Commercial & Programmes Controller NW Europe

TN United Kingdom; Hemel Hempstead; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Hemel Hempstead is seeking a Commercial & Programmes Controller to manage sales forecasting and programme accounting for the NW Europe region. This role requires a qualified accountant with experience in IFRS standards and commercial sales forecasting. The successful candidate will oversee financial models, ensure accurate revenue recognition, and lead a team in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of IFRS standards, especially IFRS15.
• Experience in commercial sales forecasting & analysis for decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Manage sales forecasting processes and all programme accounting.
• Prepare financial models supporting bids & tenders for programmes.
• Lead Revenue and Order Intake for the annual Budget & Strategic Plan.

Skills

IFRS standards

Commercial sales forecasting

Communication

SAP

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

Tools

MS Office

Excel

SAP

Oracle EPBCS

Job description

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Client:

Smiths Detection

Location:

Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Finance

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

e943381e60a1

Job Views:

16

Posted:

14.05.2025

Expiry Date:

28.06.2025

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Job Description:

SMITHS DETECTION MAKING THE WORLD A SAFER PLACE

Every minute of every day, in nearly every country across the globe, Smiths Detection people and technology make the world a safer place. We safeguard people, business and infrastructure with the latest innovations and screening technology for aviation, ports, borders, defense, and security across 55 countries around the globe.

Life At Smiths –

• Global leader: We impact critical systems every day with sites in 17 countries and six centers of research excellence. From pioneering to powering life-changing innovation, we’re delivering threat detection and screening solutions to safeguard the world from threats.
• Digital growth: A key part of our capability is the integration of digital technology across our business and our operations in more than 55 countries, which will be critical to our continued success.
• Exciting opportunities: Our growth is creating exciting opportunities to work with experts in physics, chemistry, electronics, mechanics, production, computer science, and AIML.
• International environment: With some projects, work requires global collaboration and the potential to travel and grow with the business.

The Role:

Based at our Centre of Excellence in Hemel Hempstead, we operate a hybrid working model, with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office.

As Commercial & Programmes Controller, you will be responsible for managing sales forecasting (Order Intake, Revenue & Margin) processes and all programme accounting for the NW Europe region (UK, Ireland, and Israel). Sales forecasting occurs through various methods: 5-year strategic plan, annual budget, formal revised forecasts, and monthly rolling forecast.

This role involves keeping all forecasts aligned and up-to-date with the latest commercial information and providing variance explanations as required. A significant part of Smiths Detection’s revenue comes from programme sales of equipment; this role will need to forecast that revenue (in accordance with IFRS15) and ensure proper revenue recognition at month-end, along with maintaining programme accounting closing balances (deferred revenue, WIP, Unbilled, etc.).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the maintenance of the rolling monthly Market Review forecast for Order Intake and Revenue, looking forward 18 months for the NW Europe market [UK, Ireland & Israel].
• Stay updated on developments with Programmes, Sales & Operations to understand the status of Orders & Revenue, ensuring forecasts, budgets, and invoicing are current.
• Flag significant issues to NW Europe market management, explaining & justifying movements in forecasts and differences vs. actuals.
• Manage all IFRS15 issues related to Programmes in conjunction with the UK Financial Controller, ensuring accounting & forecast accuracy.
• Monthly review of all programme balances (WIP, deferred revenue, unbilled), raising accruals or entries as appropriate. Stay current on global commercial initiatives to advise on impacts for NW Europe and contribute to forecasts & budgets.
• Manage preparation of weekly KPIs for Market Head & monthly Market Review presentations and data submissions to Divisional HQ.
• Support UK Financial Controller with commercial variance explanations for internal and external reporting.
• Prepare financial models supporting bids & tenders for programmes. Assist Sales in reviewing pricing details for accuracy.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and policies regarding programmes accounting and tenders; recommend improvements where appropriate. Develop strong cross-functional relationships.
• Lead Revenue and Order Intake for the annual Budget & Strategic Plan (5-year forecast) process.
• Use Smiths Excellence System LEAN tools to improve forecasting & budgeting efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor & improve SAP data accuracy entered by Sales and Operations. Work with Order-to-Invoice team to ensure timely invoicing of programmes.
• Manage a team delivering all of the above.

About You:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Good knowledge or experience of IFRS standards, especially IFRS15, with detailed understanding of IncoTerms and revenue recognition issues.
• Experience in commercial sales forecasting & analysis for decision-making.
• Commercially astute, experienced in working within an international, matrix environment.
• Professional, clear, and confident communicator to senior leadership.
• Proficient in MS Office / Excel, SAP, and management information systems (Oracle EPBCS).
• Detailed knowledge of SAP programme accounting, WBS structures, ZPLANS, and reporting.
• Foreign language skills, especially Hebrew, are advantageous.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe diverse perspectives and backgrounds drive company success. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or other protected characteristics. We are committed to an inclusive environment that celebrates and supports diversity through employee-led groups and initiatives.