Hybrid Financial Controller

at Aurora Energy Research

• Job title: Financial Controller
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Professional Certificate
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Oxford, United Kingdom

About the role

• EMEA Financial Controller managing finance function and team across European locations. Ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance within a dynamic, growing company.

Responsibilities

• Own all accounting and financial reporting for European entities
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of month-end close activities, working closely with other Regional FCs to meet group close timelines
• Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are completed monthly in a timely manner, and own and maintain the EMEA tracker
• Collaborate with the Head of Finance Operations to ensure reporting is standardised and maintained accurately
• Act as the primary point of contact for all Europe-related accounting matters.
• Ensure compliance with all local statutory and tax filing requirements across European trading entities
• Manage relationships and communication with external local accountants
• Oversee the timely preparation and filing of local statutory accounts
• Oversee and support all external audits within the EMEA region, and monitor emerging audit requirements as entities scale
• Work with the Group Finance team on the External Group Audit, reviewing all audit schedules prior to being shared with the auditors
• Collaborate with the Tax Manager to ensure compliance with local tax obligations and support the rollout of e-invoicing across European markets
• Direct line management of four European Accountants covering all European entities across Berlin and Oxford
• Set clear expectations, deadlines, and performance standards for the EMEA Finance Operations team
• Develop team capability, embedding best practice while fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment
• Promote a strong culture of ownership, control, and accountability across the region
• Support the Group Finance team in the preparation of commentary for the Monthly Information Pack for the Board
• Support Group Finance with investor reporting and related queries
• Partner with Regional Finance Business Partners to develop insightful financial analysis at entity and cost centre level, supporting local teams in effective budget management and decision-making
• Support FP&A in the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts for the EMEA region
• Own the internal control framework across the EMEA region
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks
• Ensure compliance with group policies, accounting standards, and control requirements
• Support the Treasury Accountant with treasury process improvements across the EMEA region
• Collaborate with other Regional Financial Controllers to ensure consistency of processes, controls, and reporting across the group
• Partner with the Credit Control team to improve reporting and visibility of debtor recoverability
• Drive automation initiatives and finance systems enhancements

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA)
• Strong operational finance leader with a hands-on mindset
• Proven people leadership experience with geographically dispersed teams, across multiple time zones, cultures and regulatory environments
• Strong technical accounting knowledge (IFRS/FRS102/German GAAP)
• Demonstrated experience managing external audits across multiple entities
• Excellent organisational, stakeholder management, and prioritisation skills
• Highly motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and take ownership
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with stakeholders across regions and functions
• High attention to detail and a strong focus on accuracy and quality in financial reporting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Eagerness to learn and develop within a growing global organisation, with a solution-oriented mindset
• Experience working in a private equity–backed and/or high-growth environment (desirable)
• Experience within a SaaS or recurring revenue business (desirable)
• Strong understanding of FX and cross-border structures (desirable)
• Experience with Dynamics 365 (desirable)
• Ability to speak another European language would be a bonus (desirable)

Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Parental Support
• Salary-Exchange Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Local Oxford Discounts
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Flu Jabs