Group Financial Controller (6-month contract) in Oxford

About Us

Sophos is a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks. The company acquired Secureworks in February 2025, bringing together two pioneers that have redefined the cybersecurity industry with their innovative, native AI-optimized services, technologies and products. Sophos is now the largest pure-play Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider, supporting more than 28,000 organizations.

The solutions are powered by historical and real-time threat intelligence from Sophos X-Ops and the newly added Counter Threat Unit (CTU). Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K.

Role Summary

The Group Financial Controller reports to the Senior Vice President of Finance and has key responsibility for all aspects of accounting for the Group’s global operations. This includes all elements of the financial control functions including payroll, general accounting and balance sheet control; also managing the relationship to the Group’s shared service centre in India that covers accounts payable, purchasing and accounts receivable. The position is also the main contact for annual audits of the global subsidiaries (though not the consolidation).

The position is also responsible for all month end processes, analysis of variances to plan and forecast, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting for all statutory returns including VAT, WHT, CIT and statutory accounts. The position will manage the financial control team across the globe and hence strong people management skills are essential. In addition, the job holder is expected to develop strong working relationships with the business and other back office departments.

This role also involves interface on a day-to-day basis with the Senior Vice President Finance; the CFO; and, the other global finance departments as required.

What You Will Do

• Finance & Accounting: Lead all accounting operations, including month-end close, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to strict deadlines. Own financial controls, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, and quarterly reviews with SVP Finance. Oversee payroll, AP, AR, commissions, inventory, receivables, and cash flow processes globally. Ensure compliance with internal policies, statutory requirements, audits, and government reporting; act as primary audit contact. Manage SGWI contract and related procedures; ensure local compliance and filings. Maintain best-practice processes across accounting, payroll, and AP functions.
• Taxation: Ensure local indirect tax compliance and filings. Partner with Group and Sophos Tax teams on compliance, reporting, and tax optimization.
• Reporting: Support monthly management accounts and ad hoc reporting for SMT and Board. Partner with Group Finance and local leadership to improve performance and business support. Provide guidance to the finance team on reporting matters.
• Projects & Leadership: Partner with Finance IT on system enhancements, UAT, and successful deployments. Lead financial control and process improvement initiatives. Support budgeting and forecasting as required. Manage, coach, and develop the finance team; conduct performance reviews and talent planning.
• Director Responsibilities: Act as resident Director for local entities, signing contracts and filings in line with legal and signature policies.

Special Conditions: Flexibility required during month-end, year-end, and peak periods. Occasional travel and short-notice availability for document signing.

What You Will Bring

• Regulatory and compliance matters from a financial perspective.
• Previously operated as a Director; or have had strong exposure to the requirements.
• Working with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Commercial experience, e.g. contract review.
• Practical long-term experience of all aspects of the month end and annual closing accounting and planning processes.
• Understanding of IFRS accounting practices.
• Improving processes and controls.
• Management of a team.
• Management of the functions of financial control, accounting, payroll, management and financial reporting.
• Working within a software or technology company, ideally a global organisation.
• Familiar with corporation tax and VAT filing requirements.
• Minimum of 7 years post qualification experience.
• Experience of a quoted company environment.

Ready to Join Us?

At Sophos, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. We challenge the notion that candidates should check every box in a job description. Your unique experiences and skills might be exactly what we need to enhance our team. Don’t let a checklist hold you back – we encourage you to apply.

What’s Great About Sophos?

• Sophos operates a remote-first working model, making remote work the primary option for most employees. However, some roles may necessitate a hybrid approach.
• Our people – we innovate and create, all of which are accompanied by a great sense of fun and team spirit.
• Employee-led diversity and inclusion networks that build community and provide education and advocacy.
• Annual charity and fundraising initiatives and volunteer days for employees to support local communities.
• Global employee sustainability initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint.
• Global fitness and trivia competitions to keep our bodies and minds sharp.
• Global wellbeing days for employees to relax and recharge.
• Monthly wellbeing webinars and training to support employee health and wellbeing.

Our Commitment To You

We’re proud of the diverse and inclusive environment we have at Sophos, and we’re committed to ensuring equality of opportunity. We believe that diversity, combined with excellence, builds a better Sophos, so we encourage applicants who can contribute to the diversity of our team. All applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law.

Data Protection

If you choose to explore an opportunity, and subsequently share your CV or other personal details with Sophos, these details will be held by Sophos for 12 months in accordance with our Privacy Policy and used by our recruitment team to contact you regarding this or other relevant opportunities at Sophos.