At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

 

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

 

The Financial Controller is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the organisation’s financial reporting, financial controls, payroll operations and transactional finance processes. The role leads the production of accurate and timely internal and external reporting, maintains a robust financial control environment, and ensures compliance with all statutory, regulatory and audit requirements.

 

Working closely with the Finance Director – Corporate, the postholder will provide leadership across financial accounting, payroll, financial processing and reporting activities while driving continuous improvement, efficiency and governance across the finance function.

 

 

 

Key Responsibilities

 

 

Financial Reporting & Control

Accountable for the accuracy and quality of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting. Responsible for compliance with NYSE and SEC reporting requirements (and oversight of Investor Relations). Oversee the preparation of the statutory accounts and lead the external audit relationship. Maintain a robust financial control framework, identifying and mitigating financial risks. Drive high-quality management reporting to provide senior leadership with insightful and value-adding information.

 

 

Payroll & Financial Processing

Oversee the accurate and timely delivery of payroll. Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, tax requirements and pension obligations. Lead accounts payable, accounts receivable and transactional finance activity. Maintain strong controls across all financial processing activities. Drive process improvements and automation opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy.

 

 

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure effective financial governance across the organisation. Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisers and regulatory bodies. Lead compliance with financial policies, procedures and delegated authorities. Support risk management activity and ensure appropriate financial controls are operating effectively.

 

 

Leadership & Team Management

Provide leadership, coaching and development to the financial control, payroll and processing teams. Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement and customer service. Build capability within the team and ensure appropriate succession planning is in place. Work collaboratively across the wider finance leadership team and business functions.

 

Strategic Support

Support the Finance Director – Corporate in delivering the finance strategy. Act as a senior leader in the Finance team and drive improvements in the function. Identify opportunities to improve systems, controls, processes and reporting capability. Provide expert financial control guidance to senior stakeholders across the organisation.

 

 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

 

Essential

 

Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
Significant experience in financial control, statutory reporting and financial governance.
Experience leading payroll and transactional finance functions.
Strong technical accounting knowledge.
Experience managing audits and external reporting requirements.
Proven leadership and people management experience.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

 

Desirable

Listed company background (UK or US)
Experience within a complex or multi-entity organisation.
Experience leading finance transformation and systems improvements.
Knowledge of ERP and payroll systems.

 

 

What we offer

 

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

 

Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme
Health Cash Plan: Supporting you with your everyday healthcare needs
Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

 

 

About Manchester United

 

Manchester United is one of the world’s most iconic clubs, but it’s our people who bring it to life every day.

 

Life at United means taking on new challenges, working with talented people and contributing to something that matters to millions around the world.
Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

 

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

 

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.