Financial Controller

About The Economist Group

Established in 1843, The Economist Group is a reputable global media and information services company driven by digital innovation, rigorous analysis, and insightful evidence. Operating through The Economist, Economist Enterprise, and Economist Education, it serves individuals and organisations across over 170 countries. The company fosters a culture that values innovation, ownership, high standards, curiosity, and adaptability while integrating emerging technologies such as AI to enhance workflows.

Finance Team Vision and Culture

The Finance department collaborates globally with over 100 professionals located in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Gurugram. They aim to support profitable growth via finance excellence by providing strategic insights, managing working capital efficiently, and maintaining robust compliance environments across jurisdictions.

Role Overview

This senior management position reports directly to the Director of Group Finance and partners closely with the Shared Services finance team in India. Key areas of responsibility include financial reporting, accounting and audit management, group risk and compliance oversight, and treasury operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide the India reporting leadership in best practices, process improvements, and update of accounting procedures.
• Review financial and reporting processes for the group and subsidiaries.
• Support external audits for group and subsidiary entities.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of Annual and Interim Reports as well as subsidiary statutory accounts.
• Evaluate new accounting standards’ impact and implement necessary changes with Shared Services.
• Offer specialized accounting technical advice on complex transactions.
• Monitor compliance with group accounting policies and performance of finance functions, especially Shared Services.
• Manage group restructuring, legal entity simplification, and distributable reserves planning.
• Oversee accounting and filing processes in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Coordinate the Group's risk review process and monitor risk management initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to relevant financial legislation through internal policies implementation.
• Investigate fraud, irregularities, and compliance violations.
• Manage vendor and customer compliance onboarding procedures.
• Coordinate outsourced internal audit activities and manage Group insurance stakeholders.
• Manage group and regional liquidity proactively, optimizing cash flow and facility use.
• Maintain treasury processes for forecasting financing needs and managing foreign exchange risk.
• Report regularly to Treasury and Audit & Risk Committees.
• Oversee banking relationships and maintain strong internal treasury controls to prevent fraud.
• Collaborate with business units to ensure effective management of subscriber payments.
• Drive system and process improvements, including ERP transformations and finance optimization projects.
• Lead and promote best practices in cross-team collaboration and finance initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Qualified Accountant credentials such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
• Extensive knowledge in preparing Annual Reports and statutory accounts.
• Strong technical expertise in accounting principles and standards.
• Experience managing accounting teams comprised of qualified accountants.
• Familiarity with financial laws, regulations, and internal control frameworks.
• Expertise in audit coordination, treasury operations, and risk management.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft, and advanced Excel skills.
• Fluent in English with excellent communication abilities.
• Analytical problem-solving, process development, change management, and stakeholder relationship building.

Personal and Interpersonal Attributes

• Dedicated to delivering high-quality, timely financial services with a hands-on attitude.
• Effective multitasking, prioritization, and proactive responsiveness.
• Consultative approach with sound judgment for decision-making.
• Skilled in presenting clear, insightful financial analysis and instructions.
• Ability to communicate opinions sensitively and assertively while building networks across teams and stakeholders.

Success Metrics

• Timely and accurate delivery of financial reports without unexpected issues.
• Efficient liquidity management with minimized foreign exchange exposure.
• Clear communication and compliance with fewer regulatory incidents.
• Clean internal and external audit outcomes and streamlined group structures.
• Strong collaborative relationships within finance teams and Shared Services.

Working Arrangements

This position follows a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Candidate Guidance on AI Usage

The organisation endorses technological innovation including AI tools to assist application processes but emphasizes the importance of accuracy and honesty regarding candidates’ true skills, experiences, and qualifications.

Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive pension or 401(k) plan options.
• Private health insurance coverage.
• 24/7 counseling and wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Work From Anywhere policy allowing up to 25 remote work days annually where permitted legally.
• Generous annual leave, parental leave, and special days for volunteering or relocation.
• Complimentary access to all content and digital products from The Economist.