At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis to support club growth and decision-making.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC, a dynamic football club committed to financial excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, complimentary season tickets, and enhanced family pay.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment focused on safeguarding and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sports finance while enjoying a vibrant team culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial planning and analysis.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Accounts & Finance Team
We are the guardians of our club’s financial health, ensuring that every penny is accounted for and strategically invested to support our mission. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who thrive on accuracy, transparency, and insightful financial planning. Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond numbers; we partner with other teams to ensure financial sustainability while enhancing member experiences.
The Opportunity
Sunderland AFC is seeking a highly skilled and motivated finance professional to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the preparation and analysis of management accounts, budgets, and long‑term strategic plans to support the club’s growth and decision‑making processes. You will develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to evaluate business performance, working closely with various departments to monitor key financial KPIs and ensure alignment with the club’s strategic objectives. Your expertise will also be vital in supporting negotiations and conducting financial due diligence related to player transfers, sponsorship agreements, supplier contracts, and commercial partnerships. Additionally, you will oversee cash flow management, financial forecasting, and variance analysis, providing valuable insights and recommendations to senior management to assist in making informed investment decisions. The role involves leading process improvements in financial reporting and business management systems, managing relationships with financial institutions, and ensuring compliance with external financial regulations and internal policies.
What We Ask For
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or similar) with proven experience in FP&A, ideally within professional sports, entertainment, or a comparable environment.
- Strong understanding of business management principles, financial analysis, and reporting.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Strategic mindset with advanced Excel and financial software skills; keen eye for detail and high level of accuracy.
- Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive financial information.
- Knowledge of football industry operations and financial regulations is advantageous but not essential.
- Required to obtain a Basic DBS through SAFC.
Benefits
- Annual Leave: 25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service.
- Death in Service: The Death in Service benefit provides peace of mind for you and your family, offering a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss.
- Salary Exchange Schemes: Option to reduce your salary through our Salary Exchange Schemes to enjoy tax savings, increased pension contributions, eco‑friendly travel and healthier commutes.
- Complimentary Season Tickets: Score two free tickets for all home fixtures, so you can kick back, cheer on the club and enjoy Premiership action.
- Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced paternity, maternity, and adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay, offering additional financial support to embrace your time with your families.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Confidential support services that go beyond just workplace wellness, providing access to counselling, resources, and tools to tackle personal challenges.
- Free Parking: Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.
- Discounts: SAFC employees enjoy various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Safeguarding and Protection
Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. It owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club and will ensure safety and protection is given to all through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club. Safeguarding is a collective responsibility that involves everyone associated with the club. All members of the Sunderland AFC community are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns promptly.
Finance Manager in Sunderland employer: Sunderland Association Football Club
Sunderland AFC is an exceptional employer that prioritises the financial health of the club while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. With generous benefits such as enhanced parental pay, complimentary season tickets, and a commitment to employee well-being through assistance programmes, we empower our finance professionals to thrive in their roles. Located at the heart of the vibrant Sunderland community, we offer unique opportunities for growth and development within the dynamic world of professional sports finance.
Contact Details:
Sunderland Association Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in sports or entertainment. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills and understanding the club's financial landscape. We want you to showcase your analytical prowess and strategic mindset, so practice articulating how you can contribute to Sunderland AFC's growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on the radar of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and regulations, especially in football finance. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments will not only impress during interviews but also help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely passionate about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in FP&A and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Sunderland AFC!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance in the sports industry and how you can contribute to our team. Let us know what excites you about working with Sunderland AFC.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, be sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention specific tools or software you’ve used, especially if you’re proficient in Excel or financial modelling. We love a keen eye for detail!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Sunderland AFC!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland Association Football Club
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial analysis and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the club and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to long-term strategic planning in past positions. Think about how you can align financial goals with broader organisational objectives, especially in a sports context, and be ready to share those insights.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly around cash flow management and financial forecasting. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've had to make tough financial decisions or improve processes.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various departments, be prepared to talk about your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Highlight instances where you've partnered with other teams to enhance financial sustainability and member experiences.
