Licensed-based Controller, EMEA West

About the Role
Morningstar is seeking a Licensed-based Controller - EMEA West to join the EMEA West Controllership team. This role reports to the EMEA West Financial Controller and is responsible for end-to-end controllership for licensed-based entities across the sub-region.
The role focuses on financial close, balance sheet reconciliations, and internal controls, while partnering closely with FP&A and business stakeholders to deliver insight into financial performance and key drivers. This position will also support tax management, statutory audit delivery, and statutory reporting where necessary.
This is a London-based hybrid role, with an expectation of four days per week in the office.
Core Controllership

• Own the month-end close process for assigned licensed-based legal entities, ensuring timely and accurate results in line with Morningstar accounting policies and US GAAP.
• Act as legal entity controller with accountability for results, balance sheet integrity, and internal controls.
• Review and maintain high-quality balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring timely issue resolution and clear documentation.
• Ensure payroll accounting and people-related costs are accurately reflected in the financials.

Process Excellence

• Partner with the Shared Service Centre in Mumbai and Centre of Excellence in Romania to ensure efficient processing and clear ownership.
• Identify opportunities to standardise, automate, and offshore controllership activities.
• Support regional and global finance initiatives to strengthen controls and reduce operational risk.

Business Partnering and Insight

• Partner with FP&A to analyse financial performance and explain variances versus forecast and prior periods.
• Support planning and forecasting cycles by validating inputs and challenging assumptions.
• Translate financial results into clear, actionable insight for licensed-based business and product leaders.
• Support ad hoc finance projects related to licensed-based products in the region.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop one direct report.
• Act as a trusted finance partner to senior stakeholders.
• Serve as a point of escalation for complex accounting matters and aged balance sheet items.

Key Stakeholders

• EMEA West Financial Controller and EMEA Financial Controller
• FP&A teams
• Licensed-based business and product leaders
• Shared Service Centres in India and Romania
• Global finance, compliance, and internal control teams

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or controllership roles within a complex or international environment.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and local GAAP; US GAAP experience preferred.
• Proven experience in controllership within a multi-entity, international environment.
• Strong business partnering and communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle Financial Systems and Salesforce strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required, PowerPoint desirable.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; ACA, ACCA, CIMA (qualified).

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
301_MstarEurLtd Morningstar Europe Ltd (UK) Legal Entity