At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and provide insights for strategic decision-making in project finance.
- Company: Join ICF, a leading consultancy with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team culture with strong career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing finances for exciting projects across Europe and Asia.
- Qualifications: MBA or equivalent finance qualification with 4-5 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Permanent position with the Europe & Asia Business Management team at ICF, focused on driving the financial performance of ICF activities.
Responsibilities
- Project Financial Management & Analysis
- Monitor, analyse and interpret project financial performance in collaboration with Project Managers and Directors.
- Conduct project re‑forecasting and cost‑to‑complete reviews in line with ICF policies to ensure accurate and compliant revenue recognition.
- Provide actionable insights, variance analysis and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision‑making.
- Present monthly financial performance, risks and opportunities to Senior Leadership.
- Project Setup, Maintenance & Compliance
- Review contracts (including inter‑company agreements) and set up projects in the ERP system in accordance with contract terms, SOX regulations and internal controls.
- Maintain project financial data throughout the lifecycle, ensuring completeness and compliance.
- Support the maintenance of contract documents, agreements and variation orders.
- Revenue Recognition & Reporting
- Ensure revenue is recognised correctly and consistently across all projects, fully aligned with accounting standards and internal policies.
- Prepare and deliver management reporting packages (MIS), including revenue, cost analysis, margin movements and detailed commentary.
- Billing, Cash Flow & WIP Management
- Prepare timely and accurate client billing in coordination with Project Managers.
- Monitor aged debts, collaborate with Treasury on collections and support actions to reduce WIP and overdue balances.
- Contribute to cash flow estimates and forecasting.
- Accruals & Month‑End Close
- Calculate and post monthly subcontractor and freelancer accruals, ensuring completeness and correct cut‑off.
- Support month‑end close activities including reconciliations and preparation of financial reports.
- Project Governance & PM Support
- Lead or participate in project financial reviews to identify risks, write‑downs, claims handling and necessary corrective actions.
- Train and support Project Managers on financial project management processes, best practices and compliance requirements.
- Build strong working relationships with PMs and internal stakeholders to ensure high‑quality financial governance.
- Controls, Audits & Process Improvement
- Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and evidence.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of financial controls, checklists and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen process efficiency and compliance.
- Other Responsibilities
- Perform ad‑hoc duties and analysis as assigned to support business needs.
Basic Requirements
- MBA, M.Com, CMA or equivalent finance qualification.
- 4–5 years of relevant experience in project finance, project controllership or financial project administration within service or consultancy environments.
- Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles and financial standards (e.g., ASC606, IFRS, USGAAP).
- Advanced MSExcel skills (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, modelling).
- Proficiency in MSPowerPoint; PowerBI experience is an advantage.
- Experienced user of financial/ERP systems (Maconomy strongly preferred or willingness to learn quickly).
- High numerical accuracy and strong analytical skills.
- Experience working in a matrix organisation across multiple geographies (Europe/Asia/India).
Personal Qualities
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines with high accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proactive, self‑motivated and committed to continuous learning and development.
- Able to organise, prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to build constructive relationships with PMs, finance teams and leadership.
- Problem‑solving mindset with a “can‑do” attitude.
- Team player who collaborates effectively across functions and regions.
Location & Sponsorship (UK)
While we welcome international candidates, this role is located in the United Kingdom. Successful candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK (or be eligible for sponsorship where applicable) and be physically located in the UK on Day1 of employment.
Senior Finance Project Controller employer: ICF Olson
ICF is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to drive financial performance across diverse projects. With a strong commitment to professional development, team members benefit from continuous learning opportunities and the chance to engage with senior leadership, ensuring meaningful contributions to the company's success. Located in the UK, ICF offers a dynamic environment where innovative thinking and proactive problem-solving are highly valued, making it an ideal place for finance professionals seeking rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Project Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like ICF Olson. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Project Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to ICF Olson.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on ICF Olson's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICF Olson
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with ICF Olson.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at ICF Olson will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former ICF Olson employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
