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Pencil is an advertising technology SaaS company leveraging Generative AI to redefine content creation. We're seeking a Financial Controller to become the senior owner of financial controls, cash flow, and day-to-day finance operations, reporting to the Head of Finance.
This is a newly created role where you'll build the controls and process layer as Pencil scales 3x, working with a lean, high-performing finance team. You'll own the internal control framework across all business cycles (Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, payroll, expenses) and run recurring monthly operational hygiene reviews. You'll provide final review on management accounts, revenue recognition, and accounts payable runs prepared by the Finance Manager and Senior Management Accountant, and first review of monthly payroll ahead of Head of Finance approval.
Key responsibilities include owning monthly workings for internally developed costs with appropriate audit controls, cash flow forecasting and treasury with final sign-off on bank payments, and providing senior judgment on complex revenue recognition and cost management questions. You'll own escalation relationships with banking partners and vendors, establish the finance function's AI usage policy, and streamline finance operations by leveraging AI capabilities.
You'll be measured on: consistent monthly close completion with accurate, timely management accounts; clean, timely cash flow forecasts with no unauthorized payments; quarter-over-quarter reduction in audit findings; positive feedback from team members on quality and speed of support; AP and revenue recognition processes running without backlog; optimized capex process; and demonstrated automation gains through AI implementation.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Qualified accountant with UK experience (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA required)
- Minimum 5 years finance experience, including 2 years industry experience
- Proven experience owning financial controls and process in a fast-paced scaling business, ideally SaaS or tech
- Comfortable managing cash flow independently, including bank payment sign-off authority
- Track record of making and standing behind senior judgment calls (accruals, revenue treatment, risk) rather than just reviewing others' work
- Confident working with modern finance tooling (Xero, ApprovalMax, Maxio or equivalent)
- Demonstrable AI skills to optimize finance workflows and efficiency
