Haygarth
Financial Controller 9-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
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Financial Controller
9-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Department: Finance
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Hybrid
About Haygarth
At Haygarth, we create powerful brand experiences that connect people with some of the world's most recognised brands. As a leading brand experience agency, we combine creativity, strategy and operational excellence to deliver work that drives real results.
We're looking for an experienced Financial Controller to join us on a 9-month maternity cover contract. This is an opportunity to step into a highly visible role, working closely with our CFO and leadership team to help shape commercial decisions and ensure the smooth running of a busy agency finance function.
The Role
As Financial Controller, you'll be at the heart of the business, providing financial leadership, commercial insight and operational support across the agency.
You'll work closely with senior stakeholders to drive financial performance, improve visibility of agency profitability and ensure robust financial controls are maintained. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical finance expertise with a hands-on, collaborative approach.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management and Reporting
- Lead the day-to-day financial operations of the agency.
- Support month-end reporting, forecasting and budgeting processes.
- Deliver accurate financial analysis and management information.
- Monitor business performance, cash flow and financial risks.
- Partner with leaders across the agency to support commercial decision-making.
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Commercial Finance and Agency Operations
- Work closely with Client Services teams to monitor project and client profitability.
- Support revenue recognition, forecasting and financial planning.
- Provide commercial insight to improve operational performance and profitability.
- Oversee invoicing, work in progress and financial reporting for client projects.
Financial Control and Compliance
- Maintain strong financial controls, processes and governance.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, tax and financial reporting requirements.
- Support annual audit activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Oversee key finance processes including payables, receivables and cash management.
Leadership and Stakeholder Management
- Partner with senior leaders to provide financial guidance and challenge.
- Manage and support the Finance Business Analyst.
- Build strong relationships across the agency and act as a trusted business partner.
- Champion commercial awareness and financial accountability throughout the organisation.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or similar role.
- Experience working within an advertising, marketing or creative agency environment.
- Strong management accounting and financial reporting experience.
- Commercially minded with excellent analytical skills.
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management experience.
- Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.
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Desirable
- Experience within a project-based agency environment.
- Knowledge of WIP management and revenue recognition.
- Experience using Paprika or similar agency finance systems.
- Previous people management experience.
Personal Attributes
We're looking for someone who is:
- Commercially astute and solutions-focused.
- Proactive, adaptable and hands-on.
- Confident working with senior stakeholders.
- Organised, detail-oriented and able to manage competing priorities.
- Collaborative and relationship-driven.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced agency environment.
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you'll provide stability and leadership to the Finance function, deliver high-quality financial insight and reporting, strengthen commercial decision-making and ensure the agency continues to operate effectively throughout the maternity cover period.
If you're an experienced agency finance professional looking for a role where you can make an immediate impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply to people@haygarth.co.uk with your CV and a short introduction.
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