Head of Financial Reporting - Sports

About The Role

**Head of Financial Reporting & Control**

**Lead Financial Excellence in a Global Business**

We are seeking an accomplished and commercially minded Head of Financial Reporting & Control to lead the accounting, reporting, governance, and compliance functions across an international business. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a qualified finance professional with extensive technical accounting expertise, a passion for process improvement, and a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

As a key finance leader, you will oversee financial reporting across multiple international entities, ensure compliance with global accounting standards, strengthen financial controls, and drive transformation through automation and continuous improvement.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Financial Reporting**

- Lead all aspects of the accounting function, including month-end close, consolidation, and financial reporting.
- Oversee the timely and accurate reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial results across international entities and subsidiaries.
- Review complex commercial contracts and new business arrangements to identify and address accounting implications.
- Partner with business units and corporate teams to provide technical accounting guidance on complex and significant transactions, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, UK GAAP, and German GAAP.
- Monitor emerging accounting standards and lead the implementation of new reporting requirements.

**Controls & Governance**

- Develop and maintain scalable financial processes, systems, controls, and policies to support business growth.
- Ensure a strong internal control environment that safeguards company assets, minimizes risk, and meets compliance requirements.
- Create and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures to promote consistency and best practice.
- Champion ethical leadership and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.

**Process Improvement & Transformation**

- Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency across finance and the wider organization.
- Lead cross-functional finance projects supporting strategic business initiatives and operational change.
- Leverage technology to improve reporting capabilities and organizational effectiveness.
- Develop and execute effective change management and communication plans.

**Audit & Compliance**

- Lead statutory audits for international entities and support group audit activities.
- Build strong relationships with external auditors, ensuring alignment on financial reporting and accounting matters.
- Support external financial audits, SOX compliance, internal audits, and regulatory reviews.
- Partner with internal tax specialists to ensure compliance with local tax regulations across multiple jurisdictions.

**Leadership**

- Inspire and develop high-performing finance teams through coaching, mentoring, and clear strategic direction.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, accountability, and customer focus.
- Design and implement learning and development initiatives that build technical capability and leadership skills.
- Create an inclusive, engaging environment that promotes teamwork, innovation, and employee wellbeing.
- Develop organizational structures aligned with industry best practice and future business growth.

**About You**

You are an experienced finance leader with exceptional technical accounting knowledge and a track record of delivering results within complex, international organizations.

**Essential Requirements**

- Fully qualified ACA or ACCA.
- 15+ years of accounting experience, ideally across both public practice and industry.
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP, UK GAAP, and German GAAP.
- Extensive experience leading financial reporting, consolidation, audit, and governance activities.
- Highly proficient with ERP systems (SAP experience is advantageous) and financial reporting tools.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve processes, and build high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
- A collaborative, results-oriented approach with high levels of integrity, accountability, and commercial awareness.

**Why Join Us?**

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing international organisation. You'll work alongside senior leaders, influence strategic decisions, lead transformation initiatives, and make a lasting impact while helping shape a world-class finance function.

**Desired Skills and Experience**

- Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.