Senior Finance Project Controller
ICF · London, United Kingdom · 1mo ago
About ICF (www.icf.com) is a consultancy firm with offices in the UK, Belgium, the US and worldwide. At ICF, we help governments, public agencies and international institutions solve complex problems and improve the quality of life of people around the world. We offer critical insight and rigorous analytical techniques to deliver innovative solutions and thought-provoking analyses for our clients.
Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigour to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to assist our clients and benefit their constituencies. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.
About the team
We are looking for a Project Finance Controller to join our Europe & Asia Business Management team on a permanent basis to drive the financial performance of the ICF activities.
Main Responsibilities
Project Financial Management & Analysis
Monitor, analyse and interpret project financial performance in close collaboration with Project Managers and Directors.
Conduct project re-forecasting and cost-to-complete reviews in line with ICF policies to ensure accurate and compliant revenue recognition.
Provide actionable insights, variance analysis, and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Present monthly financial performance, risks, and opportunities to Senior Leadership.
Project Setup, Maintenance & Compliance
Review contracts (including inter-company agreements) and set up projects in the ERP system in accordance with contract terms, SOX regulations and internal controls.
Maintain project financial data throughout the lifecycle—set-up, amendments, variations, and project closure—ensuring completeness and compliance.
Support the maintenance of contract documents, agreements, and variation orders.
Revenue Recognition & Reporting
Ensure revenue is recognised correctly and consistently across all projects, fully aligned with accounting standards and internal policies.
Prepare and deliver management reporting packages (MIS), including revenue, cost analysis, margin movements, and detailed commentary.
Billing, Cash Flow & WIP Management
Prepare timely and accurate client billing in coordination with Project Managers.
Monitor aged debts, collaborate with Treasury on collections, and support actions to reduce WIP and overdue balances.
Contribute to cash flow estimates and forecasting.
Accruals & Month-End Close
Calculate and post monthly subcontractor and freelancer accruals, ensuring completeness and correct cut-off.
Support month-end close activities including reconciliations and preparation of financial reports.
Project Governance & PM Support
Lead or participate in project financial reviews to identify risks, required write-downs, claims handling, and necessary corrective actions.
Train and support Project Managers on financial project management processes, best practices, and compliance requirements.
Build strong working relationships with PMs and internal stakeholders to ensure high-quality financial governance.
Controls, Audits & Process Improvement
Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and evidence.
Contribute to the development and implementation of financial controls, checklists, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen process efficiency and compliance.
Other Responsibilities
Perform ad-hoc duties and analysis as assigned to support business needs.
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Basic Requirements
MBA, M.Com, CMA or equivalent finance qualification.
4-5 years of relevant experience in project finance, project controllership, or financial project administration within service or consultancy environments.
Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles and financial standards (e.g., ASC606, IFRS, US GAAP).
Advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, modelling).
Proficiency in MS PowerPoint; Power BI experience is an advantage.
Experienced user of financial/ERP systems (Maconomy strongly preferred or willingness to learn quickly).
High numerical accuracy and strong analytical skills.
Experience working in a matrix organisation across multiple geographies (Europe/Asia/India).
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Personal Qualities
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines with high accuracy and attention to detail.
Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous learning and development.
Able to organise, prioritise, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Strong stakeholder management and ability to build constructive relationships with PMs, finance teams, and leadership.
Problem-solving mindset with a “can-do” attitude.
Team player who collaborates effectively across functions and regions.
Right to Work, Location & Sponsorship (UK)
While we welcome applications from candidatesinternationally,this roleis located intheUnited Kingdom, and successful candidates must:
Have thelegal right to work in the UK(or be eligible for sponsorshipwhere applicableon acase-by-case basis);and
Bephysically located in the UKonDay 1of employment (or shortly before your start date).
Please ensure you can meet the right-to-work and location requirements or would qualify for sponsorship where applicable.
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Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
About us:
Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.
Learn more about what we do and our commitment to inclusion.
The benefits of joining ICF:
Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well.
We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.
To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.
We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.
ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:
- Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
- Dental insurance and an online GP service.
- 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
- Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution
- Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
- Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.