Shared Services Financial Controller

The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. We deliver our information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences and electronic services. What ties us together is the objectivity of our opinion, the originality of our insight and our advocacy of economic and political freedom around the world.

Currently we are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to build, recruit and manage a finance team in our Gurgaon office. The Group is initially looking to locate Billing, Accounts Payable and Tax Compliance shared services from EMEA to its Gurgaon office and establish the infrastructure for moving more roles and functions at a later time.

This role involves financial oversight for the local Indian company including leading the external audit process and managing Billing, Accounts Payable and tax compliance for the Indian company and the Group's European operations in accordance with the Service Level Agreement.

In the role you would be expected to:

Recruit, train and develop a strong team to provide a reliable and effective service to the Economist Group businesses and The Economist Group India LimitedEstablish a Service Level Agreement with Group businesses for Accounts Payable, Billing and Indirect tax compliance and deliveredEnsure the integrity and accuracy of TEGI financial recordsManage external audit processesEnsure the company's cash and funding requirements are managed and working capital is managed optimallyEnsure compliance with tax filing requirementsOversee the accounting, balance sheet reconciliations and audit for TEGIEnsure the efficiency and effectiveness of financial management and accounting in areas of:

Accounts payable

Banking

Accounts receivable and billing

GST and TDA

Corporate tax

Payroll

Credit cards

Continual review, improvement and streamlining of financial and management controls including new systems implementations and upgradesEstablish and monitor application of business and Group internal control policies and proceduresManage financial processes to plan for adequate cash and funding requirements across the businessCommunicate changes to finance processes to users and the wider businessEnsure the correct information flow for tax compliance and management of risk and compliance issues in the tax functionLiaise with Group Internal Audit and respond to control issues arising.Manage the annual audit while integrating new functions in the teamImplement new accounting policies and procedures while Implementing new internal financial controlsProvide confidential and sensitive company information to Auditors, Tax authorities and other external advisorsRecommend improvements to finance processes and procedures to the HOF'sSupport relationships with key internal and external stakeholdersClarity of instructions issued and receptiveness of staff to communicationsEstablish a platform for further migration of Group financial functions to India

Key relationships

Group Financial Operations Controller (London)Regional Finance Director, Asia Pacific (Hong Kong)Assistant Finance Director, Asia Pacific & Finance Manager (Hong Kong)Regional Accounts Payable Manager (Hong Kong), Regional Payroll Accountant (Hong Kong)Director, Human Resources and HR Manager (Gurgaon)Group Accounts Receivable Manager (London)Indirect Taxation Manager (London)Accounts Payable Assistant & Accounts Receivable Assistant (London)Deloitte LLP & Ernst & Young LLP (Delhi)

To succeed in the role you must have:

Degree level education and Qualified Accountancy (ACCA, CA, CIMA)Managed within a shared service financial accounting functionExperience Managing a financial processing teamManagement of large teams of peopleERP system experienceExperience delivering process change and improvement programsLeading financial control objectives in AP and billing processing areasExperience with India tax systems and India indirect tax complianceExperience with international corporate structures and Treasury best practicesMicrosoft Office, ERP system experienceExcelent communications skills in English

To succeed in this role you will be able to demonstrate:

Experience managing teamsStrong review and reconciliation skills and an attention to detailExperience developing processes and communincating clearlyDeveloping relationships with internal and external contactsAn ability to Motivate staffCommitment to quality and timely service deliveryA hands-on approachAbility to multi-task and prioritizeHonesty, integrity and flexibilityYou are pro-active, consultative and responsiveAn ability to make appropriate judgments with sensitivity and discretion in providing guidanceClear communicator of views and opinions