Financial Controller

Who we are

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses - The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

The Finance team's vision is to partner with the Group in driving profitable growth, through finance excellence. We support our businesses to make effective commercial and operational decisions; provide information and analysis to management and the Board to support strategic decisions; manage working capital to quickly convert profit into cash; develop and maintain a strong control environment to comply with legal, statutory and tax legislation in all territories we operate in.

With over 100 Finance professionals operating from offices in London, New York, Hong Kong & Gurugram, this role works with finance and business colleagues from around the globe to deliver the Finance vision.

The Finance Team:

be part of our Finance team reshaping our processes and the technology we use

work closely with finance and business colleagues from around the globe

ability to influence in an organisation of 1,600 people

This is a Senior Management role with responsibilities covering:

Financial reporting, accounting and audit

Group risk and compliance

Treasury

The position reports into the Director of Group Finance and will form a close working partnership with the Shared Services finance team based in India.

Key Accountabilities:

Financial accounting, reporting and audit

Support our India reporting leadership teams with best practice, process improvement and accounting manual maintenance and be UK point of contact for stakeholders in these processes along with:

Review of the Group and subsidiary financial and reporting processes

Support of Group and subsidiary external audits.

Review and input on Group Annual and Interim Reports and subsidiary statutory accounts

Assessing the impact of new accounting standards on the business and working with Shared Services to implement changes to accounting practices, reporting and restatement of results.

Providing accounting technical advice in relation to complex or unusual transactions.

Monitoring the performance of the Shared Service function and broader finance functions in particular with regard to compliance with group accounting policy and guidelines

Group restructuring, legal entity simplification and distributable reserves planning.

Oversight of APAC region accounting and filing delivery

Risk and compliance

Overseeing the planning and coordination of the Group's risk review process and tracking progress.

Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations impacting on the finance function, through implementation and adherence to internal policies. Investigate irregularities, instances of fraud and non-compliance issues.

Overseeing the compliance onboarding of vendors and customers in the business.

Co-ordinating the work of the outsourced internal audit function.

Managing the Group insurance programme stakeholders.

Treasury

Proactively managing group and regional liquidity needs while maximising facility usage and deposit returns

Robust cashflow process to anticipate financing needs and understand deviations from expectations

Proactively managing foreign exchange exposures

Reporting to regular Treasury and Audit & Risk Committees

Overseeing the management of banking relationships

Overseeing a robust banking and treasury control environment ensuring strong internal and anti-fraud controls are maintained in line with policies and procedures

Partnering with the business to ensure Group Finance objectives are met with regard to managing Economist subscriber payments

Delivery of process and system improvements to drive efficiencies around treasury activities

Other

Experience in delivering systems and process change, preferably an ERP transformation

Supporting on delivery of finance improvement projects in systems and processes

Senior leader in team driving best practice cross team collaboration and initiatives

Experience, skills and professional attributes

Education and training

- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Previous work experience and knowledge

- Preparation of Annual Reports to shareholders and statutory accounts

- Strong technical accounting knowledge

- Managing accounting functions including qualified accountant]

Knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to companies and finance functions

Audit coordination

Treasury knowledge

Knowledge of internal financial control frameworks

Business risks and insurance

Technology

ERP knowledge, Peoplesoft (an advantage)

Strong excel

Languages

English

Key skills

Analytical approach to problem solving

Managing teams

Attention to detail

Development of processes

Communication

Delivering change and continuous improvement

Developing relationships with internal and external contacts

Personal attributes

Commitment to quality and timely service delivery

Hands-on approach

Ability to multi-task and prioritize

Pro-activity and responsiveness

Consultative

Making appropriate judgments

Ability to provide well-presented information and insightful analysis of information

Interpersonal skills

Clear communicator of views and opinions

Ability to build networks and work with stakeholders and in teams

Sensitivity in providing views

Assertion

Clear communicator of views and opinions

Performance Measures:

Ability to deliver financial reports on time with no surprises

Ability to manage liquidity requirements and minimise foreign exchange volatility

Clarity of instructions issued and reports delivered

Compliance environment understood, strengthened, and number of compliance issues decreased

Cleanliness of internal and external audit reports

Efficiency of Group structure in place

Good relationships across the business and with the Shared Services team

#LI-Hybrid

Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.

You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.