ABOUT FASTMARKETS 

Fastmarkets is an independent commodity pricing and information organisation with over 500 staff. We are fuelled by values that brings us all together and are united by a collective passion to make a difference. We are supported by a working model that we call “Working 3.0” that is based on flexibility and trust, which allows us to bring our best selves to work every day.

Fastmarkets is the most trusted Price Reporting Agency (PRA) in the metals, mining, agriculture, forest products, and energy transition markets. Our price data, forecasts, and market analyses give our customers strategic advantage in complex, volatile, often opaque markets. Our events provide forums for market participants to come together, trade, and talk through the critical issues of our times.

We are making a difference. Fastmarkets works to create transparent commodity markets through our reliable and trusted price data and market intelligence. The markets we serve are central to how economies work and are essential for our lives. By doing this, Fastmarkets helps our customers build a more sustainable world. We are built on a 130-year foundation while bringing a digital platform to market, combining the currency of trust with the power of digital.

Most importantly, we are fuelled by our teams that, across the globe, making the amazing possible. With a deep sense of purpose and belonging, we are building an extraordinary future – together. If you would like to help build the future, we hope you will join us on our journey.

Fastmarkets was founded in 1913 (as Metal Bulletin) and is a privately held UK-registered company. It is owned by global private equity firm Astorg, a specialist investor in healthcare, software, technology, business services and technology-based industrial companies.

JOB PURPOSE 

This is a newly-created position in the business, following separation from a FTSE 250 PLC. The role will be crucial to develop the reporting capability fit for Fastmarkets. It’s an opportunity to tailor reporting and tax compliance to the new ownership structure, which includes moving from public ownership to private equity shareholders.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, this position will work closely with the Commercial Finance team and the business to support the ambitious growth strategy. This is a hands-on, roll up your sleeves position.  The successful candidate will have a passion for effectiveness and efficiency, as well as working within a team.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop Record to Report (R2R) finance team
• Oversee day-to-day aspects of the international accounting including month-end and annual close processes
• Full ownership of the consolidated Fastmarkets balance sheet
• Continuously identify, design, develop and implement ongoing enhancement of accounting and reporting processes

 Reporting

• Lead and oversee all financial reporting and processes across the business, including consolidation of management and statutory accounts
• Lead and oversee all tax (direct, indirect and employment) reporting across the business
• Support the commercial finance team with the monthly forecast, annual budget and 3 year business planning processes
• When required, carry-out financial due diligence on any potential M&A activity, take a lead role in integration planning and provide financial analysis on any potential acquisitions or disposals
• Assisting in financial system improvement projects aimed at streamlining finance processes and further enhancing financial reporting capabilities.

Controls and Compliance

•  Ensure all accounting is in line with group policies and procedures
• Oversee the review and sign off all monthly balance sheet reconciliations – responsible for overall trial balance and general ledger bookings
• Ensure compliance with tax requirements across the business
• Ensure compliance deadlines are met (statutory audit, monthly returns to funders, etc.)
• Lead year end audit process in a timely manner

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA) with strong financial accounting experience and global leadership skills
• Experience of financial and management reporting in a multi-national company, including consolidation
• Experience of tax compliance and reporting (direct, indirect and employment)
• Strong knowledge of UK and US GAAP and IFRS
• Experience in reviewing and optimising processes
• Experience in subscription and data licensing accounting is a plus
• Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Proven people management skills and strong leadership whilst working as part of a high performing team
• Strong communication skills with a collaborative stakeholder management approach
• Excellent knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word and NetSuite.

OUR VALUES

Fastmarkets people come from all different walks of life. It’s this mix of brilliant personalities, experiences and insights that gives us that warm, open, and friendly culture you can feel as soon as you meet us. But however wonderfully different we all are, there are six things we all have in common – and they form our Fastmarkets values.

Created by our own employees to reflect some of the personal traits that Fastmarkets people have, our values are key to what makes our culture unique. They reflect who each of us are and they're embedded in everything we do.

• METRICS DRIVEN. We use insights to improve our customers’ experience and our business performancE
  
• ACCOUNTABLE. We are accountable to ourselves and those we work with: we keep our promises and get things done
  
• GROWTH MINDSET. This value enables us to be nimble to the changing realities and operate with a sense of urgency
  
• INCLUSIVE. We are inclusive and respectful, celebrating each of us and giving everyone a deep sense of belonging with the desire to bring their best self to work every day.
  
• CUSTOMER CENTRIC. We are customer-centric in all that we do
  
• COLLABORATIVE. We are collaborative, able to work across teams and capitalise on the diversity of intellect, perspectives, and experiences.

You’ve read a little about us – now it’s over to you!

If you like what you’ve read so far and think you can see yourself as a Fastmarkets person, it’s time to fill in your application form. This form is an important part of the selection process: it’s used to determine whether or not you’ll be chosen to have an interview and acts as a basis for the questions we’ll ask you on the day. It’s vital that you try to capture all the relevant information we have asked for on the form so we can get a good feel for who you are and why you’re great.

Closing date for applications: 26th January 2023

Location: London, UK

Contract type: fixed-term contract, up to one year