Job Title: Financial Controller
Reports to: Founders / Senior Leadership Team
Location: Bristol (with occasional travel to project sites)
Employment Type: Full-time
About Magic Number
Magic 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 Overview
The 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 Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
* Prepare 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 Control
* Monitor 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 suppliers
* Manage all insurance requirements for the business
Project Profitability & Tracking
* Implement 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 & Governance
* Ensure 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 Improvement
* Maximise 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 & Experience
Essential:
* Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent.
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial management or controller roles.
* Proven ability of managing a small team
* Advanced 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 Attributes
* Commercially 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 shutdown
o Pension contributions
o Gym Membership Contribution
o Flexible hours
o Mobile Phone line rental contribution
o Socials, team days, end-of-season events
o Festival tickets
Salary - based on experience