Financial Controller

Barnsley Football Club; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

AFC Wimbledon is a professional football club based in Wimbledon, London with an astonishing history, having been reformed in 2002 to continue 135 years of Wimbledon sporting representation.

In 2020 the club returned home to Plough Lane, Wimbledon - to the brand-new Cherry Red Records Stadium - a purpose-built long-awaited modern stadium with 9,000 capacity and excellent corporate and event facilities, funded by the dedicated contributions of its fans. The original Wimbledon FC played just yards away for 70 years and achieved worldwide fame by going from non-league to the Premiership and beating Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final.

Owned by its fans through membership of The Dons Trust, AFC Wimbledon exemplifies community spirit and fan engagement - with award-winning community schemes and charitable endeavours alongside its sporting achievements.

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic and driven individual who can play a key role in AFC Wimbledon’s journey over the next three to five years as it works towards long-term financial sustainability and successfully continues the greatest story in English football as a proudly fan-owned and ambitious club at the heart of its community.

The role requires an individual who thrives well in a fast-paced environment, has strong commercial acumen, and holds a high level of financial awareness regarding the broader financial picture of the football club.

The individual is responsible for all financial reporting and running the day-to-day finances of the football club and stadium operations including line management of the Finance Manager and Accounts Payable Assistant.

The Financial Controller will be instrumental in supporting the Head of Finance in delivering annual Budgets and the longer-term Business Plan enabling AFC Wimbledon to exploit its commercial potential.

Natural deputy and long-term successor to the Head of Finance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ownership of the monthly finance cycle including payroll.
• Monthly financial reporting presentations including Management accounts and cash flow forecasts.
• Preparation of statutory accounts and liaison with the Group auditors and tax advisors including filings with Companies House.
• Preparation and submission of all financial reporting to the EFL and the FA e.g. SCMP submissions, gate returns.
• Management of the annual audit and liaising with auditors to ensure smooth and accurate reporting.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Support the Head of Finance in the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor and report on variances between actual and budgeted performance.
• Close scrutiny of operational overheads including insurance, utilities, licenses, IT costs etc.
• Conduct financial planning and analysis to support strategic initiatives and long-term planning.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management:

• Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds to meet operational needs.
• Monitor revenue streams, including matchday income, broadcasting rights, sponsorship, and merchandising.
• Supervision and approval of all transactions including credit cards, purchase ledger, sales ledger and monthly payroll submissions.
• Maximise interest returns from any spare cashflows and support the Head of Finance around long term debt management.

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure adherence to relevant financial regulations, including tax laws and football-specific financial fair play regulations.
• Implement and monitor robust internal controls and financial policies.
• Support governance processes through accurate reporting and transparency.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Lead and develop the finance team of two, ensuring high levels of performance and professional growth.
• Collaborate with department heads to provide financial insights and advice.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including governing bodies, auditors, and investors.

About The Candidate:

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in a financial controller or senior finance role, preferably within the sports industry.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations ideally within professional football.
• Experience in managing complex budgets and multi-revenue stream businesses.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic mindset with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong financial modelling and analysis capabilities.
• Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive financial information.
• Passion for football and understanding of the unique dynamics of a football club.

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