Group Controller

Paradies Lagardère; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading parking services provider in Uxbridge is seeking an experienced Group Controller to oversee accounting operations and drive financial excellence. The successful candidate will lead a team and ensure the integrity of financial reporting across multiple entities. Ideal applicants will have extensive experience in accounting, a professional qualification, and a strategic mindset. This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of urban mobility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Expert knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Proven experience in financial transformation and process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire accounting function across all group entities.
• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Develop and mentor the finance team.

Skills

Accounting principles

Financial reporting standards

Leadership

Analytical skills

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Professional accounting qualification (CPA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent)

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Overview

Company Description

Speed. Scale. Simplification.

This is our philosophy. This is our momentum. This is your opportunity.

At APCOA, we are not just managing parking spaces – we’re pioneering the future of urban mobility and smart city solutions. With a presence in 12 countries, over 12,000 locations, and more than 50 years of operational leadership, we are Europe’s largest parking and mobility services provider.

And now, we’re entering a bold new chapter.

With the launch of our newly formed Group HQ in West London, we are transforming from a collection of high-performing local business units into a truly enterprise-led, future-fit organisation — one that retains its entrepreneurial spirit while unlocking the power of scale.

Role

The Group Controller serves as a key financial leader within the organization, overseeing all accounting operations across multiple business entities and ensuring the integrity of consolidated financial reporting. This strategic role works closely with executive leadership to drive financial excellence, implement robust controls, and provide critical insights that support business decision-making and corporate strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire accounting function across all group entities, including financial reporting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and treasury
• Direct the preparation of consolidated financial statements in compliance with relevant accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS)
• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Manage relationships with external auditors and lead the annual audit process
• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal control systems across all business units
• Drive standardization and optimization of accounting processes and systems across the group
• Provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations across all jurisdictions
• Develop and mentor the finance team, including direct supervision of Senior Group Accountants
• Identify and manage financial risks across the organization
• Lead finance transformation initiatives and system implementations

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Professional accounting qualification (CPA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a management role
• Expert knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and regulatory requirements
• Extensive experience with consolidated financial reporting for multi-entity organizations
• Strong understanding of internal controls and risk management frameworks
• Proven experience leading finance transformation and process improvement initiatives
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and financial reporting tools
• Experience managing relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies

Highly Desirable

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA
• International experience with multi-currency and multi-jurisdiction reporting
• Experience in the same industry sector as our organization
• M&A experience, including financial due diligence and post-acquisition integration
• Treasury management experience
• Knowledge of business intelligence tools and data analytics
• Experience implementing or upgrading financial systems
• Background in public accounting with a Big Four firm

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial stakeholders
• High level of integrity and professional ethics
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Decisive and action-oriented with attention to detail
• Change management skills with ability to drive organizational transformation
• Resilient under pressure during critical financial periods
• Collaborative approach with ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization

Additional Information

At APCOA, we see beyond the parking space. We see a world where mobility is intelligent, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Our new Group HQ is more than a physical space — it’s the heartbeat of a new enterprise, where high-impact leaders shape the future.

If you’re ready to apply your expertise to meaningful challenges and help transform an industry —

join APCOA Group HQ. Let’s build what’s next.

APCOA Group HQ is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply