Group & EMEA Financial Controller

We are looking for a talented Group Financial Controller to join and lead the financial accounting of our London based group finance team working alongside an experienced Director of FP&A and reporting directly to the CFO. The Controller will also line manage EMEA local finance staff (4 direct reports). 
 
This role requires working at both a strategic and hands on level as the central team is relatively small.  Well-developed relationship management skills are essential as you will need to work collaboratively with local finance teams and also with our Japanese parent company.  The company anticipates that it will IPO in the medium term so experience in a listed company environment and of being involved in an IPO would be a significant advantage. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Ownership and development of the group finance function, including group financial reporting, the control environment, compliance and tax. 

• Lead, mentor and inspire a talented team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

• Manage the full spectrum of financial reporting for our operating entities and branches, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness. 

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including intercompany transactions, regulatory reporting, and payroll processing. 

• Establish and maintain robust internal control frameworks, mitigating risks and optimising efficiency. 

• Drive initiatives to automate and streamline accounting processes, enhancing productivity and accuracy based on the company’s D365 system. 

• Internal reporting, reviewing the monthly management accounting information (produced by the FP&A team) and ad hoc reporting to business with the ability to refresh and develop reporting to ensure it remains insightful and fit for purpose. 

• External reporting, including input into the drafting of management packs and ownership of the reporting to our parent company and other key external stakeholders. 

• Management of external audit and development and documentation of strong internal controls framework to support rapid future growth. 

• Maintenance of up-to-date technical knowledge of IFRS within the team – ownership of group and subsidiary accounting policies. 

• Ownership of statutory accounts and tax filings in the UK and overseas. 

• Oversee a centralised shared service centre covering accounts receivable and accounts payable in India. 

• Provide key contributions to the company financial strategy and decision-making processes. 

• Lead the end-to-end audit process of current systems, while acting as a point of contact for external auditors. 

• Take overall responsibility for the management of financial details to ensure that legal requirements are met. 

• Review the financial reports and seek ways to reduce company costs. 

• Propose solutions to identified risks and effectively manage stakeholder expectations. 

• Drive the continuous improvement of end-to-end accounting practices. 

Key skills: 

• The capability to turn complex data into logical formats. 

• Thorough and methodical attention to detail. 

• Commercial acumen and business awareness. 

• The ability to prioritise with superior time management skills. 

• Excellent presentation and communication skills. 

• Possess sound technical skills and a high level of accuracy. 

• Have initiative, problem-solving and negotiation skills. 

• Positivity, approachability and have an investigative nature. 

• Adaptable to change and possess a willingness to embrace innovative ideas and new processes. 

• Enthusiasm to obtain new skills and knowledge. 

• The ability to accept criticism and to be challenged on your advice. 

• Be able to make quick but rational decisions under pressure. 

• Excellent team management skills and strong leadership qualities. 

• The ability to work as part of a team and to build strong working relationships. 

• Be capable of managing the work of others and to delegate where needed. 

• The ability to resolve conflicts or issues that arise between team members. 

Qualifications: 

• Fully qualified Accountant with a minimum of 10 years PQE. ACA or CIMA preferred. 

• Prior expertise in a controllership role in a multinational organisation. 

• Exposure to listed company accounts and reporting. 

• Experience in D365 Finance and Operations, Microsoft Office suite and Power BI. 

• Exceptional technical accounting knowledge and familiarity with IFRS reporting 

• A high-level of presenting skills and interpretation of financial information. 

• The ability to advise co-workers and stakeholders on any financial changes affecting the business. 

• Highly competent in managing financial accounting, monitoring and reporting systems. 

• The ability to develop external relationships with stakeholders, such as auditors, tax advisors, lawyers, bankers and tax authorities. 

• The ability to produce accurate financial reports to specific deadlines. 

• Extensive working knowledge of financial regulations and legislation. 

• Be able to predict future trends, monitor cash flow and maintain budgets.