UK Financial Controller

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.

Role type: Temporary - 12 month fixed term contract

Reporting to: UK Finance Director

Estimated Start: November

Location - London

What's the role 

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). 

What you do

• Lead the day-to-day EMEA finance function, directly managing two team members with wider oversight across a finance team of approximately six.
• Own the month-end close and financial reporting process across the P&L (Revenue $47m), Balance Sheet (Net Assets $62m) and Cash Flow ($5m).
• Maintain strong financial control across the region, including oversight of balance sheet reconciliations and key financial controls.
• Oversee working capital and cash management, including weekly payment runs and cash flow forecasting.
• Lead debtor management, partnering with the team and wider business to drive effective cash collection (90% current)
• Own monthly payroll for the UK and Spanish entities
• Manage key compliance requirements, including Group VAT returns and relevant statutory obligations.
• Lead the FY27 year-end audit, coordinating across the finance team, Group Finance and external auditors.
• Partner with Group Finance and the wider business on financial reporting, business requirements and finance-related issues

Who you are

• 3+ years in financial management within a fast-paced, multi-entity, or international business.
• Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong technical knowledge of UK regulations, IFRS, and tax requirements.
• Proven experience owning month-end close and financial reporting (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).
• Experience leading, developing, and managing a finance team.
• Ability to work independently, taking ownership and resolving issues effectively.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and strict deadlines (month-end, payroll, audit).
• Proficient in financial systems with advanced Excel skills.

How you succeed

• Take ownership and lead with confidence: Set clear priorities, make informed decisions and create accountability across the team, stepping in to resolve issues when needed.
• Maintain a high-performing team: Coach and support the team, creating an inclusive environment where people are empowered to take ownership and continuously improve.
• Be a trusted business partner: Build strong relationships across Finance and the wider business, communicating clearly and constructively challenging stakeholders when needed.
• Stay ahead of the numbers: Identify risks, issues and opportunities early, using financial insight to support better decision-making rather than simply reporting what has already happened.
• Deliver with pace and consistency: Manage competing priorities effectively, maintain high standards and keep key deliverables moving in a fast-paced environment.

What happens next?

We know searching for a job is tough and that you want to find the best career and employer for you. We also want to ensure that this position is the best fit for both you and us. Therefore, you will participate in a comprehensive interview process that includes skills interviews with our team. The goal of this process is to allow you to get to know us as we learn more about you.

A note on our offices: We pride ourselves in being a company with an office-centric culture and, for the majority of roles we expect people to be in commuting distance of the office and come in for around 3 days per week. 

Brainlabs actively seeks and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace: we are committed to equal opportunity for all applicants and employees regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the application process, please let us know!

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