Controller, EMEA West | Finance Manager, Financial Controller

Morningstar; Greater London; On-site; GBP 107,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Four in-office days per week

20% annual bonus

Job summary

Morningstar is seeking a Controller for the EMEA West region based in London. You will lead financial reporting, monthly close, and statutory reporting across UK, Middle East, and Africa, ensuring alignment with US GAAP controls in a multinational setting.

The role offers hybrid work with four in-office days weekly. Qualified accountants with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent and 10+ years in complex finance are preferred.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience in a multinational.
• Experience in financial close, consolidation, and reporting across multiple entities.
• Strong leadership and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Knowledge of UK GAAP and/or US GAAP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly close, audits, and tax/statutory reporting.
• Lead regional finance team structure, training, and career development.
• Maintain internal controls for a publicly traded company.
• Ensure accurate forecasts and budgets with regional leaders.
• Drive process improvements and system implementations.

Skills

Financial reporting

Leadership

SOX controls

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA equivalent

Job description

About Morningstar Morningstar is a leading global provider of independent investment insights, serving both individual and institutional investors across public and private markets. Our offerings include a wide range of data, research, and investment management services, with $300+ billion in assets under management. Operating in 32 countries, Morningstar empowers investors, financial professionals, and institutions with the insights they need to make confident decisions and achieve their financial goals.

The Team We are looking for a Controller to join our EMEA West region and become a key member of our global Finance team, which partners closely with the business to drive innovation, automation, and operational excellence.

The Role As the Controller EMEA West, you will lead financial reporting and accounting activities across Morningstar’s UK, Middle East, and Africa operations, ensuring compliance with the standards and controls expected of a publicly traded U.S. company. Reporting to the Regional Controller EMEA, you will play a key role in planning, forecasting, and analysing regional financial performance. Partnering closely with senior business leaders and cross-functional Finance teams, you will provide meaningful financial insights, support strategic decision-making, and help drive operational excellence across the region. This is a London-based, full-time opportunity operating under Morningstar’s hybrid work model, with four in-office days each week to foster collaboration, relationship-building, and close engagement with colleagues and stakeholders.

What You’ll Do Oversee general accounting functions, including monthly close process, financial audits, and tax/statutory reporting with support from U.S. and shared services accounting and finance teams. Optimize the organizational structure of the local finance team to best support the unique needs of the countries and the team, ensuring training, mentoring, and career development. Maintain and champion internal controls and processes appropriate for a U.S. publicly traded company to achieve global harmonization. Lead an efficient financial reporting process and month-end close to produce timely and accurate financial reports reflecting Morningstar's global accounting policies. Partner with the EMEA West (UK, Middle East, and Africa) regional business leaders and other areas of Finance to ensure accuracy of forecasts and budgets, identifying gaps and solutions. Identify and lead system and process improvement initiatives in support of global standardization, including the use of shared service capabilities within Finance. Oversee all statutory reporting requirements in the region, including regulatory submissions to the FCA, to ensure timely submission and compliance with local regulations. Lead and oversee various country projects and participate in global transformation projects, including system implementations, M&A activities, and process improvements. Coordinate with local external advisers for various activities, including audit, tax, payroll, insurance, and other compliance activities. Serve as director for local legal entities, as needed. Assist with transfer pricing and other tax planning strategies in conjunction with the corporate team. Perform other duties as assigned including the preparation of accounting memorandums and local policy documentation.

Who You Are Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field. Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience within a complex multinational organization operating across multiple legal entities. Extensive experience in financial close, consolidation, and reporting across multiple legal entities with knowledge of SOX/internal controls. Proven people leader with a track record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teams, while effectively influencing stakeholders across global Finance functions. Strong commercial and strategic acumen, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable business decisions. Deep understanding of financial structures, business value drivers, and performance management. Highly detail-oriented, with a commitment to accuracy, governance, and financial controls. Able to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines. Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive, solutions-focused approach. Knowledge of UK GAAP and/or US GAAP preferred.

Ready to Shape the Future? At Morningstar, every hire we make strengthens our mission to empower investor success.

Base Salary Compensation Range GBP 106,700.00-120,000.00 Bonus Target: 20% Annual We expect the compensation and target bonus for this role to fall within the stated range. The specific compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate meaningfully with your global colleagues. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

Company overview Morningstar Development Program Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.