Group Financial Controller

London, United Kingdom Posted on 18/12/2024

Freight InvestorServices (FIS) is a leading global brokerage of freight and commodities. We are the world's largest broker on dry freight futures, and have a strong presence across the bulk commodities, metals, and energy markets. We were the first brokerage to trade in the cleared market on iron ore and later coking coal futures, and we also maintain a strong position in broking steel futures on all exchanges, as well as fuel oil, base metals, fertilisers, and tanker freight. We are proud of our innovative ethos, having been first mover on a number of products, most recently on the cobalt and air freight futures markets. Not only do we provide excellent brokerage services, but also data services via our App, FIS Live, and other data services, as well as education to help those entering new markets.

We have expanded via our network of trading associates and branch offices to offer coverage of derivative and physical shipping markets in London, Houston, New York, Dubai, Mumbai, Athens, Copenhagen, Singapore, and Shanghai. Through our global network, FIS offers full brokerage services, trade execution, and in-depth market intelligence and data for freight and commodities, as well as providing physical ship and cargo services. Our expertise in managing credit and counterparty risk provides a vital competitive advantage while enabling clients to trade with confidence.

THE ROLE

We're searching for an outcome-focused and highly effective Finance leader to join our growing dynamic and fast-moving global brokerage. The person in this role will lead our finance team and will be a key driver ensuring the team output is efficient and accurate as our business expands globally. This role requires first-class skills in communication organization, finance, regulatory reporting, and executive presence/corporate governance. Ideal candidates will have first-class analytical skills and a transformative mindset, continually looking to improve and automate processes.

1. Lead all global financial operations within the company including billing, A/R, A/P, general ledger, intercompany balances, and other monthly journals and accruals for related multi entities companies in the holding structure and a small charity.
2. Responsible for month-end, year-end close and auditing, the preparation of timely monthly management financial statements and all regulatory reporting such as monthly, quarterly, and annual balance sheet and income statements for multi entities.
3. Establish and maintain financial controls, policies, and procedures for the company, ensuring quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.
4. Manage all reporting deadlines for US and UK regulated entities are met (NFA and FCA returns) and facilitate any audits and queries that follow.
5. Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings in the UK and the US.
6. Audit current payroll processes and global payroll providers; automate and streamline processes where possible assuring adherence to regulatory requirements; explore global automation to seamlessly integrate with HR platform.
7. Oversight of the payroll process for employees globally and Charity, including relationship with external parties, ensuring accurate processing of payroll including new hires, leavers, benefits, variable payments, and pension.
8. Responsible for accounting for front office variable bonus awards, and ownership of all GL accounts relating to broker compensation.
9. Calculation of all variable bonus accruals across the company, ensuring compensation ratios are in line with bonus schedules, including full reconciliation of brokers' costs included in the GL to those in bonus accrual calculations.
10. Ensure all general ledger entries relating to broker compensation are booked and reconciled.
11. Provide a full variance analysis of accruals vs cash and equity awarded to facilitate senior management's adjustments of accrual levels.
12. Deep dive of accounting system and processes and make recommendations.
13. Oversee the financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. Providing insight and variances reporting.
14. Provide commercial and strategic support to senior management and directors through preparation and presentation of regular board packs.
15. Challenge assumptions and decision making where appropriate and provide financial analysis on guidance on all activities, plans, targets, and business drivers.
16. Assist and support with responsibilities for other entities including those in Shanghai and Singapore as required.
17. Manage Accounts Clerk and Management Accountant, providing feedback, coaching, and development.
18. Complete any mandatory training required by the company and required deadlines.
19. Perform any other reasonable duties the company may require.

TECHNICAL / ROLE SKILLS

1. Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) - essential.
2. Financial Services industry experience and understanding of the markets in which the company operates - essential.
3. Strong leadership, mentoring, and influencing skills; drive productivity in team - essential.
4. First-class Excel skills and comfortable manipulating large quantities of data - essential.
5. Develop and improve efficient and well-controlled processes - essential.
6. Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions by translating complex financial data into meaningful insights and recommendations - essential.
7. Willingness and capability to learn all functionalities in-house systems.
8. Good understanding of new accounting standards and principles - essential.
9. Confident and works well in team - essential.

Competitive salary and discretionary bonus.

Private healthcare and life assurance scheme.