Financial Controller - Sports

Job Description

THE AGENCY

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is the leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, trademark licensing, and philanthropy. Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organisations that shape culture and inspire the world. The trailblazer of the agency business, CAA was the first to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, establish a philanthropic arm, build a business in China, and form a brand marketing services division, among other innovations.

Named Most Valuable Sports Agency by Forbes for eight consecutive years, CAA represents more than 2,000 of the world’s top athletes in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, in addition to coaches, on-air broadcasters, and sports personalities and works in the areas of broadcast rights, corporate marketing initiatives, social impact, and sports properties for sales and sponsorship opportunities. Founded in 1975, CAA is headquartered in Los Angeles, and has offices in New York, Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, Miami, London, Munich, Geneva, Stockholm, Shanghai, and Beijing, among other locations globally. 

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a proficient and personable Financial Controller, to be responsible for providing financial services which ensure an efficient, accurate & timely, Financial & Management Accounting function for our CAA Sports International businesses – which includes CAA Sports UK and CAA Germany.

Main responsibilities to include:

• Ownership of general ledgers and monthly close processes, including monthly, quarterly, and year-end close procedures.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Management of the CAA Sport accounting team, including mentoring, coaching, supervision and support with any day-to-day needs.
• Approve daily accounting entries across sales ledger/purchase ledger and cash transactions, and complete month end process preparing/reviewing journal entries and general ledger reconciliations.
• Oversee & review all financial schedules, ledgers and balance sheet reconciliations in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Oversee & own the preparation of monthly management reporting packages for submission to Finance Director, CAA UK & International, adhering to month end deadlines. Including analysis of fluctuations in monthly operating results.
• Approve client and office bank payments up to certain thresholds.
• Management of cashflow requirements, preparation of high-level forecasts and FX currency sales.
• Review of aged debtors/creditors reports and monthly update presenting to Finance Director.
• Review of new deal contracts and application of revenue recognition policy.
• Ensure that all consultant retainers and T&E expenses are aligned to contracts and company policy.
• Assist with year-end group audit, and lead on local UK statutory audits for CAA Sports UK and CAA Germany entities.
• Implement and maintain strong & effective financial controls and escalate issues appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Identify potential process efficiencies & contribute towards a high standard, continuous improvement culture.
• Maintain documentation of company-wide accounting policies and procedures.
• Review, assess and document accounting and financial reporting implications of complex transactions.
• Assist with special projects and ad-hoc requests, as necessary.
• Support the CAA UK finance function as required.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Qualified accountant, with strong analytics, a detail focused approach and broad technical comprehension including an understanding of IFRS, UK and US GAAP.
• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified; at least 6+ years post qualification experience.
• Prior sports industry experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior management experience is required.

Please ensure you provide complete and legible information in your application. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.

Creative Artists Agency (“CAA”) is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and creating a workplace culture in which diversity and inclusion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As part of our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form, you and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or any other legally recognised protected basis under UK law.

Please inform CAA’s Recruitment Department if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

CAA does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless they were contractually engaged by CAA to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any such employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the acknowledgement and agreement that CAA will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.