At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, audits, and transformation projects in a dynamic corporate environment.
- Company: Join ICF, a global leader tackling meaningful challenges with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, enhanced leave policies, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to mentor teams across various locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a fast-paced, innovative team.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in finance roles, ACA/ACCA qualified, and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About ICF
Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. If you're seeking to make a difference in the world, visit the ICF Career page.
About the team
Behind every great company is a strong corporate team. At ICF, we have one, but we're growing and so are our needs. We're seeking dynamic talent to help support our continually expanding organization. Our team will provide you with the support and training to enable your personal development and help attain crucial experience in a professional organisation. We will provide an environment where your intellectual and practical abilities are enhanced in a positive and challenging way.
About the role
Day-to-day the successful candidate will carry out wide-ranging responsibilities such as financial close, reporting & analysis, but also coordination of group audits activities and liaising frequently with internal/external stakeholders across the wider group. Key to success in this role will be an outgoing and inclusive style, working closely with a global team to deliver the required results.
- Group Accounting & Reporting
- Management of regional country controllers and co-ordination with group accounting teams globally.
- Manage and owner of the monthly, quarterly and year end close process.
- Manage the preparation of the monthly group reporting pack, explaining key variances. Assisting with P&L analytical review, monthly commentaries.
- Develop and lead on initiatives to optimise the accuracy and efficiency of close processes. Looking at opportunities to harness AI and other means of system and process improvements.
- Present on accounting and technical matters to Corporate and regional business leadership.
- Assist and act as main point of contact between E&A, Corporate, and US statutory auditors, as appropriate.
- Ownership and production of the group cash flow statement and analysis, manage the preparation of the group "GBS" allocations model.
- Manage and develop key performance indicators and reporting tools (dashboards etc). Develop enhanced reporting automation, including utilising such applications and tools like: PowerBI, HFM, OneStream etc.
- Ensure the group has a strong framework of corporate governance and ensure that the requirements of internal control requirements are met, including liaison with internal and external auditors. Ensure compliance with local and global accounting procedures, applicable GAAP and SOX and is consistent across all regions.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the regional accounting records and financial systems.
- Partnering with key stakeholders across the business, including Treasury, Tax, FP&A and Operations.
- Deputise for the Senior Finance Director in his absence.
- International Finance Transformation & Special Projects
- Lead role on wider finance transformation and business improvement projects. Co-ordinate and collaborate across finance and non-finance functional teams on the successful program delivery.
- Proactively detect, identify and explore opportunities to improve processes, procedures and financial control. Identify business/commercial improvements, as a rounded contributor to the management team.
- Provide leadership, mentoring and coaching to the local finance teams, where appropriate. Work closely with the operations as well as other key functions to achieve the finance department's objectives within the context of the broader business.
- Ad-hoc projects including leading on any potential group acquisitions and associated due diligence and integration, system changes etc.
- Experience as a group accountant, controller or in similar environment for 7 years+
- Exposure and knowledge of accounting operations/transactions, including workflows and processes
- Degree in Accounting/Finance (or related field) and ACA/ACCA qualified with progressive experience
- Strong knowledge of GAAP topics including revenue recognition, lease accounting, foreign exchange, mergers and acquisition and consolidation.
- A good working knowledge of US and other regions, including UK, Europe and India GAAP (desirable)
- With "top tier" audit background (desirable) and who would like to take up a new challenge in a multinational group
- Experience of supporting Finance Transformation initiatives. Strong project management skills and enjoys solving complex problems
- Knowledge and experience of an Accounting ERP systems, and other supplementary software for group reporting, including Blackline Reconciliations, Oracle, HFM etc (desirable)
- IT proficient - the applicant should have strong MS Excel skills. Expertise with Power Query, Power Pivot and Power PBI would be advantageous
- Experience of working in a corporate environment, reporting to an overseas Head Office (desirable)
- Management of teams based in various locations, locally and overseas.
- Proven written and communication skills - the applicant should have the ability to communicate persuasively across a wide range of professional groups
- Speak fluent English and other language skills (desirable)
- Strong, confident and credible communication style
- A continuous improvement mind-set
- Rigorous and reliable attention to detail
- Analytically minded, deadline-focussed and results-orientated
- Able to handle a fast-moving environment and carrying out tasks under time pressure
- An outstanding leader and manager, with proven success in developing and mentoring a finance and wider support teams, in a constructive but effective manner
- Sound business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information
- Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
- Dental insurance and an online GP service.
- 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
- Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution
- Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
- Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Group Financial Controller in London employer: ICF International, Inc.
ICF is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. With a strong commitment to meaningful work, ICF offers comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous annual leave, and enhanced parental leave policies, all while providing opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic global environment. Located in London, the company not only supports its employees with robust training and development but also engages them in impactful projects that address pressing global challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ICF on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching ICF's recent projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in the world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to financial reporting and team management. We want to see your confidence and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re truly interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial close, reporting, and team management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don't forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of technical accounting work, make sure to highlight your proficiency with tools like PowerBI, Oracle, and any other relevant software. We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy and ready to optimise processes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at ICF!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICF International, Inc.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial close processes in the past. Be prepared to explain variances in reports and how you’ve optimised reporting accuracy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing teams across various locations. Highlight your experience in leading finance teams and mentoring staff. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and improved team performance in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about GAAP, accounting operations, and financial controls. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in finance transformation and be prepared to discuss how you've implemented process improvements or utilised technology like PowerBI in your previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a straightforward manner. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders and presented financial information to leadership.