Solution Architect

Position Name : Solution Architect IBM Cognos Controller & Finance Consolidation Location: Reading, UK (hybrid on-site 2 days per week) Work type: Contract / Permanent (to confirm) Logistics Base location: Reading, UK Hybrid pattern: 2 days on-site per week Start: ASAP Experience level: Senior (5+ years as a Solution Architect) Role Overview We are looking for an experienced Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of finance consolidation solutions built around IBM Cognos Controller. You will work closely with finance, IT, and business stakeholders to translate complex consolidation and reporting requirements into robust, scalable architecture. Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end solution architecture for finance consolidation and group reporting platforms. Design and configure IBM Cognos Controller to support statutory and management consolidation, intercompany eliminations, and currency translation. Translate business and finance requirements into clear technical designs, integration patterns, and data flows. Define integration between Cognos Controller and upstream/downstream systems (ERP, GL, data warehouse, reporting tools). Provide technical leadership and guidance to developers, analysts, and finance teams throughout delivery. Produce architecture documentation, solution blueprints, and design decision records. Identify and mitigate technical risks, and ensure solutions meet performance, security, and governance standards. Support testing, deployment, and post-go-live stabilisation. Essential Skills & Experience Minimum 5years experience as a Solution Architect. Hands-on knowledge of IBM Cognos Controller. Strong understanding of financial consolidation processes group reporting, eliminations, currency translation, statutory and management reporting. Proven ability to design integrations between consolidation platforms and enterprise systems. Experience working directly with finance stakeholders and translating accounting requirements into technical solutions. Excellent communication and documentation skills. Eligible to work in the UK and able to attend the Reading office two days per week. Desirable Exposure to IBM Cognos Analytics / TM1 / Planning Analytics. Background in finance, accounting, or FP&A environments. Experience with cloud or hybrid deployments. Relevant architecture certifications (e.g. TOGAF). Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end solution architecture for finance consolidation and group reporting platforms. Design and configure IBM Cognos Controller to support statutory and management consolidation, intercompany eliminations, and currency translation. Translate business and finance requirements into clear technical designs, integration patterns, and data flows. Define integration between Cognos Controller and upstream/downstream systems (ERP, GL, data warehouse, reporting tools). Provide technical leadership and guidance to developers, analysts, and finance teams throughout delivery. Produce architecture documentation, solution blueprints, and design decision records. Identify and mitigate technical risks, and ensure solutions meet performance, security, and governance standards. Support testing, deployment, and post-go-live stabilization. TPBN1_UKTJ