Financial Controller

In the role of Financial Controller at Pion, you'll be responsible for leading the end-to-end finance operations. This includes overseeing the month-end close process, preparing and presenting monthly P&L statements, managing statutory reporting, ensuring tax compliance, and maintaining audit requirements across our international offices. You'll also optimize financial systems like Sage Intacct and manage relationships with banks and accountants.

To be a strong candidate for the Financial Controller role at Pion, you should be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with proven experience in a similar position. Familiarity with Sage Intacct is essential, along with strong leadership skills and a solid background in statutory reporting and internal audits.

Pion is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and values uniqueness in our candidates. For the Financial Controller position, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they don’t meet every single requirement. Our inclusive culture is designed to empower individuals and foster a supportive work environment.

As a Financial Controller with Pion, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits including a competitive salary, 30 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and a remote-first work environment. Additionally, we offer personal development opportunities, wellness allowances, and access to incredible discounts with major brands.

Candidates for the Financial Controller role at Pion should have significant experience managing financial systems, specifically with Sage Intacct. A strong track record of implementing and maintaining financial processes is essential, as well as ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.

In responding to this question, highlight specific projects or tasks where you've utilized Sage Intacct. Discuss how you’ve managed financial processes, improved accuracy, or reconciled accounts. Be prepared to share examples that showcase your analytical skills and your ability to optimize systems.

When answering this question, discuss your approach to compliance, such as regular audits, monthly reconciliations, and staying updated on new regulations. Highlight your commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy in all financial reports and how you communicate these standards to your team.

In your response, illustrate your leadership style, discussing how you foster a collaborative environment for your finance team. Share examples of past experiences where you supported team members' growth through training or mentoring, and the positive outcomes that resulted.

Describe a specific instance where you identified a discrepancy. Share the steps you took to resolve it, including your investigation process and how you communicated with relevant stakeholders. Conclude by emphasizing the importance of transparency and learning from such experiences.

Explain your past experience with statutory reporting, detailing the various jurisdictions you've had to comply with. Highlight the importance of understanding local regulations and how you’ve successfully managed reports for international entities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Discuss your methodology for developing budgets and forecasts. Include insights on how you gather data, engage different departments, and stay flexible to adjust forecasts based on changing business conditions. Mention any software tools you use that facilitate this process.

Identify potential challenges such as managing a diverse team or adapting to new regulations. Share your strategies for addressing these issues, demonstrating your proactive problem-solving skills and readiness to overcome obstacles in the financial landscape.

In response, emphasize your techniques for monitoring and optimizing cash flow. Discuss your experience with credit control, forecasting cash needs, and strategies you implement to ensure liquidity, aiming to highlight your analytical and strategic planning skills.

Outline your audit preparation process, mentioning how you organize documentation, conduct pre-audit checks, and engage with auditors. Focus on your commitment to facilitating a smooth audit process and improving financial controls as needed.

Share a situation where you met tight deadlines while maintaining quality. Focus on your time management strategies and ability to prioritize tasks effectively, as this reflects positive traits in high-pressure environments relevant to the Financial Controller position.