Group Assistant Controller

Position Purpose

The purpose of the Group Assistant Controller (“GAC”) is to assist the Group Controller (“GC”) in providing technical accounting advice and guidance, including implementing new changes, requirements and improvements. In addition to providing advice of potential regulatory implications, will help lead all technical accounting preparation for global teams and prepare accounting policies.

Will work closely with the GC in the development, streamlining and maintenance of the risk, compliance and governance and internal control frameworks, as well as the supporting process policies and procedures and the internal accounting manual to ensure that the global finance team operates within a robust control environment.  Help to maintain and, where necessary, implement the required systems to support the global teams to achieve the required outcomes of a highly effective finance team.

Together with the GC will maintain and produce the group consolidation and the associated reporting processes. Help to improve the Group’s consolidated financial reporting.

Support the Group Financial Controller and CFO by providing leadership and direction in the Treasury function across the business.

Key Accountabilities & Performance Indicators

1. Technical Accounting

• Supporting the production of the annual report and accounts and other financial reports
• Assisting with interpretation and implementation of new regulatory and reporting standards and amendments
• Providing post-implementation support and training
• Owning the statutory reporting and group reporting templates to ensure they are up to date
• Work closely with the business to ensure that changes in accounting policies are implemented properly
• Improving the organisation’s documentation of policies and procedures to enhance the quality of financial reporting
• Acting as a point of contact for external auditors on any technical accounting matters
• Supporting with drafting technical accounting papers

2. Process Maintenance and Improvement and Associated Systems Technology

• Assist in the production of high quality finance accounts and reports for the Group and associated companies.
• Ensuring the company complies with all regulatory requirements regarding financial reports.

• Preparation of the Group’s multi-currency consolidation process for both monthly internal management and statutory purposes.

3. Financial Reporting

• Assist in the of the production of high-quality financial accounts and reports for the Group and associated companies.
• Ensuring the company complies with all regulatory requirements regarding financial reports.
• Preparation of the Group’s multi-currency consolidation process for both monthly internal management and statutory purposes.

   4. Treasury

• Oversee and execute treasury daily activities, cash forecasting and liquidity requirements, working with Regional Finance teams for inputs
• Liaise with third party treasury and forex consulting for cash forecast requirements and forex risk mitigation
• Assist the Group controller and CFO with ownership of the external banking relationships
• Back-office support for forex deals confirmation and recording of hedge accounting requirements
• Manage and oversee the cash forecasting and weekly liquidity reporting process
• Support on external loan requirements - lenders' report, periodic interest payments, etc and prepare accounting entries for the transactions.
• Contingent treasury planning to integrate new demands from acquisition implications
• Creating systems, process and best practice
• Evaluate cash management strategic projects and implement as required

5. Others

• Developing and supporting team members
• Instigating cost saving initiatives
• Liaison with finance teams as appropriate
• Ad-hoc tasks and responsibilities associated with function as required.

6. Key Working Relationships

Internal

Group CFO, Corporate Group Controller, Group Assistant Controller, Group Senior Tax Manager, global finance teams, global IT teams

External

External Auditors, Accounting advisors, FX dealers, Treasury Partners, Banks

7. Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Big 4 trained (Desirable)
• CA/CPA/CIMA/IPA qualified (Essential)
• Advanced computer skills including the Microsoft Office suite (Excel and Word) (Essential)
• SAP skills (Desirable)
• Analytical and problem-solving skills (Essential)
• Strong technical accounting skills (Essential)
• Experience in TM1, Workday and BlackLine (Desirable)

8. Personal Attributes

• Have a "can do” attitude and thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Team approach
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Great attention to detail
• Flexible approach and adaptable to a changing working environment
• Ability to find solutions, lead change, seek continuous improvement in processes – with a pragmatic approach that takes due consideration of the ability of teams to absorb change
• Ability to navigate through complex situations and matrix organisation structure, to deliver results in a multi stakeholder and consultative culture
• High personal and professional ethics and integrity
• Energy, enthusiasm and initiative with empathy
• Self-starter and a resourceful, progressive thinker