Senior Manager Finance Controller

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 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 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 Senior Manager – Project Finance Control to join our Europe & Asia Business Management team on a permanent basis. This role will provide senior financial leadership across the project portfolio, strengthen financial governance and controls, and lead the development of a high-performing Project Finance Control team supporting ICF activities.

Main Responsibilities

Senior Leadership & Capability Building

• Translate business strategy into financial strategy and operating priorities, influencing decisions beyond the finance function.

• Provide senior leadership to the Project Finance Control function in Belgium, setting clear priorities, standards, and expectations.

• Lead, coach, manage and develop managers and senior controllers, building depth of capability across project finance, compliance, reporting, and business partnering.

• Create a strong performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, commercial discipline, and continuous improvement.

• Act as the senior escalation point for complex financial, commercial, governance, and stakeholder matters.

Senior Stakeholder Management & Transformation

• Demonstrated experience leading change across multiple teams and functions, liaising with senior internal stakeholders to ensure sound financial management and coordinating with Accounts Payable, Procurement, Treasury and Accounting when required.

• Partner with senior leadership, Account Directors, Project Managers, Finance, Contracts, and Operations to drive financial discipline, accountability, and informed decision-making.

• Influence non-finance stakeholders by translating complex financial matters into clear, practical actions and commercial implications.

• Lead the strengthening of financial governance, audit readiness, internal controls, and compliance across the portfolio.

• Sponsor and drive process improvement, standardisation, automation, and reporting transformation initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, and insight. Translating technology/data opportunities into successful business outcomes.

Portfolio Financial Leadership & Strategic Analysis

• Own the financial oversight of a complex project portfolio, including forecasting, revenue, margin, WIP, cash flow, and risk exposure.

• Provide strategic financial insight, challenge assumptions, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective actions to protect commercial performance.

• Lead portfolio reviews with Project Managers, Project Directors, Finance, and senior leadership to ensure robust forecasting, accurate revenue recognition, and clear accountability for actions.

• Oversee project re-forecasting and cost-to-complete reviews in line with ICF policies, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance across the portfolio.

• Present financial performance, commercial risks, key issues, and recommended actions to senior leadership in a clear and decision-focused way.

Project Setup, Maintenance & Compliance

• Review contracts (including intercompany 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 & Cost Recognition & Reporting

• Ensure revenue is recognized 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.

• Calculate and post monthly subcontractor and freelancer accruals, ensuring completeness and correct cut-off.

• Support month-end close activities including reconciliation and preparation of financial reports.

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.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform ad‑hoc duties and analysis as assigned to support business needs.

Senior Manager Requirements

• MBA, M.Com, CMA, qualified accountant, or equivalent senior finance qualification / experience.

• 10+ years’ experience in project finance, controllership, commercial finance, or financial management within a services, consultancy, or project-based environment.

• Proven senior leadership experience, including managing or functionally leading managers, senior controllers, or geographically dispersed finance teams.

• Strong knowledge of project financial governance, revenue recognition, IFRS, US GAAP, ASC606, SOX requirements, and internal control frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders, challenge constructively, and support strategic and operational decision-making.

• Advanced financial modelling, reporting, and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex data into clear insight and action.

• Strong ERP and reporting systems experience; Maconomy, Power BI, and advanced Excel experience strongly preferred.

• Experience leading process improvement, standardisation, automation, or finance transformation initiatives.

• Experience operating in a complex matrix organisation across multiple geographies, preferably Europe and Asia.

Personal Qualities

• Strong leadership and coaching mindset.

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• Results-driven, proactive, and organized.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Collaborative, with a focus on team development and continuous improvement.