Controller, EMEA West Region (Financial Controller / Finance Manager) in London

About Morningstar

Morningstar is a leading global provider of independent investment insights, serving both individual and institutional investors across public and private markets. Our offerings include a wide range of data, research, and investment management services, with $300+ billion in assets under management. Operating in 32 countries, Morningstar supports financial operations.

The Team

Morningstar is looking for a Controller for our EMEA West region to join our global Finance team, which is focused on business partnership, innovation, automation, and process improvement.

The Role

As the Controller - EMEA West, you will lead Morningstar's local financial reporting and accounting, appropriate for a publicly traded U.S. corporation, for our UK, Middle East and Africa operations. The role reports to Morningstar’s EMEA Regional Controller and is also responsible for assisting in the planning, forecasting, and analysing of the company’s local financial results and working collaboratively with our business groups and other areas of our Finance team to provide financial insight and decision making support. This is a full-time position and is based in London. Morningstar follows a hybrid work model, with employees expected to be in the office four days each week.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee general accounting functions, including monthly close process, financial audits, and tax/statutory reporting with support from U.S. and shared services accounting and finance teams.
• Optimize the organizational structure of the local finance team to best support the unique needs of the countries and the team, ensuring training, mentoring, and career development.
• Maintain and champion internal controls and processes appropriate for a U.S. publicly traded company to achieve global harmonization.
• Lead an efficient financial reporting process and month-end close to produce timely and accurate financial reports reflecting Morningstar's global accounting policies.
• Partner with the EMEA West (UK, Middle East, and Africa) regional business leaders and other areas of Finance to ensure accuracy of forecasts and budgets, identifying gaps and solutions.
• Identify and lead system and process improvement initiatives in support of global standardization, including the use of shared service capabilities within Finance.
• Oversee all statutory reporting requirements in the region, including regulatory submissions to the FCA, to ensure timely submission and compliance with local regulations.
• Lead and oversee various country projects and participate in global transformation projects, including system implementations, M&A activities, and process improvements.
• Coordinate with local external advisers for various activities, including audit, tax, payroll, insurance, and other compliance activities.
• Additional matrix management responsibility for the UK facilities function.
• Serve as director for local legal entities, as needed.
• Assist with transfer pricing and other tax planning strategies in conjunction with the corporate team.
• Perform other duties as assigned including the preparation of accounting memorandums and local policy documentation.

Who You Are

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years' progressive accounting and finance experience within a multinational organisation.
• Extensive experience in financial close, consolidation, and reporting across multiple legal entities with knowledge of SOX/internal controls.
• Proven people leader with a track record of building high-performing teams influencing stakeholders across global finance functions.
• Strong commercial and strategic acumen, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable business decisions.
• Deep understanding of financial structures, business value drivers, and performance management.
• Highly detail-oriented, with a commitment to accuracy, governance, and financial controls.
• Able to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Knowledge of UK GAAP and/or US GAAP preferred.

Ready to Shape the Future?

At Morningstar, every hire we make strengthens our mission to empower investor success. Apply now and help shape the future of investing with us.

Base Salary Compensation Range GBP 68,200.00-95,333.33 Bonus Target: 15% Annual. We expect the compensation and target bonus for this role to fall within the stated range. The specific compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.

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.