Financial Controller

what3words is revolutionising the way the world talks about location. Street addresses aren’t accurate enough to specify specific entrances, and they don’t exist for parks, rural areas and many parts of the world. This causes frustration, inefficiencies and can be dangerous.

That’s why we created what3words.

We have divided the globe into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, and given each one a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. It’s an easy way to find and share precise locations.

what3words is being used in 193 countries, and our monthly active users continue to grow at an impressive pace. Our tech is used by thousands of emergency services, delivery companies, eCommerce businesses, ride-hailing apps and NGOs, and is integrated into the navigation systems of millions of cars around the world.

The Role

This is a broad role for an ambitious, experienced and committed individual to work closely with the CFO to manage and operate a best-in-class finance function.

Responsibilities range from overseeing the financial operations of the group (including a team of two in Mongolia) to internal and external stakeholder reporting and business partnering. Adding value is at the core of everything we do.

Due to the company’s fast pace and commitment to supporting great people, significant opportunity exists to develop the breadth of this role and it will suit an individual who is energetic, dynamic and flexible.

Accounting & reporting: 

• Overseeing the month-end process and delivery of monthly management accounts to the CFO, including balance sheet reconciliations and revenue recognition.  

• Managing our internal controls, including HMRC compliance and other financial / ops systems in a scaleable manner; 

• Meeting HMRC, ONS and other statutory reporting deadlines;

• Leading the wider finance team on matters relating to the annual audit: preparation of end-of-year accounts and coordinating the provision of information to external auditors;

• Preparation of regular reports (both financial and company information) to internal and external stakeholders: the management team, department heads, board of directors and shareholders as required. 

Financial planning, budgeting and control:

• Work closely with department leads to facilitate financial planning, budgeting and subsequent variance analysis, becoming highly knowledgeable of the company’s activities and operational priorities in a rapid timeframe. 

• Maintain and develop strong financial controls and procurement processes, using and deploying appropriate tools to automate where possible

• Establish and oversee the accounting operations, budget forecasts and financial controls of all what3words subsidiaries, regularly reviewing overseas activities and compliance in conjunction with the CFO

• Updating our base case and investor models as required

General / other:

• Take an active role in supporting and developing the finance team in Mongolia, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the team and executing that vision

• Oversee payroll across multiple entities in collaboration with our HR team.

• Support the CFO with fundraising activities including long term cash planning and strategy, preparation of materials for fundraising such as the investor pipeline, financial model and data room. 

• Treasury management and reporting

About you

You will have: 

• ACCA / ACA / CIMA qualification, with 5+ years of experience, most recently in a senior role (e.g. as Finance Manager - this role would be ideal for someone ready to step up a level to FC) within the finance function of an established or high-growth company. 

• Operational experience of “doing the doing”;

• An incredibly sharp mind with the academic or work history to prove it;

• Excellent financial modelling and Excel skills, with very strong attention to detail and pride in the standard of the work our team produces;

• Strong communication skills – both verbal and written – and be comfortable working with people from different teams across the business.

• A genuine desire to help and see others, and the company,  grow and succeed.

You will be: 

• Highly professional in your approach, and discreet and responsible with financial information. 

• Committed to excellence (in your own work and that of your team) and collaborative working

• Open to learning and excited at the prospect of finding ways to do new things

• A believer in the importance of establishing the right level of robust process and procedure to enable scale-up, and ready to trailblaze or encourage the use of those processes across the organisation.

• Possessing a “can-do” attitude and being able to work at pace

• Of the belief that understanding the business model and operational activities of a company is fundamental to being effective in a finance role. 

• Ambitious and interested in developing the role in the longer term

• Able to grasp complex accounting treatments under FRS102 and able to own their application to our statutory accounts
  

Extra credit if you:

• Have worked in a tech / SaaS company.

• Love using Xero. 

• Have experience in overseas VAT

• Can provide excellent references from colleagues as well as supervisors in your current/previous roles.

• Experience of group consolidations and working in a global business.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at what3words

Our mission is to help everyone talk about everywhere, and we believe diverse perspectives make for a better company and better products too. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our hiring processes and company culture.

Benefits

We offer the following benefits to all permanent employees of what3words:

- £70,000 - £75,000 PA depending on experience

- Flexible working (2 days / week on site at ///filled.count.soap)

- 6 week remote working (work from anywhere) policy

- 25 days holiday: plus the option to buy more!

- Share options

- Pension

- Private health insurance 

- Life insurance

- Wellbeing Days 

- Yulife perks and rewards 

- Generous parental leave policies 

- Family friendly policies 

- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 

- Season ticket loans

- Cycle to work scheme 

- Lunch & learn sessions

- Office perks; free breakfast, snacks & regular team lunches 

- Sports and hobbies clubs

- Dog friendly office