At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architecture for a new Group reporting platform and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join a major global retailer undergoing a transformative PLC project.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible remote work, and dynamic team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous learning and growth in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial reporting and make a significant impact.
- Qualifications: Expertise in finance transformation and strong skills in Cognos Controller.
A major global retailer is undertaking a once-in-a-generation PLC transformation, moving from subsidiary reporting to full public company reporting standards. We're looking for an immediately available Solution Architect with deep expertise in financial consolidation, annual reporting, and period-end close to define and govern the future Group reporting landscape.
The Role: You will lead the end-to-end architecture for the new Group consolidation and annual reporting platform, centred on IBM Cognos Controller and integrated with IBM Planning Analytics. Oracle Finance remains the system of record, and you'll also shape the selection of a close governance and compliance tool (Workiva, Sphera, BlackLine).
Your remit: deliver a PLC-grade reporting ecosystem spanning financial, non-financial, ESG, and narrative reporting-controlled, auditable, and ready for external scrutiny.
What You'll Own:
- End-to-end architecture, governance, and design assurance for consolidation and annual reporting.
- Target, transition, and integration architectures across ERP, planning, analytics, and reporting.
- Key design decisions, solution blueprint, and technology selection.
- Architectural governance across vendors, integrators, and internal teams.
- Production readiness: data integrity, controls, security, and service operations.
Key Technology Landscape:
- IBM Cognos Controller - Group consolidation
- IBM Planning Analytics (PA) - planning, analytics, performance reporting
- Oracle Finance - primary source system
- Close governance tooling - Workiva/Sphera/BlackLine
- Assessment of reuse vs new investment across the reporting estate
What You Bring:
- Strong Solution Architecture experience in finance transformation and PLC-level reporting.
- Hands-on expertise with Cognos Controller and familiarity with Planning Analytics.
- Deep understanding of consolidation, period-end close, audit, controls, and regulatory reporting.
- Experience with multi-entity consolidation, eliminations, FX, IFRS/UK GAAP, statutory reporting.
- Strong stakeholder influence, documentation, and design governance skills.
- Experience with Oracle Finance, finance data flows, reconciliation, lineage, and integration patterns.
- Exposure to ESG, non-financial, or narrative reporting (TCFD, CSRD, GRI, SASB) is highly beneficial.
- Comfortable operating in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.
£600-£625 per day Inside IR35. 6 months rolling. Reading & 80% remote.
Solution Architect - Annual Reporting & Consolidation (PLC Transformation) in Reading employer: Smart Sourcer
Join a major global retailer renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in financial reporting. As a Solution Architect, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, with opportunities to lead transformative projects in a supportive environment. Enjoy the flexibility of 80% remote work while being part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality, compliant reporting solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect - Annual Reporting & Consolidation (PLC Transformation) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and reporting sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know about openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or case studies showcasing your previous work with IBM Cognos Controller and Oracle Finance. This will give you an edge during interviews and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your knowledge of financial consolidation, period-end close, and regulatory reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in these areas before.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect - Annual Reporting & Consolidation (PLC Transformation) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Solution Architect. Highlight your experience with IBM Cognos Controller and any relevant financial consolidation projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work in finance transformation and how you’ve tackled similar challenges.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on expertise with the key technologies listed in the job description, like Oracle Finance and Planning Analytics. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Sourcer
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in IBM Cognos Controller and Planning Analytics. Brush up on your knowledge of Oracle Finance too, as it’s the primary source system. Being able to discuss specific features and how they relate to financial consolidation will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Governance Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience with architectural governance and compliance tools like Workiva or BlackLine. Discuss how you've ensured data integrity and security in past projects, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the concept of PLC transformation and the importance of moving to public company reporting standards. Be ready to discuss how your previous experiences align with these goals and how you can contribute to a successful transition.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong stakeholder influence skills by preparing to talk about how you’ve collaborated with various teams in the past. Share specific instances where your documentation and design governance made a difference in project outcomes.
