Financial Controller

Job Title: Financial ControllerReports to: Founders / Senior Leadership TeamLocation: Bristol (with occasional travel to project sites)Employment Type: Full-timeAbout Magic NumberMagic Number is a leading brand activation and event production agency, creating large-scale, memorable experiences for some of the world’s biggest brands. From concept to creation, we design, build, and deliver high-impact festival activations, immersive pop-ups, and premium POS assets – all from our 32,000 sqft Bristol workshop and office in central Bristol.We’re looking for a commercially savvy, detail-driven Financial Controller to take ownership of our financial operations, ensuring the business has the insight, structure, and control needed to support continued growth in the UK and internationally.Role OverviewThe Financial Controller will be both a guardian of financial accuracy and a driver of commercial success. You’ll manage financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll, compliance, and financial controls while also actively looking ahead to ensure the business is structured for sustainable profitability.This includes monitoring and improving project-level financial tracking, ensuring every activation is profitable, and working closely with the leadership team to identify growth opportunities, efficiencies, and risks before they impact the bottom line.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management & ReportingPrepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts via Xero.Oversee budgeting and forecasting, including profit projections at both company and project level.Develop and maintain clear dashboards and financial reports for senior management.Produce and present commercial insights, highlighting opportunities for increased profitability.Cash Flow, Payroll & Cost ControlMonitor and manage company cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for operations and growth.Lead cost control initiatives across the business, driving efficiencies without compromising delivery.Oversee end-to-end payroll for all employees, freelancers, and contractors via Xero Payroll (or integrated system), ensuring accuracy and compliance with UK payroll legislation.Manage pension contributions, holiday pay, and statutory payments in line with regulations.Oversee debtor/creditor control within Xero and with suppliersManage all insurance requirements for the businessProject Profitability & TrackingImplement robust financial tracking for each activation/project and production element from quote to completion.Monitor actual vs forecasted costs in real time, flagging risks and opportunities early.Partner with project managers to ensure all jobs meet or exceed profitability targets.Analyse past project performance to improve future pricing, quoting, and budgeting accuracy.Compliance & GovernanceEnsure compliance with HMRC regulations, VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and all statutory requirements.Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and advisors.Maintain internal financial controls and risk management processes.Systems & Process ImprovementMaximise Xero’s capabilities, including reporting, project tracking, payroll, and integrations with add-on tools.Identify and implement systems to automate and improve financial processes.Train internal teams on finance processes and profitability awareness.Skills & ExperienceEssential:Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent.Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial management or controller roles.Proven ability of managing a small teamAdvanced proficiency in Xero, including payroll, project tracking, reporting, and integrations.Proven ability to manage both business-level and project-level profitability.Strong understanding of UK accounting, tax, and payroll compliance.Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.Desirable:Experience in events, production, or creative industries.Familiarity with multi-entity / international financial operations.Experience implementing financial systems for project profitability tracking.Personal AttributesCommercially minded with strong business acumen.Forward-looking and proactive, with a focus on driving profitability.Exceptional attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture.Strong communication skills – able to translate financials into actionable strategies.Collaborative and approachable, with the ability to work cross-functionally.Standard benefits include:o   28 days of annual paid time off (20 days + 8 Bank Holidays)o   Yearly increase of 1 day per year accrued past 2 years of service (up to 5 years: 5 days)o   Paid Christmas shutdowno   Pension contributionso   Gym Membership Contribution o   Flexible hours o   Mobile Phone line rental contributiono   Socials, team days, end-of-season eventso   Festival tickets  Salary - based on experience