Financial Controller | AI Enabled Finance Operations

Job description

At Pencil, we are driving innovation in advertising technology through our state-of-the-art SaaS product, which harnesses Generative AI to redefine content creation. Our mission is to make AI the default in advertising without replacing creative people. To achieve this, we need to make sure that our technology isn’t just in the hands of big brands - we need to try to help small businesses and creative individuals too. We're looking for a Financial Controller to become the senior owner of financial controls, cash flow, and day-to-day process across Pencil's finance function. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll take ownership of the controls framework, month-end close, cash flow and and the senior judgement calls — supporting our Senior Management Accountant on revenue recognition and our Finance Manager on accounts payable and month end close. This is a newly created role: you'll be building the controls and process layer as Pencil scales 3x, working closely with a lean, high-performing team. Candidates must be based in the United Kingdom Key responsibilities: Own and continuously strengthen the internal control framework across all business cycles (P2P, O2C, payroll, expenses), and run a recurring monthly operational hygiene review Give final review on management accounts, revenue recognition, and AP runs prepared by the Finance Manager and Senior Management Accountant, and first review of monthly payroll ahead of Head of Finance approval Own monthly workings for internally developed costs and ensure appropriate controls for audit Own cash flow forecasting and treasury, giving final sign-off on bank payments Provide senior judgement and support to the Senior Management Accountant on complex revenue recognition questions, and to the Finance Manager on AP and cost management Own escalation relationships (banking queries, calls, vendor/software ownership) and the finance function's AI usage policy Streamline the finance operations leveraging the strength of AI Your background: Qualified accountant, must have UK experience (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA) 5 years of finance experience, including 2 years of industry experience. Experience owning financial controls and process in a fast-paced scaling business, ideally SaaS or tech Comfortable managing cash flow independently, including bank payment sign-off A track record of making and standing behind senior judgement c…