Finance Operations & Systems Controller - 6 Month FTC

Finance Operations & Systems Controller Location: London Salary: £115,000 FTE Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract Industry: Media & Entertainment We are working with a leading entertainment organisation to recruit an experienced Finance Operations & Systems Controller on a six-month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a senior leadership role with responsibility for financial operations, regulatory compliance, internal controls and finance systems. The successful candidate will lead a small team, strengthen the control environment and drive improvements across financial processes, policies and systems. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop the financial operations team, overseeing accounts payable, expenses, payroll, freelancer payments and finance systems. Maintain and strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks and risk management processes. Oversee regulatory compliance, including IR35, employment tax, financial sanctions and other relevant statutory requirements. Review and enhance finance policies, procedures and internal controls, ensuring they remain effective and fit for purpose. Drive continuous improvement across financial operations, identifying opportunities for automation, efficiency and stronger controls. Lead finance systems improvements and support the delivery of the wider finance systems roadmap. Manage financial risk assessments, maintain the finance risk register and escalate material risks where appropriate. Work closely with senior leadership and operational stakeholders to ensure financial compliance across the business. Develop and monitor operational KPIs, providing reporting and recommendations to senior management. Experience & Requirements Extensive experience in a senior financial operations, finance transformation or finance compliance leadership role. Proven experience overseeing accounts payable, expenses and ideally payroll and freelancer payments. Strong knowledge of financial controls, risk management and regulatory compliance, including IR35 and employment tax. Recent experience leading or playing a significant role in an ERP implementation or finance transformation programme. Demonstrable success improving financial processes, implementing controls and driving operational efficiencies. Experience within media, broadcasting, content production or a similarly complex, freelancer-heavy environment would be advantageous. Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing finance teams. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence senior leadership and drive change. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced financial operations leader to take ownership of a broad and business-critical function within an established organisation undergoing continued development and transformation. #LI-JR1