Group Financial Controller | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Jobicy

Job Description

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring a Group Financial Controller.

The ideal candidate has a deep passion for systems accounting, a track record of preparing finance functions for public markets and an innovative mindset that leverages technology and AI to build efficient and robust accounting workflows.
The Accounting team ensures the integrity of our financial information and serves as the primary stewards of the business’ financial health. They design and operate a governance framework underpinned by robust policies, controls and systems to provide oversight and challenge to the business. The team is responsible for timely and accurate reporting and exercises judgment when necessary based on a commitment to conservative and accurate reporting, a deep understanding of accounting principles and insights into our business.

We are looking for a professionally qualified accounting leader who has a deep sense of right and wrong, high integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility, understanding that the accuracy of their work is critical to the entire Company. 

You are a methodical, detail-oriented, and process-driven problem-solver who enjoys investigating discrepancies to find their root cause. You are resilient under pressure, particularly during month-end and year-end closes, and motivated by the goal of achieving a perfect, timely, and reliable result.

Perhaps unusually we prefer a leader with deep personal interest in the software and technology industry, and some data analytics, AI and ideally software engineering experience.

Location: This role is home-based in EMEA time zones, with the option to be based in our London office. It will report to our Chief Financial Officer.

The role entails

• Ensuring strong understanding of the risks associated with our processes and systems and leading the development and implementation of controls to mitigate those risks
• Leading the development and identification of areas of improvement of Canonical’s policies and procedures that will enable the business to scale efficiently
• Driving the implementation of the Canonical’s policies and procedures and the monitoring of compliance 
• Supporting multi-functional change projects designed to enhance systems, processes, and data accuracy
• Managing reviews of weekly, month-end, year-end processes from balance sheet reconciliations to management accounts and statutory accounts preparation to ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial information
• Ensuring accuracy and completeness of the recording and reporting of financial data and transactions to ensure that the Company maintains robust accounting records
• Upholding the Company’s accounting and approval processes and controls across the organization
• Managing external audits 
• Developing a strong understanding of the evolving regulatory frameworks and jurisdictions in which Canonical operates and lead the assurance of Canonical’s compliance with such regulatory requirements
• Driving projects associated with upgrading or implementing new finance systems and sensible AI adoption in the team
• Developing professional relationships and manage communications with both internal and external stakeholders - customers, vendors, tax authorities and external advisers - including resolving questions and issues confidentially and in a timely manner
• Managing or mentoring junior accounting staff, sharing knowledge and promoting best practices

What we are looking for in you

• Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• A strong academic background and professional qualification in Accounting or Finance (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent)
• Extensive practical IFRS knowledge and experience
• Advanced Excel skills and strong data analysis capabilities
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting
• Confident communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with colleagues, management, customers, and external stakeholders
• A proactive, analytical mindset with a genuine passion for finance and a drive for continuous improvement, process efficiency and professional development
• Proven experience using enterprise-level accounting or ERP systems
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet and exceed commitments
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long

Nice-to-have skills

• Experience with NetSuite
• Experience with Salesforce
• Experience with a Big 4 Accounting Firm, or a Public company

What we offer colleagues

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open-source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004.​ Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.

Expert Career Tips for Group Financial Controller Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Group Financial Controller, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Group Financial Controller requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Global and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Global, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

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