Group Financial Controller

We are seeking a highly capable Group Controller to lead Group accounting, financial control, and technical compliance activities. The Group Controller will lead the financial close, IFRS compliance (particularly with regards to revenue recognition and capitalised development costs), accounting policy frameworks, balance sheet integrity, internal controls and cost reporting across the Group. This is a Head-of-level role managing a team of 4 direct reports; suitable for a technically strong, hands‑on leader who enjoys improving systems, strengthening processes, and developing talent within the finance organisation. You will also play a key role in modernising our finance environment by embracing automation and AI‑driven tools that enhance speed, accuracy, and control. Technical Accounting & IFRS Compliance Lead IFRS compliance across the Group (including IFRS 15, IFRS 16, IAS38 and IFRS 9), ensuring correct interpretation, documentation, and application. Maintain and develop Group accounting policies, technical papers, and the finance controls manual. Own revenue recognition policies across the Group, ensuring alignment with commercial agreements and IFRS 15 compliance. Own the monitoring, recognition, and reporting of R&D capitalised costs and intangible assets (internal development), in line with IFRS requirements (including robust documentation, impairment reviews, and accurate amortisation schedules). Provide expert technical guidance to CFO, Finance Director, FP&A, and commercial teams. Own the monthly close process, ensuring the delivery of complete, accurate and timely management accounts. Oversee and review journals, reconciliations, provisions, accruals, and accounting judgements. Lead Group consolidation activities and support the Finance Director and CFO in external reporting and statutory submissions. Provide high‑confidence “one version of the truth” to the Head of FP&A for financial analysis. Design, implement, and continuously improve the Group’s internal controls environment. Ensure compliance with approval workflows, segregation of duties, reconciliations, and accounting controls. Act as a key contact for internal and external audit, coordinating audit timetables, deliverables, and technical assessments. Own key risk areas including revenue integrity, capitalised development costs, provisions, balance sheet quality, and accounting judgements. Produce monthly cost centre reports to support opex analysis and variance commentary for budget holders and the FP&A team. Partner with Head of FP&A to ensure consistent interpretation of financial results and alignment with forecasts and board materials. Support the Finance Director in elevating the quality of Group reporting and performance insight. Financial Systems, Controls & Process Improvement Act as system owner for Microsoft Dynamics ERP, including requirements management, upgrades, controls design, and optimisation. Maintain and oversee the chart of accounts, master data structures, and reporting hierarchies. Drive automation, simplification and efficiency across finance processes, with a focus on control and accuracy and a willingness to embrace AI adoption to drive efficiency. Lead finance input into system enhancement projects, ensuring business needs are translated into scalable solutions. Key Skills & Experience Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA), ideally with Big 4 or strong technical accounting foundation. Significant experience in group financial control, technical accounting, statutory reporting and audit. Deep understanding of IFRS, especially revenue recognition in a SaaS environment, capitalised development costs and multi‑entity consolidation. Strong experience owning a month‑end close, implementing internal controls, and managing audits. Experience with (or strong interest in) AI‑driven finance automation, including use cases such as automated reconciliations, anomaly detection, workflow automation, and system‑driven controls. Prior responsibility for ERP systems. Strong analytical mindset, with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Excellent communication skills, able to simplify complex accounting topics for non‑financial stakeholders. Proven leadership experience developing high‑performing finance teams. Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, scaling technology or SaaS environment is desirable. #J-18808-Ljbffr