Remote Production Financial Controller, Theatre/Entertainment

Production Financial Controller (12-month FTC) | Live Entertainment Accounting SME | Remote/UK

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a Live Entertainment and Theatre Accounting SME specialising in providing Production Accounting services to some of the biggest names in the entertainment and performing arts industry.

The Business

Our client is a small business operating within the Live Entertainment and Theatre industries, providing production accounting and general finance and accounting services to productions events, and tours. They are constantly inundated with requests for their services from big names in the Entertainment/Theatre world and are looking to grow the team to accommodate their increasing stream of business.

Comprised of a small, tight knit group of accountants at different stages in their career, this is an ideal role for a strong communicator who can manage multiple projects, provide support to junior team members, has strong communication skills, and is keen to get stuck in and involved in some of the most exciting concerts, events and shows in London.

This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the potential to go permanent depending on candidate and business need/performance.

The role is fully remote, with the occasional requirement to attend client or team meetings in-person.

The Role:

As a Production Financial Controller, you'll take ownership of the financial operations across several theatre and live entertainment projects, with the opportunity to grow your remit as the portfolio expands. You'll play a key role in building long-term relationships with clients while ensuring their productions run smoothly from a finance perspective.

Your main responsibilities will include managing production accounts, calculating investor returns, overseeing VAT submissions, and preparing statutory accounts and tax filings. You'll also lead on Theatre Tax Relief (TTR) claims-so a working knowledge of the relief process for the theatre or TV/Film industry is a distinct advantage. Alongside production-specific work, you'll oversee management accounts for non-show clients and support wider business operations like payroll, bank payments, and systems setup.

You'll work closely with producers, creatives, and external reps, so the ability to communicate clearly with both finance and non-finance stakeholders is essential. You'd be reporting into a passionate, friendly, and highly skilled Founder/Finance Director and contribute to a business of accountants passionate about the creative industries. You'll help support and mentor junior staff, managing 2-3 direct reports, and play a key role in maintaining strong internal processes as the business grows.

This role is best suited for someone with a solid technical accounting background who enjoys variety, has a strong eye for detail, and is excited by the pace and creativity of the entertainment industry.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain production accounts and calculate investor returns for shows
• Oversee management accounts for non-production clients
• Manage client onboarding and ensure AML compliance
• Handle VAT registrations, returns, and related queries
• Prepare year-end accounts, statutory filings, and tax returns
• Produce Theatre Tax Relief (TTR) calculations and HMRC submissions
• Manage 2 direct reports and support junior staff with tax, VAT, and year-end accounting queries
• Interrogation of the general ledger to ensure accurate postings and compliance with accounting standards
• Create or review production budgets to ensure accuracy
• Authorise bank payments and review payroll
• Assist with setup of bank accounts, accounting software, and payment systems
• Liaise with clients, maintain relationships
• Manage foreign entertainer tax matters
• Process reduced tax applications and verified withholding tax calculations
• Ad hoc duties to support the Finance Director

What we need to see (essential):

• Knowledge of theatre tax relief or TV/Film tax relief
• Prior exposure to production accounting
• Strong excel skills
• An ability to react to changing priorities quickly and efficiently
• A passion for the arts, entertainment, and theatre!

What we'd like to see (bonus):

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or QBE)
• Knowledge of the UK personal tax system and self assessments'
• Prior experience in theatre or live entertainment businesses

Salary: £65,000-£75,000

Working Pattern: Fully remote

*Candidates must be based in the UK with right to work in the UK*

Working Hours: 10am-6pm

Ideal Start: ASAP

If this is of interest, please get in touch with your CV at or give me a call on

Due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, if you have not heard back from us, please assume your application was unfortunately unsuccessful on this occasion.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.