Role Summary
The Group Financial Controller reports to the Senior Vice President of Finance and has key responsibility for all aspects of accounting for the Group’s global operations. This includes all elements of the financial control functions including payroll, general accounting and balance sheet control; also managing the relationship to the Group’s shared service centre in India that covers accounts payable, purchasing and accounts receivable. The position is also the main contact for annual audits of the global subsidiaries (though not the consolidation).
The position is also responsible for all month end processes, analysis of variances to plan and forecast, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting for all statutory returns including VAT, WHT, CIT and statutory accounts. The position will manage the financial control team across the globe and hence strong people management skills are essential. In addition the job holder is expected to develop strong working relationships with the business and other back office departments.
This role also involves interface on a day-to-day basis with the Senior Vice President Finance; the CFO; and, the other global finance departments as required.
What You Will Do
1. Finance & Accounting:
2. Lead all accounting operations, including month-end close, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to strict deadlines
3. Own financial controls, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, and quarterly reviews with SVP Finance
4. Oversee payroll, AP, AR, commissions, inventory, receivables, and cash flow processes globally
5. Ensure compliance with internal policies, statutory requirements, audits, and government reporting; act as primary audit contact
6. Manage SGWI contract and related procedures; ensure local compliance and filings
7. Maintain best-practice processes across accounting, payroll, and AP functions
8. Taxation:
9. Ensure local indirect tax compliance and filings
10. Partner with Group and Sophos Tax teams on compliance, reporting, and tax optimization
11. Reporting:
12. Support monthly management accounts and ad hoc reporting for SMT and Board
13. Partner with Group Finance and local leadership to improve performance and business support
14. Provide guidance to the finance team on reporting matters
15. Projects & Leadership:
16. Partner with Finance IT on system enhancements, UAT, and successful deployments
17. Lead financial control and process improvement initiatives
18. Support budgeting and forecasting as required
19. Manage, coach, and develop the finance team; conduct performance reviews and talent planning
20. Director Responsibilities:
21. Act as resident Director for local entities, signing contracts and filings in line with legal and signature policies
22. Special Conditions:
23. Flexibility required during month-end, year-end, and peak periods
24. Occasional travel and short-notice availability for document signing
What You Will Bring
25. Regulatory and compliance matters from a financial perspective
26. Previously operated as a Director; or have had strong exposure to the requirements
27. Working with external auditors and tax advisors
28. Commercial experience, contract review
29. Practical long-term experience of all aspects of the month end and annual closing accounting and planning processes
30. Understanding of IFRS accounting practices
31. Improving processes and controls
32. Management of a team
33. Management of the functions of financial control, accounting, payroll, management and financial reporting
34. Working within a software or technology company, ideally a global organisation
35. Familiar with corporation tax and VAT filing requirements.
36. Minimum of 7 years post qualification experience
37. Experience of a quoted company environment
#li-remote#li-FC2#B2Ready to Join Us?At Sophos, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. Research shows that candidates sometimes hesitate to apply if they don't check every box in a job description. We challenge that notion. Your unique experiences and skills might be exactly what we need to enhance our team. Don't let a checklist hold you back – we encourage you to apply. What's Great About Sophos?· Sophos operates a remote-first working model, making remote work the primary option for most employees. However, some roles may necessitate a hybrid approach. While we are a remote first organization, applicants must have legal authorization to work in the jurisdiction where the position is posted, without requiring employer sponsorship.· Our people – we innovate and create, all of which are accompanied by a great sense of fun and team spirit· Employee-led diversity and inclusion networks that build community and provide education and advocacy· Annual charity and fundraising initiatives and volunteer days for employees to support local communities· Global employee sustainability initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint· Global fitness and trivia competitions to keep our bodies and minds sharp· Global wellbeing days for employees to relax and recharge · Monthly wellbeing webinars and training to support employee health and wellbeing