As a key member of the EMEA Financial Control team, you will be responsible for the month end close, variance analysis, monthly cash flow reporting and local entity audit for Sophos Ireland and Sweden. This will involve working closely with the Global Process owners to ensure critical accounting areas - including GRNI, prepayments and fixed assets are accurately controlled and accounted for. You will support the EMEA North Financial Accountant in delivering a smooth and timely month-end close, enabling the production of high-quality local GAAP financial statements, and will take ownership of the annual audits and local statutory filings for both countries.
In addition, you will oversee all aspects of accounting and statutory compliance for the Sophos Ireland and Sweden legal entities. This includes all elements of the finance function covering general ledger, balance sheet control, preparation of local statutory accounts, annual audits and all local tax compliance. You will also work closely with the centralised Accounts Payable, Receivable, and Payroll teams as well as the global process and accounting teams and review their outputs prior to approval.
You will operate in line with, and actively contribute to, standardised Sophos EMEA financial control procedures, driving consistency and continuous improvement.
Where required, you will also support the EMEA North Financial Accountant with related activities for Sophos Limited.
Responsible for month-end accounting to strict deadlines. Review the work of your team pertaining to month end balance sheet reconciliations for Sophos Ireland and Sweden.
Provide analysis for monthly, quarterly, annual variances analysis against Plan and Forecast, investigating and clearly explaining significant cost variances to the EMEA North Financial Accountant.
Take ownership and first review of all balance sheet account reconciliations ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timely monthly submission.
Full use of One Stream for balance sheet reconciliations and quarterly local variance commentary.
Assist in the development of OneStream task manager relating to specific tasks of Sophos Ireland and Sweden.
Preparation of annual statutory reporting requirements. Lead annual audit of the Irish and Swedish legal entities in conjunction with the members of the team and assist in the preparation of Sophos Limited Statutory accounts.
Oversee all tax compliance activities, including VAT, WHT, indirect and corporate income tax returns, ensuring filing and payment deadlines are met and all tax questionnaires are completed accurately and on time for the Irish and Swedish entities.
Co-ordinate and prepare detailed monthly cash flow forecast and reporting for the Irish and Swedish entities for inclusion in the Group forecast and ensuring corporate treasury policy is followed throughout
Prepare and review corporation tax pack analysis in line with Group requirements
Prepare and action the timetable detailing tasks for the monthly activities and manage and monitor the activities to ensure a smooth and timely close. Ensure accounting and reporting activities are included within a fully documented procedure manual which is continuously updated and maintained.
Ensure compliance to all internal policies and controls (e.g. expenses, travel policy etc), providing review and sign-off
Work closely with, and foster relationships with global, centralised teams to ensure efficient outputs.
Responsible for the submission of Office for National Statistics data
Compile the data for the yearly R&D Expenditure Credit and be the main point of contact for any finance queries relating to the submission.
Understanding of the accounting practices and standards under IFRS and Local GAAP
Working with external auditors, tax advisors and local consultants
Practical experience of all aspects of the month end and annual closing accounting
Working with a highly sales driven and fast-moving culture
Desirable
Improving processes and controls
Working within a software company, ideally a global organisation supporting global actions and initiatives
Minimum of 3 years post qualification experience in industry
Working with SAP
Familiar with local taxation filing requirements for Irish and Swedish entities
Experience of planning processes and budget setting
