Financial Controller – 9‑Month Fixed‑Term (Hybrid, London)

About the role

This 9‑month fixed‑term position provides maternity cover for an established creative business in London. Reporting to the CFO, you will lead the day‑to‑day finance function, ensure robust controls and deliver insightful financial analysis to support fast‑paced, project‑led operations.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily finance operations, ensuring accurate processing and reporting of transactions.
• Support month‑end and year‑end close, reviewing profit & loss accounts, balance sheets and supporting schedules.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and longer‑term financial planning.
• Prepare management reports and provide meaningful financial analysis.
• Monitor performance against budgets, identifying trends, risks and opportunities.
• Manage cash‑flow forecasting and working‑capital optimisation.
• Partner with operational teams to track project performance and client profitability.
• Maintain strong financial controls, processes and compliance across the business.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders across multiple departments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.

Required profile

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or similar senior finance role.
• Strong management accounting and financial reporting expertise.
• Commercially minded with the ability to partner with stakeholders across the business.

Required skills

• Financial reporting
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Cash flow management
• Management accounting