Group Financial Controller

Harper May is proud to partner with a leading SaaS technology company, renowned for its innovative solutions that are transforming the industry. They are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Group Financial Controller to join their finance team.

In this pivotal position, you will play a key role in driving the financial health and integrity of the group, ensuring that the company’s financial processes are aligned with its growth and technological advancements. This is a hybrid role, with 2 days a week in the office, allowing for a balance of collaboration and flexibility.

Core Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Group’s financial control function by transforming existing global reporting processes. Drive enhancements in technology and systems, improve reporting capabilities, and strengthen internal controls. Engage with key stakeholders, including the C-suite, external auditors, regulators, and consultants.
• Collaborate with the technology team to develop a roadmap for systems improvements, ensuring that financial systems are scalable and aligned with the evolving needs of a growing SaaS business.
• Identify and lead finance-related projects such as new systems implementation, finance transformation initiatives, and the selection of suppliers for required solutions.
• Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports, chair the Group’s finance controller forum, and oversee the broader finance team. Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting, and Revenue Recognition.
• Oversee the global month-end reporting process, ensuring the timely and accurate reporting of monthly results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide financial analysis to the commercial team and C-suite to support strategic financial decisions and the budgeting process.
• Contribute to the preparation of consolidated monthly management accounts, including debtors and cash-flow reporting, and provide ad-hoc financial reports to support business needs.
• Coordinate cash flow management, debt collection, and address customer queries in collaboration with local teams and the Group Commercial team.
• Lead the production of annual and interim reports, working closely with legal, brand, and commercial teams. Prepare financial reports for presentation to the Board and Audit Committee. Act as the key point of contact for ESG financial reporting and represent the company in external forums.
• Oversee the Group’s annual audit process, acting as the primary contact for external audit teams, including the audit partner. Liaise with overseas parent company auditors as part of the year-end audit.
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge of IFRS, overseeing group and subsidiary accounting policies to ensure compliance.
• Ensure covenant compliance, coordinating with banks where required. Provide support to the tax and treasury teams, including inter-company loan, bond, and hedge accounting.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A chartered accountant qualification (ACA or equivalent) is essential.
• Experience in consolidation and group reporting within a technology-driven environment.
• Strong background in financial reporting processes, with a solid understanding of accounting principles and regulations such as IFRS.
• Proven ability to lead and manage finance projects, including systems implementation and process enhancements, with a focus on driving efficiency and effectiveness.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, with the ability to lead a team, chair meetings, and oversee day-to-day accounting operations.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple workloads and work with external contractors effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with all levels of management and influence decisions.
• Knowledge of local GAAP in various countries is an advantage.