Financial Controller

Job Title: Financial Controller 

Location: London, UK 

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

About MarcoPolo Learning

MarcoPolo Learning is a leading provider of innovative content, technology, and instructional support for early childhood education. Since 2013, we've impacted thousands of classrooms and hundreds of thousands of families across North America. Our Emmy-nominated MarcoPolo World School app and The Polos TV series bring STEM and global discovery to life for young learners. Backed by top-tier investors, we're on a mission to transform early learning at scale.

Overview:

The Financial Controller will be a key member of our London-based team, responsible for overseeing all financial operations across both our UK and US entities. This role will manage the full accounting cycle, ensure compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS, and US GAAP (ASC 606), and maintain alignment with internal financial policies and statutory requirements in both jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate has experience managing financial operations in a SaaS or similar business, is confident navigating cross-border reporting, and brings strong knowledge of both UK and US financial regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all financial operations and direct corporate financial planning and structure.
• Prepare timely and detailed financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis and provide strategic recommendations to the executive team.
• Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget and provide variance analysis.
• Implement budgetary controls and ensure adherence to the financial plan.
• Manage cash flow, ensuring the company has the funds needed for operational and growth activities.
• Optimize the company's liquidity position by managing working capital, inventory, and capital expenditures.
• Implement and manage an efficient invoicing system and process as the company scales 
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations across both the UK and US, including UK GAAP, IFRS, US GAAP (ASC 606), and internal company policies.
• Conduct internal audits to assess financial health and operational efficiency.
• Provide guidance related to adherence to ASC 606.
• Provide accounting expertise on M&A transactions from pre-acquisition due diligence through post-acquisition integration.
• Oversee tax compliance and reporting requirements in both the UK (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax) and US (Federal/State filings), coordinating with external advisors as needed.
• Coordinate and manage the company audit. 
• Abilities to communicate effectively with the company's customers. 

Requirements:

• At least 7+ years of relevant functional experience (preferably in SaaS) and currently performing as a Controller or in a similar role.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA), with strong working knowledge of both UK and US financial regulations.
• Experience managing multi-entity or cross-border accounting functions, ideally including consolidation, intercompany transactions, and local tax filings in both the UK and US.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Attention to detail, data-driven, and hands-on.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Knowledge and strong command of ERP systems and other applications (e.g., Hubspot, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Skilled in managing SaaS sales and financial metrics as well as overseeing company pipeline reviews and reporting.
• Proven leader and self-starter with the ability to take ownership of accounting functions.
• Ability to deliver accurate financial reporting and budget vs. actual reporting for managers, CEO, and Board.
• Comfortable working with cross-functional teams across multiple time zones, especially collaborating closely with US-based stakeholders.
• Experience managing and maintaining client contracts and related accounting processes.
• Experience with deferred revenues and related billings processes.
• Service/contracting experience is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary accompanied by stock options.
• Hybrid and flexible schedule 
• 20 days of Paid holidays 
• Family-friendly environment and culture that values work-life balance
• Meaningful work supporting early childhood development

This is a UK-based, full-time position with a salary range of £90,000 to £95,000, plus stock options. The final compensation will be based on the candidate's experience and skill level. Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role at this time.

MarcoPolo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We have flexible remote/hybrid working arrangements and we pride ourselves on a supportive and mission-driven working environment.