Role Purpose:
The role of Financial Controller is to oversee all financial operations of the women's professional football club and the academy operations, ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and the effective management of financial resources. This role is critical in supporting the club's strategic goals and ensuring financial sustainability.
Whilst the role directly reports to the Managing Director of the Club, it will have a dotted line reporting line into CFO, Kynisca and the individual will be expected to work closely with the central Kynisca finance team.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with demonstrated experience in a senior financial management role, preferably within the sports or leisure industry.
Main Duties/ Responsibilities:
1. Management and Financial Reporting: Prepare and present accurate and timely monthly management accounts and information and financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets (and reconciliations), and cash flow statements.
2. Budgeting and Forecasting: Develop and manage the budget and reforecast cycles, identifying potential risks and opportunities.
3. Strategic Financial Planning: Develop and implement financial strategies to support the club's objectives, including long-term financial planning and capital investment strategies.
4. Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant financial and reporting regulations and standards, including the rules of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, corporate and employment tax laws, VAT and financial reporting requirements.
5. Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making, including cost-benefit analysis (including marketing spend analysis), financial modeling, and performance metrics, providing strategic insights.
6. Internal Controls: Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard the club's assets and ensure the integrity of financial information.
7. Audit Coordination: Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate the annual audit process and address any audit findings.
8. Stakeholder Communication: Communicate financial information effectively to internal and external stakeholders, including the board of directors, investors, advisors, tax authorities, auditors, and regulatory bodies including Women’s Professional Leagues Limited.
9. Accounting: Ensure accurate recording (and reconciliation) of transactions, collection of receipts (including but not limited to matchday, sponsorship, grants, merchandise, league distributions), and making timely payments including payroll/salaries to players, coaching staff, and employees as well as supplier payments and banking functions.
10. Controls: Design, document, implement and maintain strong business and financial policies to support the running of the club and reduce risk and fraud.
11. Commercial: Collaborate with commercial and operations teams to optimize club profitability.
12. Capital Projects: Support the Club’s major capital projects including accounting, reconciling, tracking, and managing major spend.
Club Accountabilities:
1. To comply with all Club policies, procedures and practices and carry out your role diligently and in the best interests of the Club.
2. To lead with a proactive, high-performance mindset and actively contribute to a winning culture on and off the pitch.
3. To behave in a manner consistent with Club values and policies.
What we are looking for:
Qualifications and Training:
* Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Demonstrable experience in a senior financial management role, preferably within the sports or leisure industry.
* Strong knowledge of financial regulations and standards.
* Experience working within sporting regulatory frameworks.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Proficiency in financial software (Xero preferred), banking systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Experience working as part of a cross-functional management team.
* Articulate and able to present strong business cases.
* Experience of working in a commercial environment.
* Experience in CRM data interrogation and marketing spend/analysis.
Characteristics:
* Passionate about women’s football and broader women’s sport culture.
* Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to deal with matrix stakeholders & ambiguity.
* High standards of personal integrity and emotional intelligence.
* Comfortable and able to work on own initiative.
* Has a learning mindset; is keen to continue their self-development and keep up to date with best practices and learning opportunities.
* Continually seeks to improve efficiency and performance.
* Seeks out and embraces new ways of thinking and working – not afraid to fail.
* Works collaboratively with a multi-functional team – playing a role in shaping the future of the club.
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