Commercial Finance Executive

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities Management Accounting

• Responsible for period end accounting closes for a range of football-based rights properties (CONCACAF, Saudi PL, CAF, MLS, A-league)
• Variance analysis of actual results against forecast

• Preparation of periodic client accounting and collection reports for rights properties including liaising with clients.
• Compliance with obligations under client and customer contracts
• Liaison with group accounts payable function to ensure all company payments are made on a timely basis.
• Preparation of forecasts for rights football properties. This involves liaising with Commercial, Production, Legal and Finance colleagues to ensure all relevant information is collected.
• Monthly and annual cashflow forecasting

• Preparing profit and loss accounts, and investment appraisal assessments for upcoming new opportunities to support and secure board approval to proceed.
• Providing financial support and input for negotiations during contracting periods.

• Support and partner the SVP and commercial directors with the execution of the football commercial strategy and business development opportunities.
• Monthly reporting and support for SVP & Managing Director, Football

• You may also be required to carry out any other duties which are within the scope and purpose of the job.

• Occasional travel to client events and in support of new business analysis

• The timely preparation and submission of month end, quarter end and year end results and analysis of those results
• Compliance with commercial reporting requirements on rights properties
• Key internal and external stakeholders’ relationship building in particular support of the football team

Mandatory

• Good knowledge of UK and US GAAP
• Confident and flexible team player with the ability to work with senior executives and commercial staff across the organisation
• Must be able to work on own initiative to identify and resolve problems
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition
• Hands on experience of working within the media or sports rights industry
• Experience of working in a worldwide group
• Experience in using SAP accounting system
• Experience of financial planning and analysis work

• Must be able to plan and organise work to meet deadlines and determine priorities.
• Must be able to work on own initiative to identify problem areas and work through to a satisfactory conclusion
• Strong financial modelling capabilities and knowledge of investment appraisal techniques.
• High level of commercial awareness and the ability to understand the specific nature of financing and revenue generation in sports
• Demonstrate a confident and persuasive communication style (verbal and written) which adapts to the audience and can present and communicate complex information in a simple and compelling way.
• Demonstrable ability to build relationships, negotiate, facilitate and manage conflict resolution
• An ability to work with senior stakeholders to persuade and challenge in the face of resistance and ambiguity.

Mandatory

• Qualified Accountant– CPA or equivalent
• Established post qualification experience (2 years minimum)

Mandatory

• Must be able to work calmly under pressure and work as part of a team to achieve results.
• Proactive, innovative, and self-motivated with excellent communication and organisational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; and
• A “finisher” with the genuine drive and commitment to always deliver against objectives
• A strong interest in football, sports and media