Head of Financial Reporting - Sports

We are seeking an accomplished and commercially minded Head of Financial Reporting & Control to lead the accounting, reporting, governance, and compliance functions across an international business. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a qualified finance professional with extensive technical accounting expertise, a passion for process improvement, and a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

As a key finance leader, you will oversee financial reporting across multiple international entities, ensure compliance with global accounting standards, strengthen financial controls, and drive transformation through automation and continuous improvement.

• Lead all aspects of the accounting function, including month-end close, consolidation, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the timely and accurate reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial results across international entities and subsidiaries.
• Review complex commercial contracts and new business arrangements to identify and address accounting implications.
• Partner with business units and corporate teams to provide technical accounting guidance on complex and significant transactions, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, UK GAAP, and German GAAP.
• Monitor emerging accounting standards and lead the implementation of new reporting requirements.

• Develop and maintain scalable financial processes, systems, controls, and policies to support business growth.
• Ensure a strong internal control environment that safeguards company assets, minimizes risk, and meets compliance requirements.
• Create and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures to promote consistency and best practice.
• Champion ethical leadership and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.

• Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency across finance and the wider organization.
• Lead cross-functional finance projects supporting strategic business initiatives and operational change.
• Leverage technology to improve reporting capabilities and organizational effectiveness.
• Develop and execute effective change management and communication plans.

• Lead statutory audits for international entities and support group audit activities.
• Build strong relationships with external auditors, ensuring alignment on financial reporting and accounting matters.
• Support external financial audits, SOX compliance, internal audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Partner with internal tax specialists to ensure compliance with local tax regulations across multiple jurisdictions.

• Inspire and develop high-performing finance teams through coaching, mentoring, and clear strategic direction.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, accountability, and customer focus.
• Design and implement learning and development initiatives that build technical capability and leadership skills.
• Create an inclusive, engaging environment that promotes teamwork, innovation, and employee wellbeing.
• Develop organizational structures aligned with industry best practice and future business growth.

You are an experienced finance leader with exceptional technical accounting knowledge and a track record of delivering results within complex, international organisations.

• Fully qualified ACA or ACCA.
• 15+ years of accounting experience, ideally across both public practice and industry.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, UK GAAP
• Extensive experience leading financial reporting, consolidation, audit, and governance activities.
• Highly proficient with ERP systems (SAP experience is advantageous) and financial reporting tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve processes, and build high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• A collaborative, results-oriented approach with high levels of integrity, accountability, and commercial awareness.

Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.