Assistant Financial Controller

Description
We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented
Assistant Financial Controller
to oversee the financial operations and reporting for Side's UK and French entities. Reporting into the Group Financial Controller, this role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely management and financial reporting, maintaining a robust control environment, and supporting audits and compliance across both jurisdictions. The role requires someone who is prepared to be hands on and focus on looking for efficiencies/process improvements as internal controls and the reporting environment at Side have substantial manual elements and the finance function is midway through a transformation process.

The Assistant Controller will directly manage two finance staff and work closely with shared services and cross-functional teams in operations and HR. The role also partners with local leadership and the group finance team to ensure consistent practices and financial integrity across the group.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Control

• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes for UK and France entities, ensuring accurate and timely management and financial reporting in D365.
• Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, and prepayments with proper supporting documentation.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and ensure ledgers are audit-ready.
• Manage intercompany balances and cross-border recharges in line with group policies.
• Support preparation of statutory accounts and prepare audit support files; respond to queries for the UK and France statutory audits and coordinate with external auditors.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Manage and develop a small team of finance staff, providing coaching and performance oversight.
• Promote strong internal controls and support rollout of group-wide finance initiatives.
• Liaise with shared service centre on AP/AR processes to ensure timely and accurate processing.
• Identify and lead opportunities for automation and process improvement in financial reporting.
• Act as the first point of contact for operational finance questions from business stakeholders.

Business Support & Compliance

• Partner with regional leaders to provide finance insight and support decision-making.
• Monitor and report on cost centre spend and budget adherence across UK and France.
• Ensure local compliance with tax, payroll, and accounting standards under UK GAAP and French GAAP.
• Assist with preparation of group consolidation packs and ensure reporting alignment.

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with several years post-qualified experience.
• Strong background in financial reporting and accounting operations in a multi-entity environment.
• Experience managing a small finance team.
• Working knowledge of D365 or similar ERP systems.
• Excellent technical accounting knowledge and hands-on approach to monthly reporting.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Well organised and used to working to tight deadlines in a mainly manual finance environment.
• Fluency in English; French language skills a plus but not required.
• Previous experience in media, games, or technology sectors advantageous.

Benefits
Competitive remuneration, holidays, flexible working and regular team socials.

A supportive community inclusive of LGBTQ+, and any age, ethnicity, religion, or disability. We care about the wellbeing of our employees and have a dedicated employee wellbeing programme.

Studio based in Kings Cross. Onsite amenities include a gym, café, pub and transport to and from Kings Cross station.

We operate a hybrid model of office and remote working.

Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative services to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in Japan in 1994, Side has grown to become a global force in the gaming industry, with studios in 14 countries worldwide and offices across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Our industry-leading services include art production, game development, quality assurance, player support, community management, localisation, localisation QA, audio production, and data collection.

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