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Job Purpose
*** Contractor - Immediate Start ***
RWS is recruiting a Controllership Excellence Director to lead the execution and development of financial controls for the operations of the Group. You will be responsible for driving the standardisation of policies and processes, managing a team of financial controllers to ensure accurate and compliant reporting and implementation of an appropriate control environment across all regions. The team of financial controllers will work to ensure timely and accurate delivery, an analysis of monthly management accounts, local statutory accounts and tax filings for their locations. You will also be responsible for supporting critical projects across financial control such as internal controls framework implementation, entity rationalisation, EPM implementation and any potential acquisition integrations.
You will report into and support the Group Financial Controller to deliver on the finance transformation agenda and ensure timely production of all internal and external financial reporting, global financial policies, processes, and control.
Job Overview
Key Responsibilities
* Supervise the team of Regional FCs, share feedback on and develop the team's performance, help implement a rigorous monthly review process, provide guidance and expertise on controllership activities, and make decisions on behalf of the FC team where required.
* Lead financial controllership team across the Group
* Take full ownership and accountability for the financial accounting and reporting for the regions
* Work with other finance leaders to perform a full RACI review across the Controllership, Finance Business Partners and Shared Service Centre
* Work with the Head of Internal Controls to implement a standardised Internal Controls Environment across the Group
* Complete the Group Policies and Procedures Project, including coordinating the communication and compliance of the new policies and procedures
* Ensure a robust and timely monthly reporting close process including analysis and follow up of all P&L and balance sheet reviews and reconciliations
* Manage working capital and cashflow, working effectively with Treasury and the Shared Service Centre
* Provide insightful analysis of regional performance within the management accounts
* Support and help coordinate efficient external audits
* Oversee team's required training to ensure adherence to company compliance policies and procedures
* Provide technical assistance to members of the wider Controllership team
Manage financial controllership team across multiple levels
* Establish strong working relationships within the team to ensure satisfaction and talent retention
* Manage direct reports' goals and objectives; prepare employee performance evaluations in a timely manner; ensure staff maintains Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results within management expectations where necessary
* Develop/mentor team; provide advice, counselling, soft skills guidance; interpersonal, interaction skills; promote a diverse and inclusive work environment
* Foster adoption of a culture and values of excellence within RWS
Drive continuous improvements of financial controllership
* Work with relevant teams to identify opportunities for process optimisation
* Provide feedback and recommendations to Group Financial Controller on potential opportunities to drive continuous improvement of existing financial operations
* Understand emerging technologies that may optimise financial control processes and drive the business case for those that deliver value
Ensure financial controls compliance
* Ensure adherence to all applicable laws, financial regulations, industry standards and tax laws
* Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are applied including approving payroll and balance sheet reconciliations
* Ensure internal controls are in place to prevent fraud and error
* Ensure financial statements and reports prepared are ethical and transparent
* Ensure external audits are coordinated efficiently
Collaborate with other teams
* Build and foster relationships with Finance leadership, group finance, commercial finance, local directors, and senior business leads
* Collaborate with Master Data team for required data points, best practices and standards and data issues
* Collaborate with Shared Service Centre (SSC) process delivery teams to exchange information, as required, and support process improvement where dependencies may exist
* Collaborate with the tax team and external service providers to ensure that all external reporting and compliance is completed accurately and on time
* Collaborate with other units and stakeholders across the company to ensure alignment and support the achievement of business objectives
Skills & Experience
* Leadership experience managing a senior finance team
* Experience of working in a strong internal controls environment
* 10+ years' experience in a finance function operating in a financial controller role
* Qualified accountant (AAT/CIMA/ACCA/ACA or global equivalent)
* 5+ years of people management experience with the ability to effectively direct and prioritise work of others
* Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or other business-related discipline
* Strong English Language skills
* Expert knowledge of core finance systems, ERP and related specialty functional systems, frameworks, and functionality
* Expert understanding of finance business processes, accounting policies, and statutory accounting principles to ensure compliant group finance operations
* Excellent communication skills with strong ability to interact with company stakeholders to ensure a high quality of service, while balancing expectations and realisations
* Ability to work in a fast-moving environment with a proactive approach, accustomed to working towards tight deadlines whilst maintaining quality of work
* Excellent attention to detail, commitment to accuracy and quality
* Ability to travel when necessary
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