At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial records, ensure compliance, and collaborate with auditors in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Join Mistral AI, a cutting-edge tech start-up in Paris or London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, health insurance, meal vouchers, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for professional growth and coaching.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial reporting while working with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: 12+ years of experience, Big4 audit background, and expertise in IFRS.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As Mistral AI’s Group Financial Controller, you will ensure the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of all accounting records and financial statements. This role is purely accounting-focused, with a mission to oversee the review of accounting entries, collaborate with auditors, and enforce rigorous financial controls. You will work closely with the Internal Control department to mitigate risks and uphold the highest standards of financial reporting. You’ll report to the Group accounting director.
Location: Paris, or London
What you will do:
- Conduct detailed reviews of accounting entries (journal entries, accruals, provisions, intercompany transactions, etc.) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with IFRS and French GAAP.
- Act as a critical partner to the Accounting Ops Lead, ensuring the close process and R2R outputs are robust.
- Implement and enforce financial control frameworks, including segregation of duties, approval workflows, and reconciliation processes.
- Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors (Big 4 firms) during statutory audits, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of audit requests, explanations, and supporting documentation.
- Oversee the preparation of audit‑ready financial statements for all Group entities, including consolidated and statutory reporting.
- Collaborate with our Tax team to ensure compliance with tax and regulatory obligations (VAT, corporate tax, payroll taxes, etc.).
- Review and approve balance sheet reconciliations, P&L analyses, and flux analyses to guarantee the integrity of financial data.
- Support the design and monitoring of key controls to prevent errors, fraud, or misstatements in financial reporting.
- Review management reporting packages, including variance analyses, flux explanations, and ad‑hoc financial analyses for senior leadership.
- Ensure financial data is accurate, consistent, and transparent to support decision‑making.
Who you are:
- 12+ years of experience, including Big4 audit experience, with a strong background in statutory audits, financial due diligence, and accounting reviews.
- Tech start‑up/scale‑up experience, with hands‑on expertise in high‑growth environments (preferably in AI, software, or deep tech).
- Deep expertise in IFRS, with a focus on financial reporting, consolidation, and compliance. Expertise in FR GAAP is a plus.
- Strong proficiency in SAP S4 and advanced Excel for financial analysis and reporting.
- Experience in reviewing and approving accounting entries, reconciliations, and financial statements.
- Rigorous attention to detail, analytical rigor, and a zero‑tolerance policy for errors in financial reporting.
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with auditors, internal control teams, and senior leadership.
- Proactive and solution‑oriented, with the ability to identify risks and implement corrective actions.
- Fluent in English. French is a plus.
What we offer:
- Competitive cash salary and equity.
- Daily lunch vouchers: Swile meal vouchers with €10.83 per worked day, including 60% offered by company.
- Sport: Discounted access to gyms and fitness studios through Wellpass partnership.
- Transportation: Monthly contribution to a mobility pass via Betterway.
- Health: Full health insurance for you and your family.
- Parental: Generous parental leave policy.
- Visa sponsorship.
- Coaching: BetterUp coaching on a voluntary basis.
By applying, you agree to our Applicant Privacy Policy.
Group Financial Controller employer: mistral
Mistral AI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Paris or London, where innovation meets financial excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide competitive salaries, equity options, and comprehensive benefits including health insurance and generous parental leave. Our collaborative culture encourages professional development through coaching and access to fitness resources, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in a fast-paced tech start-up atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial 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 mistral. 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 Group Financial 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 mistral.
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 mistral'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 mistral
✨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 mistral.
✨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 mistral 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 mistral 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.
