Group Financial Controller

Harper May is working with a leading media organisation who is seeking a Group Financial Controller to take ownership of group-wide reporting, control, and financial leadership. As the business continues to expand its portfolio and operational footprint, this role offers the opportunity to shape reporting standards and support high-level decision-making in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Role Overview:
The Group Financial Controller will lead the consolidation and reporting of multiple business units, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and drive improvements in systems, controls, and team capability. Working closely with the CFO and senior stakeholders, the successful candidate will bring rigour to reporting while remaining agile in a dynamic and entrepreneurial business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee group consolidation and delivery of monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting

• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts for all group entities and manage the year-end audit process

• Strengthen internal controls and financial governance across all operating companies

• Develop reporting systems and streamline financial processes to support efficiency and scalability

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support strategic planning

• Manage and develop a high-performing finance team across group and entity-level reporting

• Act as a key point of contact for external auditors, advisors, and group-level stakeholders

• Drive continual improvements in reporting accuracy, timeliness, and relevance

Key Requirements:

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified with significant post-qualified experience

• Proven experience in a group or multi-entity reporting environment, ideally within media, publishing, or a related sector

• Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of UK GAAP and IFRS

• Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing teams and external relationships

• Excellent communication skills and commercial acumen

• Advanced Excel and experience with financial systems (e.g. NetSuite, Sage, or similar ERP tools)