Job Description

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. We're looking for a Financial Controller who thrives in a fast-scaling, international SaaS environment.

Role Overview

We're seeking an experienced, hands-on

Financial Controller

to lead and mature our finance operations across the UK and US entities. You'll work directly with the executive team to scale systems, streamline processes, strengthen controls, and provide strategic financial insight that drives growth.


The ideal candidate has successfully supported post-Series A/B growth, managed multi-entity operations across geographies, and built high-performing finance teams that combine strong compliance discipline with operational agility.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and scale

the company's financial operations across the UK and US, including accounting, tax, payroll, and reporting functions. Own the

month-end close, management accounts, consolidation, and audit preparation

, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Partner with leadership to develop

financial planning, analysis, and scenario modelling

that supports data-driven decisions. Implement

process improvements and automation

across finance workflows (AP, AR, payroll, P2P, and expense management). Oversee

UK & US tax compliance

, including VAT, R&D, PSA, P11D, PAYE, and US sales tax; liaise with external advisors as needed. Manage

year-end audits

, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS, and US GAAP (ASC 606). Oversee

cash flow and working capital management

, ensuring optimal liquidity. Support the

implementation and optimization of ERP and accounting systems

to ensure scalability. Drive

cross-functional collaboration

with Operations, Sales, and Product teams to align financial insights with business strategy. Manage and mentor a small but growing

finance team

, fostering a culture of accountability, development, and innovation. Support

equity management (EMI schemes)

, intercompany transactions, and consolidation reporting. Provide accounting guidance for

M&A transactions

, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration where applicable.

What We're Looking For

Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or CPA)

with a minimum of 7+ years of progressive finance experience.

Hands-on Controller

or Senior Finance Manager experience in a

SaaS, fintech, or technology business

, ideally post-Series A/B. Proven ability to

scale finance functions

, implement systems, and reduce close times. Strong technical knowledge across

UK GAAP, IFRS, and US GAAP (ASC 606)

. Demonstrated success in

multi-entity, multi-currency environments

(UK/US). Proficient in

ERP and P2P tools

, advanced Excel, and comfortable with automation and data-driven decision-making. Excellent understanding of

SaaS financial metrics

(ARR, deferred revenue, churn, LTV/CAC). Experience managing

tax, audit, payroll, and statutory compliance

. Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross-team collaboration skills.
Self-starter with high ownership, attention to detail, and a process improvement mindset.

What We Offer

Competitive salary (95,000 - 100,000) plus

stock options

.

Hybrid and flexible working

arrangements. 20 days of paid holiday.
Collaborative,

family-friendly environment

that values balance and autonomy. The opportunity to

build and shape the finance function

of a mission-driven global education company.

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to join a growing company at the intersection of

education, media, and technology

, where your financial leadership will directly impact our global mission. You'll work closely with senior leaders across London and the US, helping us scale efficiently and sustainably through the next stage of growth.

Note:

This is a UK-based position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available 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.