Financial Controller - 6 month Fixed Term Contract in London

Location: London – Hybrid (plus travel as required)

We are Strata! Imagine being part of a fast and exciting brand experience agency whose clients include specialists in new technology, creators of some of the most stunning electric vehicles on the planet, financial institutions, and global leaders in pharmaceutical solutions. As an agency, we elevate these brands and make them heard through immersive and memorable virtual and face-to-face experiences. As a people-first business, we encourage ambition, support and reward. We’re always listening and open to your ideas, just as we do with our clients. Our name? It’s Strata, an agency on a mission to be the very best. This means we always want to hear from the very best creative and intelligent souls who genuinely believe that every moment matters.

The Financial Controller is responsible for the financial integrity, control, and reporting of the events agency. In a business driven by complex, project-based delivery, fluctuating workloads, and tight margins, this role ensures robust financial governance while enabling informed commercial decision-making. The Financial Controller oversees all core accounting functions, maintains strong internal controls, and provides accurate, timely financial insight to support leadership, delivery teams, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Control & Governance
  • Own the integrity of the agency’s financial records, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal policies.
  • Maintain and continually improve financial controls, processes, and risk management.
  • Ensure accurate balance sheet management, including reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, and provisions.
  • Support audit processes and act as key contact for external auditors and advisors.
• Reporting & Month-End Close
  • Lead the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate management accounts.
  • Prepare financial reports including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and variance analysis.
  • Ensure consistent and accurate reporting across projects, departments, and entities (where applicable).
  • Support board, investor, or stakeholder reporting as required.
• Project & Event Financial Oversight
  • Oversee financial control of live event projects, including WIP, accruals, and revenue recognition.
  • Ensure correct treatment of event deposits, advances, milestone billing, and final reconciliations.
  • Work closely with Project Managers and Client Services to ensure financial accuracy and margin visibility.
  • Identify financial risks related to project delivery and escalate appropriately.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital
  • Own cash flow forecasting and monitoring.
  • Oversee invoicing, credit control, and debtor management to minimise DSO.
  • Ensure supplier payments are managed accurately and efficiently.
  • Support working capital optimisation across the business.
• Systems, Process & Control Improvement
  • Own finance systems and ensure effective integration with project, CRM, and operational platforms.
  • Improve reporting accuracy, automation, and efficiency.
  • Ensure data quality, audit trails, and documentation standards are maintained.
• Team Leadership & Business Partnering
  • Line-manage and develop the finance team, setting clear objectives and performance standards.
  • Act as a trusted finance partner to senior leadership and delivery teams.
  • Support budgeting and forecasting processes in partnership with FP&A.
  • Provide clear financial guidance to non-finance stakeholders.

Job requirements

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the below experience:

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior financial reporting role.
• Fully qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and hands-on financial control experience.
• Experience in a project-based, agency, professional services, events, or production-led environment.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial systems.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and advising on financial risk.
• Experience in multi-entity, high-growth, or private-equity backed businesses.
• Exposure to revenue recognition in project-based or service businesses.
• Experience improving finance controls, systems, or operating models.
• Detail-oriented with a strong control mindset.
• Calm, confident, and authoritative under pressure.
• Commercially aware with a practical approach to problem-solving.
• Collaborative leader who combines rigour with approachability.

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus usual Bank Holidays
• Birthday day off
• Private Health Insurance*
• Workplace pension scheme
• Death in service scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Regular social events*

*Upon successful completion of a 6-month probation period

Diversity at Strata

At Strata, people are at the heart of who we are. We recognise and value the diverse and unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that each individual brings. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, valued, and empowered. We strive to create an innovative, creative, and inclusive environment where all employees and applicants can thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs. Embracing diversity isn't just our goal, it's our strength, driving us towards a more inclusive future.