Job description

This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated accounting professional to join an internationally acclaimed US video game company and play a vital part in establishing the company's European presence. The challenge is to implement a new financial reporting system and establish an effective and robust control reporting framework for the US Parent during a period of rapid growth.

The company:

Our client is an award-winning creator and publisher of interactive entertainment for a range of gaming consoles, PCs, wireless devices and online gaming. Headquartered in the US, the business has grown significantly in the last three years and has recently secured major new investment to fund further growth and acquisitions. The company has just completed the successful establishment of its UK Sales & Marketing team and is in the process of building the Finance, Accounting and Administrative team. In this environment, the Financial Controller will play a vital role in implementing accounting and reporting systems.

The role:

Reporting directly to the European FD and working closely with the US Accounting team, the job holder will be responsible for implementing and maintaining a financial reporting framework capable of handling the expected large volumes of sales beginning in the latter part of 2008. The Financial Controller will take the lead in implementing the financial reporting system, which, in compliance with the US parent company's procedures, will enable the UK entity to build and track game inventory and process and track sales billings and collections. The Financial Controller will also supervise internal accounting processes, royalty reporting, project costing and liaise with the UK Accountants currently handling the external reporting to the US parent, payroll and tax compliance.

Core responsibilities will include:

• Day to day running of the Accounting function in coordination with an outsourced accounting firm, including the overseeing of purchasing, inventory, billing and collections, and accounts payable.
• Working closely with the FD to create detailed monthly management information to the parent entity, to include: ongoing summary cash flow position, profitability by project, cumulative performance measurement and overall profitability performance.
• Assisting in the preparation of annual budget and the performance of variance analyses against key financial metrics.

The person:

The successful candidate will be a qualified Accountant with in depth experience in all aspects of accounting in a significant commercial enterprise. Systems skills are important and should include experience with integrated accounting and reporting software. In addition, experience in inventory accounting, project costing and strong Excel skills are required. The ability to supervise a small accounting staff and coordinate accounting responsibilities is also expected. Knowledge of one or more of the video game, technology or publishing sectors is beneficial but not a prerequisite. Familiarity with International Accounting Standards and experience of working with a US parent company in an international environment is a distinct plus. Additionally, applicants should have worked in organisations experiencing rapid growth and change. On a personal level, we need someone who can fit quickly into a small, close knit team of professionals and who shares their strong work ethic, hands-on approach and focus on quality. The environment is one that will reward energy, drive and conviction. Excellent communication skills are vital.