Deputy Group Financial Controller

Informa PLC; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Informa PLC is seeking a Deputy Group Financial Controller to join their high-profile Group Financial Reporting Team in London. The role involves managing financial reporting, providing technical accounting guidance, and leading a team. Candidates should have a recognized accounting qualification and strong IFRS experience, especially in M&A. This position offers a flexible working environment and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Social events and charity days

Bespoke training and mentoring

25 days annual leave plus birthday leave

Private medical coverage

Qualifications

• Recognized accounting qualification from a Big 4 firm preferred.
• Strong IFRS experience, particularly in M&A.
• Extensive audit experience in large-listed companies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver monthly group consolidation and support internal reporting.
• Lead financial accounting for M&A transactions.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS and maintain high reporting standards.

Skills

IFRS technical accounting

M&A accounting

Team management

Self-motivated

Education

Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA or ACCA)

Job description

At Informa, no two days and no two people are the same, and you'll find the freedom, opportunity, and support of a fantastic community to make a real impact.

We’re an international business that connects specialists with knowledge, helping them to learn more, know more, and do more through live and on-demand events, digital and data-driven services, and academic research.

We are home to over 10,000 colleagues across 30 countries and are a member of the UK’s FTSE 100 group of leading public companies.

In Global Support, we provide expert guidance and hands-on support to the Informa Group and Informa’s many business teams. Across tech, finance, legal, corporate development, HR, communications, operations, and many other areas, we work collaboratively and flexibly to help our brands serve their customers and help the company succeed.

Job Description

The Deputy Group Financial Controller reports to the Group Financial Controller, manages a team of five, and is a key member of the high-profile Group Financial Reporting Team. This role provides technical accounting guidance across the group, acts as the primary liaison with the Group's auditors, and supports both external and internal reporting processes.

As Deputy Group Financial Controller, you will have cross-group responsibilities, requiring you to build a strong network across the shared service centre (SSC) teams, Divisions, and other corporate functions. The role involves handling complex technical challenges such as acquisitions, revenue recognition on significant contracts, and guiding local accounting teams, with continuous learning and adaptation to new surprises.

Managing acquisition activity is crucial, given its frequency and unique nature. The role involves working through agreements promptly, collaborating with third-party experts on purchase price allocations or valuations, and ensuring proper accounting treatment and disclosures in line with standards and auditors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver a robust, monthly group consolidation to support internal reporting via the Group consolidation system (SAP FC), formalizing deliverables and review processes.
2. Support the accurate and timely preparation, internal approval, and delivery of the financial sections of the Half Year and Year-end external reporting.
3. Coordinate with external auditors.
4. Lead financial accounting aspects of M&A transactions, including coordinating SSC teams, engaging with divisional teams, and leading acquisition accounting activities.
5. Manage accounting aspects of legal entity restructurings, involving planning and coordination with Group Tax and SSCs.
6. Support IFRS application across the Group, providing technical guidance to divisions, SSCs, and other functions.
7. Ensure compliance with IFRS and FRC guidance, proactively maintaining high standards in financial reporting.
8. Develop the Group Accounting Policy manual and provide technical guidance to finance teams.
9. Lead and develop the team, including setting objectives and conducting performance reviews.
10. Build a broad network across SSCs, Divisions, and other functions to stay informed of local developments and issues.

Qualifications

• Recognized professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA or ACCA), preferably from a Big 4 firm.
• Strong IFRS technical accounting experience, including M&A accounting.
• Extensive experience in audit and large-listed companies.
• Experience with hedge/Treasury accounting (IFRS 9) is advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate teams in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of driving change.

Additional Information

We strive to make Life at Informa rewarding, supportive, and enjoyable. When you join us, you can expect:

• Flexibility: a trusted, flexible working environment balancing office and remote work.
• Community: social events, charity days, and diversity initiatives.
• Impact: opportunities to volunteer and receive charity match funding.
• Career Development: bespoke training, mentoring, and access to courses on LinkedIn Learning, with internal mobility support.
• Time Off: 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 27, plus birthday leave and remote work options.
• Personal benefits, private medical coverage, ShareMatch scheme, and wellbeing support.
• Global collaboration with teams worldwide.

We value energy and ambition, seeking colleagues eager to contribute and make things happen. If you meet most of the skills and experience listed, we encourage your application.

Informa is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing an Equal Opportunities Employer environment. We base decisions on merit and qualifications, without discrimination based on protected characteristics.

See how Informa handles your personal data when you apply for a job here.