Financial Controls Manager (Subsidiary Companies) - #2102402

2yr Contract (likely to extend)

Job Purpose
The Financial Controls Manager acts as a primary link between the University of Edinburgh (the parent entity) and its various subsidiary companies. The primary focus of this role is to create a reporting framework to ensure the robust financial oversight of the University's subsidiary companies and create clear and succinct financial health check on each of the individual company's setting out the financial position to budget and forecast, a narrative on cash and intercompany transactions to the University's senior financial leadership team and the Subsidiary Oversight Group. The role will also seek to streamline group-wide reporting, and be proactive in identifying, supporting and resolving financial matters through consistent communication and regular meetings with the company leadership teams.

Main responsibilities
1. Subsidiary Oversight

• Serve as the primary finance link for the University subsidiary companies, fostering collaborative relationships to ensure timely and accurate financial data and reporting flow to the parent entity.
• Act as a bridge between subsidiary stakeholders and the University's finance team to ensure the University has a clear line of sight on the group-wide financial position.
• Be proactive by working directly with finance colleagues in the subsidiaries regarding financial reports and reconciliation requirements.

2. Intercompany Financial Control

• Working with the Financial Accounting team, will provide senior oversight for the portfolio of intercompany accounts, ensuring they are fully reconciled and reviewed.
• Monitor completion trends and quality for intercompany reconciliations, identifying and resolving unexplained variances or suspense account items that affect the group position.
• Work closely with the Senior Financial Accountant to provide a consolidated view of intercompany exposure and status for the Monthly Balance Sheet Review Meeting and onward reporting to the Subsidiary Oversight Group.

3. Group Reporting & Compliance

• Support the Subsidiaries oversight group to provide assurance that subsidiary companies operate within the agreed financial framework embedded into the revised subsidiary policy framework,
• Work with the Financial Planning and Analysis team to work towards monthly "Group" Management Accounts.
• Assist the Interim Group Financial Controller to ensure subsidiary companies are tax efficient and use gift aid for benefit of the University Group,
• Support the preparation of financial performance (management Accounts and forecasts) for both each company and a consolidated position to inform the overall University Group,
• Highlight any performance risks, any direct or indirect tax risks, highlight any liquidity concerns or other regulatory or compliance risks to the University Senior finance leadership team.

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Professional Qualification: CCAB qualified accountant (or equivalent) with significant experience in a complex, multi-entity environment.
• Group Accounting Expertise: Strong technical knowledge of intercompany eliminations, group financial control, and parent-subsidiary reporting requirements.
• Influencing & Partnering: Proven ability to act as a Business Partner, influencing stakeholders in external or semi-autonomous entities (subsidiaries) to adhere to central deadlines and standards.
• System Proficiency: Advanced experience with large-scale ERP systems (specifically Oracle/P&M) and the ability to navigate complex reporting modules.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated experience in diagnosing process gaps and implementing permanent fixes for recurring financial discrepancies.

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