Financial Controller

About Populous

For more than 40 years Populous has had a singular focus - to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries.

Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines - including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding.

This varied expertise enables us to transform neighbourhoods, revitalise cities, build relationships and create buildings, places and spaces that draw people together, from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to The Co-op Live Arena.

As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences our EMEA Practice is looking for a Financial Controller based in our Putney studio.

About the Role

This role sits within our Finance team. You'll work closely with departments across the business to supervise all aspects of the work undertaken by the Finance department and will report to the Finance Director on all relevant matters, including financial reporting, systems and processes, compliance, tax, budgeting and forecasting.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Financial and Management Reporting

• Review and assist preparation of monthly management reporting
• Oversee preparation of statutory reporting requirements in all regions
• Oversee a smooth external audit process in all relevant regions
• Assist in preparing and presenting departmental reporting

2. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist Finance Director with ongoing budget and reforecast requirements by working closely with department heads and project managers
• Assist Finance Director with regular cash flow forecasting and cross-regional cash management

3. Project Accounting

• Oversee preparation and presentation of project profitability reporting
• Collaborate with business leaders on commercial / financial decisions on projects

4. General Accounting

• Confident understanding of IFRS accounting standards. Experience with US GAAP a bonus.
• Drive improvements to processes and systems used to improve efficiency and quality of work performed by the finance department
• Manage the introduction of ad-hoc tasks new to the team to ensure proper accounting treatment is applied
• Ensure timely completion of all relevant tax filings and reporting across the region

5. Leadership

• Manage team to ensure monthly management reporting deadlines are met
• Provide mentorship to team members and be responsible for their performance, growth and development

6. Other

• Work closely with external banks and the internal legal department to ensure project bond / guarantee requirements are met
• Provide strategic financial advice and insights to the leadership team to support decision making and long-term business planning
• Support the Finance Director in ad-hoc requests from across the business, and deputise for the Finance Director as required.

Key requirements include:

Knowledge

• Accounting qualification with Accredited Membership (i.e. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CA)
• Strong UK tax and accounting knowledge. Experience with other EMEA countries / US / APAC an advantage
• Excellent Microsoft Office knowledge
• Sound understanding of financial systems
• Confident understanding of group accounting
• Strong commercial acumen and integrity

Experience

• Solid experience in a Financial Controller role, ideally within AEC or professional services organisations.
• Demonstrable experience in leading a team within an industry finance role
• Familiar with multi-currency environments
• Experience in withholding tax and liaising with regional tax authorities an advantage
• Payroll experience or exposure an advantage

Skills

• Proactive - strong initiative and drive to provide quality financial support to internal stakeholders
• Leadership - strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence and inspire team members to achieve their highest potential
• Adaptability - adaptable to change and managing new ad-hoc tasks alongside regular assignments in a high-growth environment
• Communication - excellent communication skills to work effectively in business partnering and in managing the finance department. Able to deal with finance and non-finance stakeholders and colleagues
• Problem solving - ability to identify issues early, and address problems across technical accounting, systems and processes

About the Studio

Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous-designed venues.

Why Join the Team?

• Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection
• Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts
• Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues
• Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party

How to Apply

Populous is an equal opportunity employer. If you're ready to utilise your skills to support our growing practice, click "Apply" to begin the application process. In your application, please include your CV and a one-page letter of motivation (cover letter), salary expectations, and availability.

Want to learn more about us?

Find us here: Populous

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