Group Financial Controller

About Simple Machines

Simple Machines is a global technology consultancy that helps the world's leading enterprises engineer data, AI, and software to life. From designing intelligent data platforms to enabling enterprise-scale AI solutions, we combine technical depth with real-world execution to deliver measurable business impact.

We operate across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, with a team made up entirely of senior professionals who thrive on solving complex problems with clarity, precision, and purpose.

We believe in craftsmanship over scale, elegance over excess, and substance over slogans.

The Role

We're seeking an exceptional Group Financial Controller to join our global finance team. This is a lead role responsible for group-level financial reporting, consolidation, and compliance across four separate legal entities operating in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and the US.

Reporting to the Group Director of Finance, you'll lead the month-end and year-end close processes, manage consolidated reporting, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of our financial systems. You'll also drive the next phase of innovation in our finance operations, introducing automation, AI-enabled processes, and smarter systems that enhance efficiency and insight.

This role offers a rare blend of hands-on financial control and strategic leadership, mentoring a small, high-performing team while working closely with senior executives across regions.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver accurate, timely consolidated financial reporting across all operating regions.

• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, including intercompany reconciliations and consolidations.
• Oversee statutory compliance, tax, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.
• Drive systems improvement and automation initiatives, collaborating with internal technology teams to enhance process efficiency and insight.
• Introduce and champion AI-driven solutions within finance to streamline workflows and reporting.
• Reporting into the Group Finance Director, supervise a small finance team, fostering development and excellence.
• Maintain a strong financial control environment and ensure adherence to accounting standards.
• Act as delegate for the Director of Finance when required.

About You

You're a qualified accountant (CA, CPA, or equivalent) with significant experience in multi-entity, multi-currency consolidation and financial leadership across complex organisations.

You thrive in environments where precision meets progress, where systems evolve, automation scales, and your insight directly shapes decisions. You're equally comfortable in the detail and in the strategy, and you enjoy leading teams that share your curiosity and care for quality.

You'll bring:

• 8+ years' experience in finance or accounting roles, including at least 3 in a financial control position.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and familiarity with IFRS or equivalent.
• Experience implementing or optimising finance systems, automation tools, or AI-enabled solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder management skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset and a calm, capable presence under pressure.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Simple Machines, we don't just hire great people — we create an environment where they can do their best work.

 Hybrid working – balance focus time at home with collaboration in our Christchurch studio.

 In-office lunches & snack bar – good food fuels great ideas.

 Stunning, award-winning offices – light-filled, modern, and designed for creative work.

 Friendly, intelligent team – a culture built on respect, autonomy, and shared excellence.

 Global exposure – collaborate with colleagues and clients across four continents.

 Generous training and professional development allowances – invest in your growth with continuous learning and leadership opportunities.

 Real impact – work in a high-growth consultancy where precision and purpose matter.