Financial Controller – EMEA North and ME

Role Summary

As a key member of the EMEA Financial Control team, you will be responsible for the month end close, variance analysis and monthly cash flow reporting for Sophos Ltd. This will involve working closely with the Global Process owners to ensure areas such as GRNI, prepayments and fixed assets are controlled and accounted for correctly. You will support the EMEA Financial Controller to ensure smooth month end close and enable the production of UK GAAP entity level financial statements. You will also take ownership of the preparation of monthly management accounts for the Dubai and Thailand Rep offices and be responsible for the annual audits and local statutory filings for these countries.

In addition, you will have responsibility for all aspects of accounting and compliance for the Sophos Ireland, Sweden and Romania legal entities. This includes all elements of the finance function covering general ledger, balance sheet control, preparation of local statutory accounts, annual audits and all local tax compliance. You will be responsible for the month end close, variance analysis and monthly cash flow reporting. You will also work closely with the centralised Accounts Payable and Payroll teams and review their outputs prior to approval.

What You Will Do

Financial Control:

• Responsible for month end accounting to strict deadlines. Submit month end accounts for UK, Ireland, Sweden and Romania for review and approval by EMEA Financial Controller
• Provide analysis for monthly/quarterly/annual variances to Plan/Forecast on costs with significant variances investigated and justified where applicable to EMEA Financial Controller
• Ownership and first review of all balance sheet account reconciliations and preparation of all information on a monthly basis for review with EMEA Financial Controller
• Preparation of annual statutory reporting requirements and be the main point of contact for the annual audit of the Ireland, Sweden and Romania legal entities as well and the Sophos Ltd Rep Offices in Dubai and Thailand
• Assist in the preparation of annual statutory reporting requirements and support the interim and annual audits for Sophos Ltd
• Manage Sales tax (VAT), WHT, all indirect and corporate income tax returns ensuring that reporting deadlines for filings and payments are met and all tax questionnaires are completed accurately on time for the Ireland entity
• Co-ordinate and prepare detailed monthly cash flow forecast and reporting for the UK, Ireland, Sweden and Romania entities for inclusion in the Group forecast and ensuring corporate treasury policy is followed throughout
• Responsible for corporation tax pack analysis for review by EMEA Financial Controller
• Responsible for completing monthly/quarterly/annual Office for National Statistics surveys
• Prepare and action the timetable detailing tasks for the monthly activities and manage and monitor the activities to ensure a smooth and timely close. Ensure accounting and reporting activities are included within a fully documented procedure manual which is continuously updated and maintained.
• Ensure compliance to all internal policies and controls (e.g. expenses, travel policy etc), providing review and sign-off
• Support other finance/accounting functions (e.g. tax, commercial finance) in analysis of data, including supporting the annual R&D Tax Credit submission

What You Will Bring

Essential

• Understanding of the accounting practices and standards under IFRS and UK GAAP
• Working with external auditors, tax advisors and local consultants
• Practical experience of all aspects of the month end and annual closing accounting
• Working with a highly sales driven and fast-moving culture
• Financial acumen - understanding the business by interpreting and understanding key financial indicators
• Global Perspective - taking a broad view when approaching issues
• Planning and aligning - plan and prioritise work loads to meet commitments and organisational goals
• Ensuring accountability
• Collaborating - building relationships and working with others
• Decision quality - making good and timely decisions
• Manages ambiguity - operating effectively even when things are not clear
• Action orientated - taking on new opportunities and challenges with energy and enthusiasm
• Optimises work processes - effective and efficient processes with a focus on continuous improvement
• Accounting qualification- ACA, ACCA equivalent
• Sound understanding of IFRS and UK GAAP and accrual accounting principles
• Maintain knowledge on rules and regulations governing local entities

Desirable

• Improving processes and controls
• Working within a software company, ideally a global organization supporting global actions and initiatives
• Minimum of 3 years post qualification experience in industry
• Working with SAP
• Familiar with corporation tax and VAT filing requirements for Ireland
• Experience of planning processes and budget setting
• Self Development - actively seek new ways to grow and be challenged
• Project training