Job Title:
Group Financial Controller/Group Reporting Manager

Reports to: Group CFO

Department: Group - Finance, Accounting & Admin

Summary:

At Ascendal Group, we are re-thinking how cities work to unlock their potential through focused mobility; revolutionary urban design and real estate; game-changing technology; new and innovative financing structures and results-driven strategic advisory. This holistic view targets helping people to move more intuitively, focusing on passengers rather than on infrastructure and assets. Public transport and a city is all about people. Our primary objective in Ascendal is to improve people's lives and that's how we have attracted the best people in the industry. We are change agents with a vision of bringing cities to life.

Ascendal Group was founded in 2018, as a break away from public transport operator, Tower Transit Group. Our senior leadership team bring vast experience of operating bus systems around the world. In only a short period of time, Ascendal has established itself as a leader of innovation with regards to public transport and how cities function. With sub-businesses in bus operations, asset management, real estate development (through a joint venture with YOO) and advisory it is working in over 60 cities (with offices in the UK, Argentina, USA, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, South Africa and soon to be in Hong Kong). Our people at Ascendal are passionate about our vision to transform cities through public transport and we are looking for someone with the same level of enthusiasm who can produce exceptional work to support the Group in delivering its vision.

Join us, and you'll be part of a global team, sharing knowledge, experience and ideas across countries and cultures, and boosting our reputation as a global leader in innovative transportation solutions. Your work will have a truly human impact, connecting communities, cities and businesses, helping people get to where they need to be.

If you're ambitious, driven and team-spirited, this is your opportunity to build a fast-paced and exciting career as Group Financial Controller/Group Reporting Manager based in either London or Cambridge. The role reports directly to the Group CFO, with frequent direct involvement with the Board, Founder and leaders of the Group's different businesses.

Position Description:

The role would suit a qualified accountant with previous Group level experience, but not necessarily at FC level. The UK accounting team currently produces divisional reports in conjunction with the local audit firm's support. However, as new regional contracts commence, independent country teams are beginning to produce local country reports. Managing the UK and local country teams are part of this role.

In addition, as a company, we are in the process of upgrading Microsoft Dynamics to Business Central in the coming year. Knowledge of Dynamics and using dimension (information tags/ properties) reporting, BI reporting and Power BI is a key part of this role. The role is primarily first getting the numbers right and on time but then using commercial acumen to investigate variances and find trends to produce meaningful reporting for managers and the wider Board. The creation of budgets and forecasts will be part of the responsibility alongside the business leaders. Excellent Excel skills are a prerequisite but should not replace the ability to use and develop the Group's financial and other reporting systems. Given the Group's geographic spread (Latin America, North America, Hong Kong, Africa, UK), Spanish would be useful but not essential.

What are we looking for?

Mandatory Requirements:

• ACA/ACCA qualified accountant with previous Group level experience (not necessarily at FC level)High levels of commercial and strategic awareness
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics
• Working knowledge of using dimension (information tags/properties) reporting
• Working knowledge of BI reporting and Power BI
• Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Excel
• Dedicated to ensuring the highest quality outputs
• Innovative approach when tackling projects
• Capable of working alone, in addition to as integral member of an international team

Desirable Requirements:

• Given the Group's geographic spread (Latin America, North America, Hong Kong, Africa, UK) Spanish would be useful but not essential.
• Knowledge of the public transport, real estate, financial services or management consulting sectors would be useful but not essential.

Duties & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Working closely alongside the Group CFO to ensure overall delivery of financial performance targets, financial reporting, managing suppliers, improving processes and maintaining healthy cashflow
• Implementing and driving financial review meetings with both UK and regional management teams to share and where necessary, robustly challenge financial performance, understand business drivers, and add value and support to business decision making
• Ownership of the month end process, including preparation of management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and control
• Preparation of VAT / CT tax returns / coordinate with Group tax advisers
• Production of monthly financial performance reports for executive review and for monthly Board reporting
• Develop key business relationships across the Group to ensure relevant financial information and commentary is consolidated and reported to management
• Assist in the development and implementation of structures to ensure costs are appropriately recharged within the Group of businesses
• Work with the finance team to develop processes and templates that report expenditure and financial performance from accounting systems in an accurate, consistent and timely manner
• Consolidate and analyse monthly financial results in a consistent, accurate and timely manner, adding value through analysis and commentary
• Develop key relationships with functional management to ensure finance is viewed as an essential and valued part of the decision-making process
• Responsible for preparing budgets, quarterly forecasts, statutory accounts and annual external audits

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Prospect to travel and work internationally
• Opportunity to establish a core role and position in a fast-paced international organisation
• Frequent interaction with Group Executive Chairman and Senior Leadership Team
• Significant career progression opportunities, including courses, training and mentoring options
• Ability to influence and shape the future trajectory of the business and its successes