Group Financial Controller

Waystone leads the way in specialist services for the asset management industry.

Partnering with institutional investors, investment funds and asset managers, Waystone builds, supports and protects investment structures and strategies worldwide. With over 20 years’ experience and a comprehensive range of specialist services to its name, Waystone is now serving assets under management in excess of $2Tn. Waystone provides its clients with the guidance and tools to allow them to focus on managing their investment goals with confidence.

Summary:

The GFC will report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and have responsibility for all group accounting and controlling, managing the month end process throughout the Group. They will work directly with the regional finance leads, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer in planning, directing and overseeing the finance function across all Waystone Group entities. The GFC will ensure the delivery of timely and accurate financial reporting information to the different stakeholders in the Group and will be responsible for process improvement and ensuring all financial reporting (including audit) deadlines are met. The GFC will be responsible for all tax, VAT and treasury activities in the Group.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Control and Finance Operations

• Lead and manage the financial control and finance operations function globally.
• Oversee the Group’s financial control and finance operations, including responsibility for Financial Controllers, Record to Report Accountants, Accounts Payable and Cash teams to ensure smooth and timely month-end closes and accurate financial records.
• Drive the optimization of the Group’s financial control and finance operations improving scalability through technological automation, centralization.
• Continuously enhance, deliver alignment and consistency of implementation of the Group’s chart of accounts, systems, and policies.
• Lead the month end process, managing the different finance teams that feed into Group reporting and ensuring the timely delivery of financial information.
• Have overall responsibility for managing the finance team reporting calendar to ensure deadlines on it are communicated and met, and that it is updated for changes.
• Policies, SOPs & controls: maintain the accounting policy library and process SOPs; operate and evidence key R2R, P2P, and banking controls; drive remediation findings through to closure.
• Oversee finance systems team and ensure the development, implementation, and maintenance of financial systems and processes within the organization to support our financial processes and strategic objectives. Ensure collaboration with various departments to enhance system functionality and manage system rollout. Systems currently in use include Sage Intacct (ERP), Yood (Accounts Payable Processing), Expensin (Expense Reclaim), Travelperk (Travel).

Audit, Tax and VAT

• Manage the Group Financial Audit process – managing relationship with the external auditors, ensuring timely completion of the audits, as well as the preparation and delivery of quality materials for presentation to the Audit Committee.
• Ensure adherence to the latest applicable accounting standards (IFRS) in different jurisdictions and that planning and adoption of changes occurs.
• Ensure adherence with jurisdiction legislation and regulations are up to date and policies are in place that meet relevant legislative and regulatory requirements in the various jurisdictions.
• Ensure that all Finance’s Policies and Procedures for Regulatory Compliance are implemented and adhered to. Drive enhancements to the Policies and Procedures and provide input into their design.
• Ensure preparation and filing of financial returns with regulatory authorities occurs where applicable.
• Be informed and knowledgeable on any regulatory changes that affect the reporting and filing of these returns. Lead the information and knowledge sharing amongst team members on these changes.
• Drive internal audits, ensuring issues are addressed promptly, and relevant corrective actions are implemented.
• Develop, implement and monitor policies and procedural manuals that contribute to the efficiency of the Waystone Group’s finance function and underpin regulatory compliance, including to IFRS.
• Own and ensure tax and VAT/GST compliance for all legal entities. Lead tax and VAT/GST compliance partners and Waystone Group Tax and VAT Functions to execute tax and VAT reporting obligations and implement Group Policy.
• Drive cost efficiencies in VAT and Tax costs incurred by the Group.

Financial Reporting and Management Accounting

• Responsible for the preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts across the Group, ensuring that they are continuously enhance – focusing on accuracy, insight and timeliness.
• Consolidate financial reports across product lines for reporting and presentation to CFO, Board of Directors and Investors ensuring clarity and alignment with business goals.

Treasury

• Drive delivery of treasury management system for delivery of centralized finance operations, enhanced efficiency and control over cash, liquidity and risks.
• Implement cash pooling across the Group, enhancing liquidity and earning interest on cash on balance sheet.
• Management of external loans including financing and covenant compliance.
• Ensure delivery of cash balance reporting and cash flow forecasting.

Financial Reporting and Management Accounting

• Responsible for the preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts across the Group, ensuring that they are continuously enhance – focusing on accuracy, insight and timeliness.
• Consolidate financial reports across product lines for reporting and presentation to CFO, Board of Directors and Investors ensuring clarity and alignment with business goals.

Planning & Analysis

• Lead team’s collaboration with the Waystone Financial Planning & Analysis [“FP&A”] Team to ensure delivery of Key Performance Indicators (“KPI”) and Management Information required to manage the business.
• Lead team’s collaboration and interaction with the FP&A function to ensure the information is delivered accurately, timely and is effective in its use for understanding financial reporting and in the decision making process.
• Lead team’s collaboration with the FP&A Team in the preparation of the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.

Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration

• Lead team’s engagement in group-wide and Finance Transformation initiatives, working closely with project teams to ensure effective implementation of new processes and systems.
• Drive collaboration with colleagues across different functions such as FP&A, and Compliance to ensure seamless financial operations and reporting.
• Provide financial leadership on strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and market expansion efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with Senior Leadership, as well as Boards of Directors and investors.
• Assistance with ad-hoc and project requirements where necessary. Being informed and knowledgeable and ensuring information and knowledge sharing across team for industry, technical, tax and regulatory changes and topics.

Team Development and Leadership

• Develop, mentor, and manage a high-performing finance team, providing clear direction, training, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Design, implement and embed a scalable team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the finance team.
• Serves as a senior role model for the organization's culture and values.
• Provide strong leadership and effective management to maintain highly motivated teams prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic and high growth business environment.
• Promote team building and communication across the organization through mentorship, collaboration, team events, and committees.
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals in conjunction with People + Development department.
• Manage and cultivate existing relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external, ensuring the vision of the Topco board is represented in all strategic decisions.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree educated with a recognized professional accounting designation (e.g. CPA, CA, ACCA)

Experience:

• Extensive experience and a track record in a finance leadership position
• Mature and proactive, with evidence of having worked as a true business partner to senior management of a multi-business organization.
• Group accounts consolidation experience in addition to the overseeing of financial functions in multiple domiciles, including on the ground experience.
• Proven experience of leading reporting to regulators in our regulated domiciles of Ireland, Luxembourg and UK.
• Previous experience dealing with acquisitions and divestments is desirable.
• A demonstrated ability to lead and positively influence colleagues and team members.
• Proven accounts system knowledge and multi-IT system exposure is essential including advanced Salesforce/Intacct, Excel skills and PowerPoint skills.
• Must be highly adaptable, with an exceptionally organized approach, in addition to having impeccable oral and written communication skills across all disciplines.
• Skill in examining, developing, reengineering, and implementing financial policies and procedures
• A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality. Needs to be seen as a team player who is committed to lifelong learning.
• A hands-on manager with integrity and a desire to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated leader with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential.