Financial Controller (EMEA North and ME) in London

As a key member of the EMEA Financial Control team, you will be responsible for the month end close, variance analysis and monthly cash flow reporting for Sophos Ltd. This will involve working closely with the Global Process owners to ensure areas such as GRNI, prepayments and fixed assets are controlled and accounted for correctly. You will support the EMEA Financial Controller to ensure smooth month end close and enable the production of UK GAAP entity level financial statements.

You will also take ownership of the preparation of monthly management accounts for the Dubai and Thailand Rep offices and be responsible for the annual audits and local statutory filings for these countries. In addition, you will have responsibility for all aspects of accounting and compliance for the Sophos Ireland, Sweden and Romania legal entities. This includes all elements of the finance function covering general ledger, balance sheet control, preparation of local statutory accounts, annual audits and all local tax compliance.

You will be responsible for:

• The month end close, variance analysis and monthly cash flow reporting.
• Working closely with the centralised Accounts Payable and Payroll teams and reviewing their outputs prior to approval.
• Submitting month end accounts for UK, Ireland, Sweden and Romania for review and approval by EMEA Financial Controller.
• Providing analysis for monthly/quarterly/annual variances to Plan/Forecast on costs with significant variances investigated and justified where applicable to EMEA Financial Controller.
• Ownership and first review of all balance sheet account reconciliations and preparation of all information on a monthly basis for review with EMEA Financial Controller.
• Preparation of annual statutory reporting requirements and being the main point of contact for the annual audit of the Ireland, Sweden and Romania legal entities as well as the Sophos Ltd Rep Offices in Dubai and Thailand.
• Managing Sales tax (VAT), WHT, all indirect and corporate income tax returns ensuring that reporting deadlines for filings and payments are met and all tax questionnaires are completed accurately on time for the Ireland entity.
• Coordinating and preparing detailed monthly cash flow forecast and reporting for the UK, Ireland, Sweden and Romania entities for inclusion in the Group forecast and ensuring corporate treasury policy is followed throughout.
• Responsible for corporation tax pack analysis for review by EMEA Financial Controller.
• Completing monthly/quarterly/annual Office for National Statistics surveys.
• Preparing and actioning the timetable detailing tasks for the monthly activities and managing and monitoring the activities to ensure a smooth and timely close.
• Ensuring accounting and reporting activities are included within a fully documented procedure manual which is continuously updated and maintained.
• Ensuring compliance to all internal policies and controls (e.g. expenses, travel policy etc), providing review and sign-off.
• Supporting other finance/accounting functions (e.g. tax, commercial finance) in analysis of data, including supporting the annual R&D Tax Credit submission.

Skills & Experience:

• Action orientated – taking on new opportunities and challenges with energy and enthusiasm.
• Financial acumen – understanding the business by interpreting and understanding key financial indicators.
• Accounting qualification – ACA, ACCA equivalent.
• Practical experience of all aspects of the month end and annual closing accounting.
• Global Perspective – taking a broad view when approaching issues.
• Understanding of the accounting practices and standards under IFRS and UK GAAP.
• Working with external auditors, tax advisors and local consultants.
• Sound understanding of IFRS and UK GAAP and accrual accounting principles.
• Working with a highly sales driven and fast-moving culture.
• Maintain knowledge on rules and regulations governing local entities.
• Optimises work processes – effective and efficient processes with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Decision quality – making good and timely decisions.
• Collaborating – building relationships and working with others.
• Planning and aligning – plan and prioritise workloads to meet commitments and organisational goals.
• Managing ambiguity – operating effectively even when things are not clear.
• Ensuring accountability.
• Project training.

At Sophos, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. Research shows that candidates sometimes hesitate to apply if they don’t check every box in a job description. We challenge that notion. 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.