Financial Controller

Company Description

Recently acquired by Believe, Sentric Music is in an exciting phase of significant growth into new markets. Sentric Music Group is a rapidly expanding music publishing company with 100+ employees based across our offices in Liverpool, London, Hamburg, Palma, New York and LA. The company handles copyright and royalty administration for a large client base consisting of songwriters, record labels and music catalogue owners. Our industry-challenging platform is transforming the traditional models for royalty collection and our client base is consistently growing. 

Believe is above all a passion for music, tech, and digital marketing, shared by over 1,900 talented people in more than 50 countries. It is a visionary and entrepreneurial spirit that drives us and makes us a world leader in the digital distribution of music. 

Believe is a tribe of experts who successfully meet the challenges of the transformation of our music industry every day. It’s an adventure, a human adventure, and one that is propitious and stimulating for all of us. 

Finally, Believe is a story that began in 2005 and that we must continue to narrate, now, and with you. Believe's mission is to develop labels and artists in the most suitable way, at each stage of their career and development, in all local markets around the world, with respect, expertise, fairness and transparency.

Job Description

As Financial Controller, you will be responsible for overseeing the company’s financial health, managing the accounting functions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing financial insights to the leadership team. You will play a key role in budgeting, financial planning, and internal controls. The Financial Controller is responsible for leading the liaison with the Group headquarters in Paris.

Key Responsibilities :

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee the preparation of monthly management account for use by the Sentric Management team
• Oversee the reporting of Sentric financial results to the Group headquarters in Paris in line with Group reporting guidelines and IFRS
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP
• Prepare detailed explanations for variances

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead the budgeting process, working closely with department heads to develop financial plans that align with company objectives
• Create and maintain accurate cash flow forecasts to ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support business decisions and strategic initiatives.

Internal Controls and Compliance 

• Ensure all accounting processes comply with legal requirements and Group processes
• Establish and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Coordinate audits with external auditors and ensure timely completion of audits

Tax and Regulatory

• Manage tax filings, including VAT, corporation tax, WHT and any other applicable taxes
• Ensure compliance with all financial and legal requirements

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment
• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities
• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, systems, and reporting tools.

Qualifications

Skills

Required

• Very strong technical accounting skills; can demonstrate application of technical skills in complex situations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
• Strong proficiency in Excel and advanced financial modelling
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing a finance team
• Ability to communicate complex financial information in a clear and concise manner to non-financial stakeholders

Desirable

• French-speaking

Knowledge

Required

• Knowledge of GAAP / IFRS and relevant tax laws and regulations
• Knowledge of applying revenue recognition criteria and working to ensure revenue recognition processes comply with audit requirements

Desirable

• Understanding of the music- and music publishing industry

Attitude 

• Adaptable; able to apply skills and knowledge to changing situations
• Continuous improvement mindset, always looking at how to do tasks better and more efficiently
• Positive approach to problem solving
• Enthusiasm for working with and communicating with customers and other business stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to maintain a professional manner when handling complex matters
• Persistent drive to complete tasks in accurate and timely manner

Experience 

Required

• Minimum of 5-7 years of post-qualification experience in financial leadership roles

Desirable

• Experience of working in a high-growth environment Experience of working in the music or entertainment industry Experience of working in an international business

Qualifications

• Educated to Bachelor’s degree level
• Must be a CCAB qualified accountant

Additional Information

SET THE TONE WITH US​

Working at Believe means having individual and collective impact in a fast-growing company! ​

At all stages of their careers, Believers are an important part of what we are doing: shaping the future of the music industry. ​

We need teams that truly reflect the diversity of our clients: our international presence is an inspiring and enriching work environment for each one of us, with daily opportunities to connect with our colleagues all over the world. ​

​We have two hearts at Believe - our People and our Artists. ​

We believe in THE POWER OF OUR PEOPLE, who grow every day to develop their potential… We aim to provide our Believers with the best environment to thrive. ​

ROCK THE JOB ​

• Hybrid remote working policy (3 days in the office)

• Private Health Care 

• Pension plan 

• 25 days annual leave, + 1 day for your birthday 

• Life assurance and long-term disability cover

• Access a digital mental health and well-being platform 

• Tailor-made training and coaching program 

• Enhanced sickness pay and maternity/paternity cover 

​SING IN HARMONY ​

• Ambassador program: an employee volunteering initiative dedicated to all Believers interested in having a positive impact on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), wellbeing and the planet.​

We are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the community it serves at all levels of the organisation. We, therefore, welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation.