTA events
Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post‑qualification experience, typically 3–5 years or more.
- Significant experience in financial accounting and control roles
- Proven experience delivering statutory accounts and managing audits
- Strong technical accounting knowledge across a wide range of areas
- Existing knowledge of FRS102 and Charity SORP desirable but not essential
- Experience managing and developing finance teams
- Experience improving financial processes, systems and controls
- Strong systems expertise and advanced Excel skills
- Curious mind to continually improve processes
Application Procedure
Please apply here to submit your CV and include a cover letter which in no more than 500 words explains why you think you are suitable for this position and what skills you have to be successful in this role. The closing date for this role is Monday 27 July 2026, end of day.
About BAFTA
BAFTA is a leading arts charity focused on championing creativity, opportunity and social change for all through the transformative power of film, games and television. BAFTA’s Purpose: Enrich the cultural landscape. Level the playing field. Be progressive. Inspire and celebrate. BAFTA’s Mission: We champion practitioners in film, games and television, regardless of background and life experience. We provide community for our members and strive for progressive industry and cultural practices. We recognise exceptional storytelling through our awards. BAFTA’s Vision: People from all backgrounds will have opportunity to thrive in the screen industries, bringing rich, more diverse stories for us to celebrate. Our aim is for our staff/volunteers to be a diverse mix of talented people who want to come and do their best work. BAFTA is committed to increasing diversity, and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who want to join BAFTA and do their best work. Our culture at work is inclusive and we celebrate diversity in all its forms. We actively encourage all applicants to share with us how you might perform best throughout our recruitment process, and should you wish for us to adjust the process in order for you to shine please get in touch: recruitment@bafta.org.
Financial Controller in City of Westminster employer: SMB Partners Ltd.
BAFTA is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Full-Stack Software Developer role in London. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, offering generous benefits such as 29 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and access to unique industry events, BAFTA not only supports professional growth but also encourages meaningful contributions to climate action through its projects. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity and impact in the heart of the UK's screen community.
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