Senior Project Financial Controller in London

About ICF: ICF is a consultancy firm with offices in the UK, Belgium, the US and worldwide. At ICF, we help governments, public agencies and international institutions solve complex problems and improve the quality of life of people around the world. Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigour to help solve the leading issues of our day. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.

About the team: We are looking for a Project Finance Controller to join our Europe & Asia Business Management team on a permanent basis to drive the financial performance of the ICF activities.

Main Responsibilities

• Project Financial Management & Analysis: Monitor, analyse and interpret project financial performance in close 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—set-up, amendments, variations, and project closure—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.
• 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, required 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.

Qualifications:

• 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., Advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, modelling). Power BI experience is an advantage.
• Experienced user of financial/ERP systems (Maconomy strongly preferred or willingness to learn quickly).
• Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous learning and development.
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to build constructive relationships with PMs, finance teams, and leadership.
• Have the legal right to work in the UK (or be eligible for sponsorship where applicable on a case-by-case basis).

The benefits of joining ICF: Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you'll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well. We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role. To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support. We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called 'You Matter', which awards points as a 'thank you' for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee. 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.