Club Financial Reporting Manager

EFL; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading football organization in Preston is seeking a Club Financial Reporting Manager to oversee financial submissions from clubs, ensuring compliance with regulations. The successful candidate, a qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA), will review club financial data, assist in regulatory investigations, and prepare analysis for stakeholders. This role emphasizes strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a high-pressure environment. A competitive salary and a commitment to equality and inclusion await the right professional.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified accountant, proficient in audit roles.
• Proven ability to analyze financial statements.
• Strong attention to detail in documenting work.

Responsibilities

• Review Club submissions under Financial Regulations.
• Assist with financial reviews of Club changes of control.
• Support investigations or regulatory actions concerning Clubs.
• Prepare financial data analysis and benchmarking reports.
• Maintain a professional approach representing the EFL.

Skills

Ability to work on multiple projects

Reviewing and querying assumptions

Handling confidential information

Strong written and oral communication

Building relationships internally and externally

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA or ACCA)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Post Title: Club Financial Reporting Manager
Contract Type: Permanent
Workplace: EFL House, Preston
Reporting to: Senior Club Financial Reporting Manager
Working Pattern: M-F, 35 hours

“The EFL is about two things – great football competitions and supporting communities 365 days a year”.

The EFL is looking for a qualified chartered accountant to work as a Club Financial Reporting Manager within the EFL's Club Financial Reporting Unit. The role will be responsible for the detailed review of submissions provided by Clubs under the ‘Financial Regulations’ as defined by the EFL.

More information is available in the downloadable Candidate Brief that is attached to this advert.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Club Financial Reporting Manager, this role is one of two manager roles responsible for the detailed review of submissions provided by Clubs under the ‘Financial Regulations’ as defined by the EFL.

The Club Financial Reporting Managers are the regular point of contact for the people responsible for Finance at Clubs.

Within the role, there will be a primary focus on the Championship P&S rules, League One and League Two SCMP rules, and financial records requirements of EFL Regulation 16.

They may also be involved with supporting any investigative work or regulatory action being taken in relation to Clubs.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Regulations:
  • Review Club submissions under the ‘Financial Regulations.’ This includes submissions made by Championship Clubs in relation to Profitability and Sustainability Rules (or any replacement);
  • League One and League Two Clubs in relation to the Salary Cost Management Protocol Guidelines and any ‘live monitoring’ of player registrations;
  • All EFL Clubs under EFL Regulation 16 – Club Financial Records and EFL Regulation 17 – HMRC Reporting;
  • Perform real‑time reviews for approving Player Registrations during Transfer Windows, ensuring compliance;
  • Prepare responses to Club queries regarding reporting requirements and the CFRU’s current interpretation of the Rules;
  • Design and update regulatory submission templates to suit club needs and testing processes.
• Acquisitions of Control:
  • Assist with the detailed financial review of Club changes of control and appraisal of proposed business plans;
  • Liaise with the EFL Governance team to understand the structure of any proposed acquisition and its impact on financial forecasts.
• Investigations and Regulatory Action:
  • Support the Director and Senior Manager with investigations or regulatory actions concerning Clubs;
  • Involve placing Clubs under registration embargoes, monitoring agreed business plans or reviewing information under formal requests.
• Internal Analysis:
  • Prepare financial data analysis and benchmarking reports for the Executive Leadership Team, Club Financial Review Panel, Member Clubs and other stakeholders.
• Ongoing Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a professional, business‑like approach when representing the EFL with stakeholders, upholding the EFL’s reputation;
  • Ensure work is documented accurately and clearly for legal proceedings;
  • Ensure Safeguarding is at the forefront of all actions to promote a safe environment for the organization, Clubs, Football Club charities and Partners;
  • Contribute to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion as part of the organization’s culture.

About the Candidate

Who we are looking for

Knowledge & Understanding

• Ability to work on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines;
• Proven ability to review and query assumptions in work and forecasts prepared by others, including junior team members;
• Acute understanding of handling extremely confidential and sensitive information.

Technical Skills

• Qualified Accountant (ACA or ACCA) with demonstrable working competency in an audit role or equivalent;
• Technical knowledge in reviewing financial statements and detailed financial forecasts;
• Advanced competency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel;
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to document work clearly and thoroughly.

Attributes

• Commitment to self‑development and learning, holding a growth mindset for process improvement;
• Strong written and oral communication with adaptable style for different audiences;
• Consistent ability to meet varied deadlines throughout the season;
• Ability to build and sustain strong working relationships internally and externally;
• Lead by example by contributing to the principles of the EFL:

• Everybody Working Together – We are one team supporting each other and collaborating on our shared goals;
• Fairness & Equality – Consistent and inclusive for everyone, showing respect;
• Listening & Learning – Communicating with trust and honesty, growing as individuals and enabling others to do so.

About the Club

Introduction to the EFL

The English Football League (EFL) is the highest attended football league and largest single body of professional clubs in Europe.

It is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Sky Bet Play‑Offs, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy competitions, plus youth and reserve team football.

A vital part of sporting life, both in the UK and globally, the EFL operates some of the world’s most competitive, popular and successful football competitions, acting as part of the fabric of life for millions of fans and families.

EFL Clubs are truly embedded in the hearts of the 72 local communities across England and Wales. Outside match‑day, Clubs and Football Club charities interact seven days a week, 365 days a year, making a positive contribution to the communities they serve.

Club Financial Reporting Unit

The Club Financial Reporting Unit reviews the financial regulatory submissions of the 72 EFL Clubs and assesses each Club’s compliance against the relevant rules.

Any regulatory action the CFRU takes is referred to the Club Financial Review Panel, an external, multi‑disciplinary body set up to provide independence and expertise to adjudicate matters raised or contested.

The Unit is led by the Director of Club Financial Reporting, who recommends regulatory actions. The Director is supported in assessment by the Senior Club Financial Reporting Manager and the EFL Legal Department.

Our Team at the EFL

The EFL offers a unique opportunity to work with major sporting competitions, clubs, commercial partnerships and media. We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment.

Our employees are crucial to our success, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental to building our team. Each of us has an array of qualifications, skills and life experiences.

If you have any special requirements for the recruitment or interview process, please mention them in your application.

The EFL reserves the right to close this vacancy early should we receive enough applications.