Interim Financial Controller PE-Backed Creative Agency

Interim Financial Controller PE-Backed Creative Agency 6 Month Contract

The Client

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with a fast-growth, PE-backed creative agency group in their search for an Interim Financial Controller to support the finance function during a key period of growth and transformation.

This role will report directly to the CFO and play a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of the finance function, delivering high-quality financial reporting, completing the annual audit process, and maintaining strong financial controls across the group.

Our client is an international creative services group with operations across Europe, North America and the Middle East. The business comprises several specialist brands delivering high-end creative, visual and experiential services to a global client base.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Interim Financial Controller will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting while maintaining strong financial controls.

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced contractor who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and delivering across core finance activities. The successful candidate will lead the audit process, oversee month-end close, manage statutory reporting requirements, and support the wider business through accurate financial information and analysis.

The focus will be on execution, delivery, and maintaining business-as-usual finance operations rather than long-term team development or strategic transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the month-end close process across multiple entities, ensuring timely and accurate management accounts.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, board reporting packs, and financial analysis for senior leadership.
• Lead the year-end audit process and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Prepare statutory accounts and support all statutory reporting requirements.
• Manage VAT returns and ensure compliance across all relevant jurisdictions.
• Oversee payroll processes, working closely with external providers where applicable.
• Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations and month-end controls.
• Ensure financial records remain accurate and compliant with accounting standards.

Essential Experience

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.
• Strong audit background with excellent technical accounting knowledge.
• Proven experience operating as a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager, or Financial Accountant.
• Significant experience delivering month-end close and management reporting in a multi-entity environment.
• Hands-on experience managing external audits and statutory reporting processes.
• Strong understanding of VAT compliance and payroll processes.
• Ability to operate autonomously and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong financial systems experience.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within a PE-backed business.
• Exposure to multi-entity group structures.
• Background within creative services, media, marketing, consulting, or agency environments.

Day Rate: £400 - £450 per day (IR35 to be confirmed)

Location: London (Hybrid)

Contract Length: 6 Months

Start Date: Immediate / Short Notice Preferred

Please feel free to get in touch with Ewan Fenley for more information ()

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At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.