Financial Controller | London -

About Us

Tenka owns and operates two businesses, Gemba and Turnstile, and is shaping a better future for sport and entertainment by providing high-quality Strategy, Insights, and Communications.

We work at the crossroads of sport, entertainment, media and digital to help our clients grow their businesses and get more people playing, attending and consuming. From sport governance to major event commercialisation strategy; from football to music; from the athletics track to the mobile app – Gemba and Turnstile work with clients that are at the heart of fans’ passions, on their most pressing strategic issues.

About the Role

We’re seeking an ambitious Financial Controller with 4+ years’ experience to lead our financial operations in London. In this role, you’ll take charge of the strategic financial operations to support senior leadership, including financial planning and reporting. Responsibilities include optimising efficiency through automation, establishing financial controls, supporting ISO and GDPR compliance, integrating new technology, and nurturing a team of finance experts. Collaborating closely with the COO, you’ll oversee day-to-day finance and accounting functions across our global businesses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a strategic partner and commercial finance lead, offering essential support to the CEO, GMD, MD, COO, and senior leadership
• Drive financial planning and reporting, providing consistent, precise, and streamlined financial insights to inform strategic decisions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for automation and streamline data flows, optimising efficiency and effectiveness
• Develop and implement solutions to automate financial processes, leveraging APIs and other technologies to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including senior management, departments, and external partners, to drive financial transparency, accountability, and alignment with strategic objectives and offering guidance on business plans, negotiations, and pitches
• Establish and enforce financial controls to elevate divisional standards and ensure regulatory compliance
• Utilise data-driven analysis to support business partners, developing and maintaining financial models to identify trends, performance indicators, opportunities, and risks, providing actionable insights
• Drive continuous improvement in current systems and accounting processes
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of finance professionals, fostering growth and professional development
• Oversee weekly and monthly financial reporting, manage cash flow, prepare annual accounts, and fulfil statutory obligations accurately and timely
• Manage financial budget processes to ensure accurate forecasting and identification of risks and opportunities
• Coordinate with external UK + US accountants for the completion of year-end tax accounts, ensuring compliance and accuracy

Skills/Experience Required:

• Accomplished finance leader with a track record of driving top-tier financial reporting and commercial excellence
• Proven ability to develop sophisticated financial models and manage budgets effectively
• Qualified accountant such as ACA, ACCA, ICAEW, or CIMA preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft packages, especially advanced Excel/PowerBi/API integration
• Consulting, advertising, or digital sector experience advantageous
• High financial literacy and ability to present results clearly
• Effective management, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with senior stakeholders and drive change
• Strong understanding of GDPR and ISO business requirements
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Customer-centric approach with a proactive and collaborative mindset
• Strong organisational skills with a positive, flexible attitude

How to Apply

Written applications, including a CV and cover letter, should be addressed to Paula Marovitch, COO, at careerseu@thegembagroup.com

Note: All candidates require working rights of this country to perform the role and the successful completion of a criminal record check.

We are required to work in the office in London 4 days per week, with 1 day per week remote working from home.  Tenka supports flexible working hours and will consider job share for this role.

Tenka is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other protected characteristics or similar.