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Optimizely is seeking a Director, Group Financial Controller to lead the finance function's technical accounting and close operations across a global, PE-backed SaaS business. This is a strategic leadership role that combines rigorous financial control with modernization and AI-enabled transformation.
You will own the global month-, quarter-, and year-end close process across all entities, overseeing monthly regional and consolidated flux analysis and delivering audit-ready consolidated management accounts. You'll serve as the in-house technical accounting authority on IFRS standards (IFRS 15, 16, 2, 3, IAS 36, IAS 21, etc.), leading the transition to IFRS 18 and preparing position papers on complex accounting matters.
You will lead annual external audits end-to-end for the group and subsidiaries, managing statutory filings across multiple jurisdictions (UK, US, Sweden, UAE, Singapore, Bangladesh) and ensuring global regulatory compliance. You'll lead regional controllers across EMEA, North America, and APAC, providing technical guidance, coaching, and IFRS capability development while ensuring consistency in accounting policies and intercompany processes.
A key part of this role is driving AI transformation and process automation—evaluating, piloting, and scaling finance tech solutions (close automation, reconciliations, flux analysis tools) to reduce manual effort while maintaining strong controls. You'll support the design of the global accounting controls framework, drive audit remediation, and maintain robust intercompany processes and transfer pricing consistency.
You'll also own cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning, provide accounting oversight for FX exposure and hedging, and maintain transaction-ready standards (IPO, trade sale, secondary) with clean audit trails. You'll partner with Tax, Legal, and FP&A on entity rationalization, M&A diligence, and strategic initiatives.
Success is measured by on-schedule month-end closes with zero material post-close adjustments, on-time audits with no significant findings, all entity filings completed on time, increased technical depth across regional teams, measurable reduction in close effort via automation, effective controls operating across entities, and transaction-ready financial records at all times.
Requirements:
• 10+ years in accounting or controllership, with at least 2 years in a senior group or regional controller role within a complex, multi-entity international business
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent) with strong IFRS technical accounting knowledge—particularly IFRS 15, IFRS 16, IFRS 2, IAS 36, and IAS 21
• Proven track record managing statutory reporting and external audit across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously
• Past audit experience, ideally at a top 10 firm, preferred
• Experience in PE-backed SaaS or high-growth technology businesses strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP essential; familiarity with close automation platforms (Ledge, FloQast, BlackLine) and AI-enabled finance tooling a strong differentiator
• Exceptional technical accounting judgment and ability to communicate complex IFRS questions simply to non-technical stakeholders
• Genuine enthusiasm for automation and AI in finance with practical experience piloting or implementing tools
• Strong people leadership and ability to build and develop a high-performing, distributed accounting team
• Commercial awareness and ability to connect accounting outcomes to business performance
• High attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture
• Clear, confident communicator able to brief CFO, manage audit partners, and coach junior accountants
