UK Financial Controller - UK (12 month FTC)
Job Description
<div class="content-intro"><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">Brainlabs is the independent, founder-led agency building the future of media. We have over 1000 Brainlabbers based across the global, all united through the 12 principles laid out in our Culture Code. We're full-service, with people and AI agents working side by side, all aligned to one thing: maximizing our clients' revenue through a genuinely scientific approach to media. If you want to help play your part in achieving this for the world's biggest brands in an environment that will support and challenge you in equal measure, this is where you do it.</p></div><p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Role type: Temporary - 12 month fixed term contract</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Reporting to: UK Finance Director</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Estimated Start: November</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 300;">Location - London</span></p> <p><strong>What's the role <br></strong></p> <p>We’re looking for a UK Financial Controller to provide 12-month maternity cover for our Finance Operations team, leading day-to-day control across 4 entities (3 UK, 1 Spanish).<strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>What you do</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the day-to-day EMEA finance function, directly managing two team members with wider oversight across a finance team of approximately six.</li> <li>Own the month-end close and financial reporting process across the P&L (Revenue $47m), Balance Sheet (Net Assets $62m) and Cash Flow ($5m).</li> <li>Maintain strong financial control across the region, including oversight of balance sheet reconciliations and key financial controls.</li> <li>Oversee working capital and cash management, including weekly payment runs and cash flow forecasting.</li> <li>Lead debtor management, partnering with the team and wider business to drive effective cash collection (90% current)</li> <li>Own monthly payroll for the UK and Spanish entities</li> <li>Manage key compliance requirements, including Group VAT returns and relevant statutory obligations.</li> <li>Lead the FY27 year-end audit, coordinating across the finance team, Group Finance and external auditors.</li> <li>Partner with Group Finance and the wider business on financial reporting, business requirements and finance-related issues</li> </ul> <p><strong>Who you are</strong></p> <ul> <li>3+ years in financial management within a fast-paced, multi-entity, or international business.</li> <li>Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).</li> <li>Strong technical knowledge of UK regulations, IFRS, and tax requirements.</li> <li>Proven experience owning month-end close and financial reporting (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).</li> <li>Experience leading, developing, and managing a finance team.</li> <li>Ability to work independently, taking ownership and resolving issues effectively.</li> <li>Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.</li> <li>Proven ability to manage competing priorities and strict deadlines (month-end, payroll, audit).</li> <li>Proficient in financial systems with advanced Excel skills.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How you succeed</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Take ownership and lead with confidence:</strong> Set clear priorities, make informed decisions and create accountability across the team, stepping in to resolve issues when needed.</li> <li><strong>Maintain a