Finance Controller

Job Description Finance Controller – Colombia (IT Services | Telecom Sector) Location: Bogota - Colombia Scheme: Hybrid (3 days on-site) Reporting To: LATAM Finance Head / Regional Controller - (Dotted line to Country Manager) Team Size: Manages 4–5 finance professionals (Accounting, AP/AR, Payroll/Tax coordination) ______________ Role Context We are a Colombia-based IT services company serving the Telecom sector, with annual revenues of approximately US$6–8 million. The Finance Controller is the senior-most finance leader in-country, accountable for financial integrity, compliance, cash stewardship, IFRS and local statutory reporting, and for building a high-performing finance team capable of supporting a growing services organization. The role requires fluent English, as the incumbent will regularly interact with regional and global finance leadership, auditors, and corporate stakeholders. ______________ Role Purpose The Finance Controller will lead end-to-end financial operations for the Colombian entity, ensuring: • Accurate and timely IFRS and Colombian statutory reporting • Full compliance with local tax, legal, and regulatory requirements • Strong internal controls and audit readiness • Effective treasury, cash flow, and working capital management • Clear financial insights to support telecom/IT services delivery and profitability ______________ Key Responsibilities 1. Financial Accounting, Close & Reporting (IFRS + Local GAAP) • Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process. • Ensure accurate financial statements under: o Colombian statutory accounting (local GAAP and regulatory requirements) o IFRS (group reporting) • Review and approve all key accounting areas: o Revenue recognition (T&M, milestone-based, managed services) o Accruals, provisions, prepaid expenses o Payroll accounting and benefits o Fixed assets and depreciation o Intercompany accounting and reconciliations • Deliver monthly management reporting with clear variance analysis and commentary in English. ______________ 2. Colombian Taxation & Statutory Compliance • Ensure full compliance with all Colombian tax and regulatory obligations, including: o Income tax o IVA (VAT) o ICA o Withholding taxes (retenciones) o Payroll taxes and parafiscales • Own the statutory compliance calendar and ensure zero missed or late filings. • Liaise with external tax advisors and auditors to: o Support audits, tax reviews, and inspections o Assess regulatory changes and implement required actions • Ensure statutory financial statements are prepared, approved, and filed on time. ______________ 3. Treasury, Cash Flow & Fund Management • Lead weekly and monthly cash flow forecasting for a US$6–8M revenue entity. • Manage liquidity, ensuring sufficient funds for operations, payroll, tax payments, and vendors. • Enforce strong treasury controls: o Payment approvals and segregation of duties o Bank account governance and signatories • Drive working capital optimization: o Improve billing accuracy and AR collections (DSO reduction) o Manage vendor payments and AP scheduling o Oversee intercompany settlements • Manage banking relationships, KYC documentation, and any guarantees or facilities. ______________ 4. Audit, Internal Controls & Governance • Act as main point of contact for: o External auditors o Internal audit / corporate controllership • Maintain continuous audit readiness with strong documentation and reconciliations. • Ensure compliance with internal policies and SOX-type controls (where applicable). • Identify control gaps and lead remediation plans (CAPA). • Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs, process notes, and finance control frameworks. ______________ 5. Business Partnering (Telecom / IT Services) • Partner with Operations and Commercial teams on: o Customer and project profitability o Cost management and margin improvement o Financial review of contracts (billing milestones, SLAs, penalties) • Support budgeting, forecasting, and re-forecasting in coordination with regional finance. • Provide insights on revenue trends, cost drivers, utilization, and operational risks. ______________ 6. Team Leadership & Development • Lead, coach, and develop a finance team of 4–5 members. • Allocate responsibilities across accounting, AP/AR, payroll, and compliance. • Set performance objectives, conduct reviews, and build bench strength. • Coordinate effectively with shared services / BPO teams where applicable. • Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership, compliance, and continuous improvement. ______________ Systems & Tools • ERP: SAP (group reporting), Siigo (local/statutory accounting) • Advanced Excel (mandatory); Power BI / automation tools preferred ______________ Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline. • Contador Público certification. • 8–12 years of progressive finance experience in Colombia. • Proven experience as Finance Controller / Senior Accounting Manager in a services environment. • Strong hands-on expertise in: o IFRS and Colombian statutory accounting o Local taxation and compliance o Audit and internal controls o Treasury and cash management • Fluent English (spoken and written) – mandatory. • Experience managing a team of 4–5 finance professionals. ______________ Key Competencies • Strong ownership and accountability mindset. • Excellent leadership and people-management skills. • High attention to detail with audit-quality standards. • Strong communication skills in English and Spanish. • Business-oriented, pragmatic, and solution-focused.