Financial Controller

At Lighthouse Studios, our six core values, pride, passion, persistence, playfulness, poise and people-focus, underpin everything we do and provide guidance for us as we grow and learn. 

We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and innovation in the Animation Industry. We are a dynamic and forward-thinking studio.  We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join our team and contribute to our continued success. The role is required to start asap.

This role is based in our studio in Kilkenny. - NO FREELANCE OPTION

Due to the nature of this role, we will only be able to consider applications from residents within the EU / EU passport holders only.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller to undertake all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecasts preparation, as well as development of internal control policies and procedures. Finance Controller responsibilities will also include financial risk management

We really value can-do attitudes here at Lighthouse. If you’re someone who thinks outside the box and looks for solutions, not problems, then you’ll fit right in.

What you'll be doing

• Managing all finance and accounting operations
• Ensure timely and accurate submissions of S481 applications and compliance
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting in compliance with relevant accounting standards
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts
• Monitor and report on variances against budgets and forecasts
• Liaise with external parties, such as our production partners, external accountants & tax advisors, DCHG, Revenue, banks, and related entities.
• Review and approve all work prepared by the accounts team
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
• Weekly reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, to include, but is not limited to; status of all productions, AR, AP, department workflow, status of all S481 applications and/or claims when applicable, production partner reporting, status of statutory financial statements when applicable, staff issues and/or concerns that may arise and any other ad-hoc items.

The above is not exhaustive and from time to time you may be asked to carry out other tasks.

What we're looking for

• Proven working experience as a Financial Controller
• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA)
• Minimum 2+ years PQE
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Industry-specific experience would be a distinct advantage
• Strong business acumen
• Keen eye for detail
• Strong experience and skills with payroll, accounting, and related software
• Experience with or knowledge of the 2019 Film Regulations (desirable)
• People management experience (desirable)
• Practice (or similar practice environment) experience (desirable)

What we'll offer you

When you join Lighthouse Studios, you will be joining a diverse and multicultural crew in the beautiful neo-Gothic building of Kieran’s College, based in the heart of medieval Kilkenny. And when we say multicultural, we mean it – our crew is currently represented by over 25 different nationalities.

The studio is a hub of talent and is constantly buzzing with creativity. Working here will not only give you the opportunity to work on productions for content giants such as Amazon, Apple TV+, Netflix and Warner Bros., but also to learn from some of the most talented individuals in the industry, your fellow crew members.

In addition to learning from your colleagues, you also have the opportunity to partake in our in-house learning and development programme, so you can be sure that your time at Lighthouse will be beneficial for you - not only now but in years to come. Of course, we also have many other benefits such as a pension plan, employee assistance programme, health benefits, regular crew parties and much more!

If that sounds like the kind of place you’d like to work then what are you waiting for, apply now! 

Lighthouse Studios Limited is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, fulfilling and progressive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives as it strengthens us, as individuals and as a studio. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable legislation. We are committed to positively supporting candidates - If we can make any reasonable accommodations for you in the recruitment process in order to give you the opportunity to perform to your best, please let us know. Any information that you provide will be used only for the purposes of providing relevant support and will have no bearing on how your application will be viewed. If you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please email HR@lighthousestudios.ie and we will be happy to accommodate you as best we can.