Production Financial Controller

Description:

As a Production Financial Controller, you’ll take ownership of the financial operations across several theatre and live entertainment projects, with the opportunity to grow your remit as the portfolio expands. You’ll play a key role in building long-term relationships with clients while ensuring their productions run smoothly from a finance perspective.

Your main responsibilities will include managing production accounts, calculating investor returns, overseeing VAT submissions, and preparing statutory accounts and tax filings. You’ll also lead on Theatre Tax Relief (TTR) claims—so a working knowledge of the relief process for the theatre or TV/Film industry is a distinct advantage. Alongside production-specific work, you’ll oversee management accounts for non-show clients and support wider business operations like payroll, bank payments, and systems setup.

You’ll work closely with producers, creatives, and external reps, so the ability to communicate clearly with both finance and non-finance stakeholders is essential. You’d be reporting into a passionate, friendly, and highly skilled Founder/Finance Director and contribute to a business of accountants passionate about the creative industries. You’ll help support and mentor junior staff, managing 2-3 direct reports, and play a key role in maintaining strong internal processes as the business grows.

This role is best suited for someone with a solid technical accounting background who enjoys variety, has a strong eye for detail, and is excited by the pace and creativity of the entertainment industry.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain production accounts and calculate investor returns for shows
• Oversee management accounts for non-production clients
• Manage client onboarding and ensure AML compliance
• Handle VAT registrations, returns, and related queries
• Prepare year-end accounts, statutory filings, and tax returns
• Produce Theatre Tax Relief (TTR) calculations and HMRC submissions
• Manage 2 direct reports and support junior staff with tax, VAT, and year-end accounting queries
• Interrogation of the general ledger to ensure accurate postings and compliance with accounting standards
• Create or review production budgets to ensure accuracy
• Authorise bank payments and review payroll
• Assist with setup of bank accounts, accounting software, and payment systems
• Liaise with clients, maintain relationships
• Manage foreign entertainer tax matters
• Process reduced tax applications and verified withholding tax calculations
• Ad hoc duties to support the Finance Director

What we need to see (essential):

• Knowledge of theatre tax relief or TV/Film tax relief
• Prior exposure to production accounting
• Strong excel skills
• An ability to react to changing priorities quickly and efficiently
• A passion for the arts, entertainment, and theatre!