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Financial Controller

Dazed Created with Sketch.

Financial Controller - Dazed Media 

 

Dazed Media is the world’s leading independent fashion and culture media brand. 

Thirty years ago Jefferson Hack and Rankin Waddell set up a magazine that would become a movement: Dazed & Confused. The title became a lightning rod for cultural provocation – radically reframing international style culture. Today, we are an agenda-setting publishing powerhouse and the most efficient way to reach the world’s most influential audiences. 

Dazed Media powers an ever-evolving network of premium digital channels and iconic print titles including Dazed and AnOther.

The company also encompasses a pioneering creative studio, award-winning video production, exclusive events, industry-leading talent network and efficient third-party distribution. Dazed Studio specialises in fashion, luxury and lifestyle communications. We partner with the world’s most ambitious brands and agencies to create brave, pioneering ideas for a global influencer community. 

Select clients: Alexander McQueen, Apple, Beats by Dre, Belstaff, Burberry, Chanel, Channel 4, Converse, Diesel, Google, Gucci, Liberty, LVMH, Mercedes-Benz, Miu, Miu, Nike, Ray-Ban, Samsung, Sonos, Swarovski, YouTube Music.

Dazed Media are looking for a strong Financial Controller to oversee the day to day finance function and to support in the strategy and commercial management of the agency.  The role reports to the Chief Operating officer (COO) and manages a team of 4: a management accountant; a credit manager and two purchase ledger assistants.  

 

Key responsibilities are:

 

Team Management 

  • Oversee and review the team’s work, ensure accuracy and attention to detail
  • Track the team’s performance against the month-end timetable and help them problem-solve and prioritise actions to keep on track
  • General ledger, P&L checks and balance sheet reviews with the Management Accountant, assisting with journaling corrections where necessary
  • Set goals and expectations for the team, defining the standards that you expect for each task
  • Delegate tasks, where appropriate
  • Set annual employee objectives and perform quarterly staff performance reviews

 

Financial Reporting

  • Act as a financial partner to the COO
  • Ensure management accounts are produced in a timely manner and work with the COO on updating the format of the management accounts in accordance with her needs
  • Ensure financial records, systems and controls are maintained in accordance with UK GAAP
  • Produce and manage the flow of all financial information in a clear and robust manner to the Leadership Team and to the board
  • Work with the HR team, to ensure that company payroll, including pension contributions, commission and bonus payments are accurate

 

Financial Planning & Analysis

  • Lead and manage the company’s budgeting process and quarterly re-forecasting process, working closely with the COO
  • Challenge expenditure and ensure the company operates as efficiently as possible
  • Ensure the finance team provide high quality, accurate and timely financial information to the business
  • Work with the COO on developing management KPIs for the Leadership Team
  • Build performance dashboards & reports for the COO and the Leadership Team

 

Cash management

  • Work closely with the credit manager to ensure sales invoices are paid on a timely basis
  • Ensure sales invoices are factored on a timely basis, where appropriate
  • Ensure the cash flow forecast is updated
  • Ensure regular communication with the COO
  • Maintain regular dialogue with the Head of Production regarding the timing of high value production payments
  • Review weekly supplier payment runs and authorise payments

 

Stakeholder Management

  • Prepare board-level commentary on financial performance, forecasts and budgets
  • Manage relationships with the Leadership Team, internal commercial leads, bankers, factoring company and the external auditors
  • Maintain an ongoing dialogue with the COO and the Leadership Team, ensuring ongoing business and financial support

 

Corporate Governance and Control

  • Continually review and strengthen processes and controls in line with the business’ needs
  • Provide advice on all accounting policies and treatment
  • Act as the main contact for the external auditors and oversee the production of the statutory accounts and Corporation Tax returns
  • Ensure reporting to HMRC is completed in a timely manner (PAYE, VAT, Corporation Tax etc)
  • Manage and negotiate commercial contracts, where appropriate

 

Skills and experience:

  • Qualified accountant would be preferable (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
  • Media/Studio Production (strong WIP management experience) would be highly beneficial
  • Experience of working in a senior finance position in an agency or other media business (e.g. publishing/advertising/brand consultancy/marketing/communications/events)
  • Experience with Sage Intacct would be highly beneficial
  • Strong leadership and organisational skills, ability to challenge and bring improvements
  • Commercial acumen with the ability to make solid commercial recommendations that aid growth in revenue and profitability

Apply HERE

 

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