Senior Finance Project Controller

ICF; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Project Finance Controller to join the Europe & Asia Business Management team in the UK. This permanent role involves driving financial performance through collaborative analysis and reporting.

The ideal candidate will hold a finance qualification and have 4–5 years of experience in project finance. Responsibilities include monitoring financial performance, ensuring compliance, and providing insights to support key decision-making.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of relevant experience in project finance or project controllership.
• Proficiency in financial standards (ASC 606, IFRS, US GAAP).
• Experience in a matrix organisation across multiple geographies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse project financial performance with PMs.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations for decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with revenue recognition and internal controls.

Skills

Advanced MS Excel skills

Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles

Strong analytical skills

Proficiency in MS PowerPoint

Experience with financial/ERP systems

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Education

Finance qualification such as MBA, M.Com, CMA

Tools

Maconomy

Power BI

Job description

Project Finance Controller

Permanent position with the Europe & Asia Business Management team to drive the financial performance of ICF activities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse and interpret project financial performance in close collaboration with Project Managers and Directors.
• Conduct project re‑forecasting and cost‑to‑complete reviews in line with ICF policies to ensure accurate and compliant revenue recognition.
• Provide actionable insights, variance analysis and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision‑making.
• Present monthly financial performance, risks and opportunities to Senior Leadership.
• Review contracts – including inter‑company agreements – and set up projects in the ERP system in accordance with contract terms, SOX regulations and internal controls.
• Maintain project financial data throughout the lifecycle, ensuring completeness and compliance.
• Support the maintenance of contract documents, agreements and variation orders.
• Ensure revenue is recognised correctly and consistently across all projects, fully aligned with accounting standards and internal policies.
• Prepare and deliver management reporting packages (MIS) including revenue, cost analysis, margin movements and detailed commentary.
• Prepare timely and accurate client billing in coordination with Project Managers.
• Monitor aged debts, collaborate with Treasury on collections and support actions to reduce WIP and overdue balances.
• Contribute to cash flow estimates and forecasting.
• Calculate and post monthly subcontractor and freelancer accruals, ensuring completeness and correct cut‑off.
• Support month‑end close activities including reconciliations and preparation of financial reports.
• Lead or participate in project financial reviews to identify risks, required write‑downs, claims handling and necessary corrective actions.
• Train and support Project Managers on financial project management processes, best practices and compliance requirements.
• Build strong working relationships with PMs and internal stakeholders to ensure high‑quality financial governance.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and evidence.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial controls, checklists and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform ad‑hoc duties and analysis as assigned to support business needs.

Qualifications – Basic Requirements

• Finance qualification such as MBA, M.Com, CMA or equivalent.
• 4–5 years of relevant experience in project finance, project controllership or financial project administration within service or consultancy environments.
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles and financial standards (ASC 606, IFRS, US GAAP).
• Advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, look‑ups, formulas, modelling).
• Proficiency in MS PowerPoint; Power BI experience is an advantage.
• Experienced user of financial/ERP systems (Maconomy strongly preferred or willingness to learn quickly).
• High numerical accuracy and strong analytical skills.
• Experience working in a matrix organisation across multiple geographies (Europe/Asia/India).

Personal Qualities

• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proactive, self‑motivated and committed to continuous learning and development.
• Able to organise, prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to build constructive relationships with PMs, finance teams and leadership.
• Problem‑solving mindset with a "can-do" attitude.
• Team player who collaborates effectively across functions and regions.

Location and Right to Work

Role is based in the United Kingdom. Successful candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK or be eligible for sponsorship on a case‑by‑case basis and be physically located in the UK on Day 1 of employment.