Group Financial Controller (6-month contract)

About Us Sophos is a cybersecurity leader defending 600,000 organizations globally with an AI-driven platform and expert-led services. Sophos meets organizations wherever they are in their security maturity and grows with them to defeat cyberattacks. Its solutions combine machine learning, automation, and real-time threat intelligence with frontline human expertise from Sophos X-Ops to deliver advanced, 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response.   Sophos offers industry-leading managed detection and response (MDR) alongside a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity technologies — including endpoint, network, email, and cloud security, extended detection and response (XDR), identity threat detection and response (ITDR), and next-gen SIEM. Together with expert advisory services, these capabilities help organizations proactively reduce risk and respond faster, with the visibility and scalability needed to stay ahead of evolving threats.   Sophos goes to market with a global partner ecosystem, including Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), resellers and distributors, marketplace integrations, and cyber risk partners, giving organizations the flexibility to choose trusted relationships when securing their business. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at www.sophos.com.
Role Summary The Group Financial Controller reports to the Senior Vice President of Finance and has key responsibility for all aspects of accounting for the Group’s global operations.  This includes all elements of the financial control functions including payroll, general accounting and balance sheet control; also managing the relationship to the Group’s shared service centre in India that covers accounts payable, purchasing and accounts receivable.  The position is also the main contact for annual audits of the global subsidiaries (though not the consolidation).     The position is also responsible for all month end processes, analysis of variances to plan and forecast, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting for all statutory returns including VAT, WHT, CIT and statutory accounts.  The position will manage the financial control team across the globe and hence strong people management skills are essential. In addition the job holder is expected to develop strong working relationships with the business and other back office departments.   This role also involves interface on a day-to-day basis with the Senior Vice President Finance; the CFO; and, the other global finance departments as required.  

Finance & Accounting:

Lead all accounting operations, including month-end close, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to strict deadlines

Own financial controls, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, and quarterly reviews with SVP Finance

Oversee payroll, AP, AR, commissions, inventory, receivables, and cash flow processes globally

Ensure compliance with internal policies, statutory requirements, audits, and government reporting; act as primary audit contact

Manage SGWI contract and related procedures; ensure local compliance and filings

Maintain best-practice processes across accounting, payroll, and AP functions

Taxation:

Ensure local indirect tax compliance and filings

Partner with Group and Sophos Tax teams on compliance, reporting, and tax optimization

Reporting:

Support monthly management accounts and ad hoc reporting for SMT and Board

Partner with Group Finance and local leadership to improve performance and business support

Provide guidance to the finance team on reporting matters

Projects & Leadership:

Partner with Finance IT on system enhancements, UAT, and successful deployments

Lead financial control and process improvement initiatives

Support budgeting and forecasting as required

Manage, coach, and develop the finance team; conduct performance reviews and talent planning

Director Responsibilities:

Act as resident Director for local entities, signing contracts and filings in line with legal and signature policies

Special Conditions:

Flexibility required during month-end, year-end, and peak periods

Occasional travel and short-notice availability for document signing

Regulatory and compliance matters from a financial perspective

Previously operated as a Director; or have had strong exposure to the requirements

Working with external auditors and tax advisors

Commercial experience, e.g. contract review

Practical long-term experience of all aspects of the month end and annual closing accounting and planning processes

Understanding of IFRS accounting practices

Improving processes and controls

Management of a team

Management of the functions of financial control, accounting, payroll, management and financial reporting

Working within a software or technology company, ideally a global organisation

Familiar with corporation tax and VAT filing requirements.

Minimum of 7 years post qualification experience

Experience of a quoted company environment