Finance Manager

About the Accounts & Finance Team: 

We are the guardians of our club’s financial health, ensuring that every penny is accounted for and strategically invested to support our mission. 

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who thrive on accuracy, transparency, and insightful financial planning.

Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond numbers; we partner with other teams to ensure financial sustainability while enhancing member experiences. 

The Opportunity: 

Sunderland AFC is seeking a highly skilled and motivated finance professional to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the preparation and analysis of fmanagement accounts, budgets, and long-term strategic plans to support the club’s growth and decision-making processes. You will develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to evaluate business performance, working closely with various departments to monitor key financial KPIs and ensure alignment with the club’s strategic objectives.

Your expertise will also be vital in supporting negotiations and conducting financial due diligence related to player transfers, sponsorship agreements, supplier contracts, and commercial partnerships. Additionally, you will oversee cash flow management, financial forecasting, and variance analysis, providing valuable insights and recommendations to senior management to assist in making informed investment decisions.

The role also involves leading process improvements in financial reporting and business management systems, managing relationships with financial institutions, and ensuring compliance with external financial regulations and internal policies. 

What We Ask For: 

We are looking for a qualified or qualifying accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or similar) with proven experience in FP&A, ideally within professional sports, entertainment, or a comparable environment. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of business management principles, financial analysis, and reporting, along with excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. The ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines is essential.

A strategic mindset combined with advanced Excel and financial software skills is required, along with a keen eye for detail and a high level of accuracy. Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive financial information are paramount. Knowledge of football industry operations and financial regulations will be advantageous but is not essential.

You will be required to obtain a Basic DBS through SAFC.