Business Unit Controller - Thomson Reuters Foundation

Job Title: Business Unit Controller

Location: Bangalore, India (Hybrid, minimum 2 days/week at the Bangalore office)

Reporting To: Senior Finance Manager (Reporting lines may change in line with any changes in the TRF Finance Team Structure going forward).

Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Business Unit Controller to join Thomson Reuters Foundation Finance Team in India. The Business Unit Controller will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, recharging and business analysis. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong attention to detail, a thorough understanding of month end close processes, and the ability to effectively collaborate with teams.

About the Role:

Payroll Processing:

• Manage the month-end payroll and recharge process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Coordinate closely with People Team in Costa Rica to gather and validate payroll data for all Foundation staff.
• Review payroll reports for accuracy and compliance with statutory regulations and company policies.
• Address any payroll-related inquiries or discrepancies promptly and efficiently.
• Ensure relevant month end reports are prepared to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Prepare analysis as required on payroll and recharges.

Month-End Reporting:

• Ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of payroll-related transactions in the general ledger and support the preparation and analysis of month end reporting.
• Ensure accurate monthly payroll reconciliation and collaborate with the people team to address and resolve any discrepancies that may arise.
• Contribute to staff cost variance commentary in the monthly management accounts
• Support with general accounting reconciliations related to staff expenses and credit cards.

Audits

• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules for internal and external reporting.
  
• Conduct variance analysis and provide insights into financial performance to support decision-making processes.
• Ensure all payroll-associated working files and documentation are prepared for the interim and end-of-year audits and donor audits from time to time.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation in compliance with internal policies and external audit requirements.
• Reconciling Payroll Accounts: Performing reconciliations to ensure that payroll records match the company's financial statements and resolving any discrepancies

Reforecast

• Updating Payroll Forecasts: Adjusting payroll forecasts to reflect any changes in employee headcount, salary adjustments, bonuses, and other compensation-related factors
• Ensuring Compliance: Staying updated on changes in tax laws and regulations to ensure all payroll calculations reflect the most accurate forecast possible
• Analysing Historical Payroll Data: Reviewing past payroll data to identify trends and patterns that can inform future projection
• Preparing Reports: Generating detailed payroll reports for management, highlighting key metrics and any significant changes from previous forecasts

Automation:

• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes, improve efficiency, and enhance controls to mitigate risks.
• Contribute to ongoing automation and AI projects/initiatives for payroll and other general accounting areas

General Accounting:

• Preparing and posting journal entries to the general ledger
• Ensuring all entries are posted and assigned General Ledger accounts are reconciled
• Analysing and assigned general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness
• As requested, support strategic planning by providing insights and recommendations based on financial analysis including scenario and sensitivity analysis to forecast potential outcomes

About You:

• Professional accountancy or finance qualification (CPA, CMA, CA/ICWA, MBA (Fin) or similar) preferred.
• Experience in payroll processing, month-end close activities, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with SAP (or similar ERP) is a plus.
• Excellent proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and Power BI
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and provide insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Experience handling confidential data with sensitivity ensuring
• Proactive mindset with a willingness to take initiative and drive process improvements.