Group Finance Department
Job title:
Group Finance Manager (Interim position – January 2015 to April 2016)
Reports to:
Group Financial Controller
Main interfaces:
Group Financial Controller, Group Financial Systems Manager, Head of Financial
Planning & Analysis, Group Finance Director, local finance teams, SSCs, Group
Tax, Group Treasury and Group Legal
Company overview
Informa is one of the world’s leading knowledge providers. We create and deliver highly specialised
information through publishing, events, training, market intelligence and expertise, providing
valuable knowledge to individuals, businesses and organisations worldwide.
Our Academic Publishing division publishes books and journals with over 93,000 titles available
worldwide. Our expertise spans a broad range of sectors with world-class reference materials for
academics and professionals, in addition to a host of handbooks and textbooks for students. Using
the latest publishing technology, we deliver titles to customers in whatever format they choose.
Through our Business Intelligence division we offer a range of information services including
breaking news and views, proprietary data and the latest research and analysis. By providing
business critical information we deliver lasting advantage to companies, organisations and
governments, enabling them to make valuable and profitable decisions in highly competitive
international markets.
Our two events divisions, Global Exhibitions and Knowledge & Networking, complement the
information services of Business Intelligence and Academic Publishing by providing vital face-toface networking opportunities enabling companies and individuals to develop, improve and
compete. In this global knowledge based economy, the emphasis is on being connected. This is
where our standing as one of the world’s largest organisers of exhibitions, trade conferences and
seminars comes into play. Informa produces over 3,000 events across the world every year, allowing
communities to meet, share and develop ideas, profile new products and services, build
relationships and, ultimately, do business.
The fifth division is Global Support, which is right at the heart of informa. Global Support ensures
the business meets our obligations, protects our assets, collaborates across divisions and ensures all
operations consistently run to the highest standards. The Group Finance function along with
Strategy and Business Planning, Technology, Corporate Finance, Group Tax, HR, IPCo, Legal and
Shared Services ensure together that all operations run consistently across the business, to the
highest standards.
Globally Informa has over 150 offices in more than 43 countries and employs 6,500 staff around the
world.
Page 1 of 3
Main objectives of the role






Leadership and management of the preparation of the Annual Report and Financial
Statements and the Half Yearly report
Managing the monthly consolidation process and reporting numbers to a tight reporting
timetable
Responsible for managing and the completion of the statutory accounts process for all UK
entities
To act as a key technical accounting resource for the Group, but always looking to reach
commercial accounting solutions that are technically feasible
Contribute to an improvement in the Group’s internal and external reporting processes
Specifically, working with Tax and Group Legal in corporate restructuring activity, including
the simplification of the existing corporate structure
Main activities / responsibilities
Manage a team of three accountants – see team structure.
Financial accounting





Manage and provide accounting advice on share and asset acquisitions made across the
Group, so we are compliant with accounting requirements
Review of technical accounting developments under IFRS ensuring new developments are
communicated to the Group and embedded into management and statutory reporting as
necessary
Develop and maintain the Group Finance Policy Manual, with clear guidance and training to
all finance teams and SSCs across the Group
Responsible for share related accounting including share based payments, earnings per
share and LTIP schemes
Responsible for pensions accounting including the year end and half year disclosures, and
liaising with the Actuaries
Consolidation



Management and production of the consolidation system
Review of monthly balance sheet and cash flow analysis, and preparation/review of the IFRS
cash flow statement and net debt flow on a monthly basis
Working closely with the Group Financial Systems Manager in developing and enhancing the
consolidation system
External reporting



Preparation and effective control of the production of Annual Report and Financial
Statements and the Half Yearly report, and be first point of contact with the external
auditors
Project management of the UK statutory accounts process, including review of all UK head
office company statutory accounts and being the first point of contact for all statutory
technical queries
Providing support for the local finance teams’ financial reporting processes, with specific
responsibility for the recommendation of best practice in financial reporting
Page 2 of 3
Other areas



Liaison with Internal Audit on performing independent balance sheet reviews and other
adhoc finance projects
The delivery of adhoc analysis and reviews of a varied nature, including both Group issues
and operating company specific issues
Liaison with the Group Tax, Group Treasury and Legal & Company Secretarial departments
and external professional advisors as required
Qualifications and experience required








Graduate with a good academic background and a recognised accountancy qualification
‘Big 4’ trained (preferable)
Experience of using a multi-currency consolidation system, such as SAP Financial
Consolidation (preferable), gained within an industry role
Significant post qualified experience
Exposure to UK PLC reporting, including good knowledge of IFRS
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong influencing skills, including the ability to communicate complex financial technical
matters to non-technical people
IT confident with good spreadsheet skills
Competencies and Attributes required for this position
This position is viewed as a developmental role for an aspirational, high achieving, individual








Flexible and comfortable in a changing, growing environment
Strong management skills and the ability to coach and appraise staff
Results, product and achievement oriented to high standards - Pays attention to detail
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multi task and prioritise work load
Fast and responsive - working to tight deadlines
Proven communication and interpersonal skills to all levels
Team player, maintaining close working relationships with relevant employees of the
business in order to achieve objectives
Ability to listen and willingness to take on new ideas
Page 3 of 3