Finance Controller

Job Description

Finance Controller – Colombia (IT Services | Telecom Sector)

Location: Bogota - Colombia

Scheme: Hybrid (3 days on-site)

Reporting To: LATAM Finance Head / Regional Controller - (Dotted line to Country Manager)

Team Size: Manages 4–5 finance professionals (Accounting, AP/AR, Payroll/Tax coordination)

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Role Context

We are a Colombia-based IT services company serving the Telecom sector, with annual revenues of approximately US$6–8 million. The Finance Controller is the senior-most finance leader in-country, accountable for financial integrity, compliance, cash stewardship, IFRS and local statutory reporting, and for building a high-performing finance team capable of supporting a growing services organization.

The role requires fluent English, as the incumbent will regularly interact with regional and global finance leadership, auditors, and corporate stakeholders.

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Role Purpose

The Finance Controller will lead end-to-end financial operations for the Colombian entity, ensuring:

• Accurate and timely IFRS and Colombian statutory reporting
• Full compliance with local tax, legal, and regulatory requirements
• Strong internal controls and audit readiness
• Effective treasury, cash flow, and working capital management
• Clear financial insights to support telecom/IT services delivery and profitability

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Key Responsibilities

1\. Financial Accounting, Close & Reporting (IFRS + Local GAAP)

• Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process.
• Ensure accurate financial statements under:

o Colombian statutory accounting (local GAAP and regulatory requirements)

o IFRS (group reporting)

• Review and approve all key accounting areas:

o Revenue recognition (T&M, milestone-based, managed services)

o Accruals, provisions, prepaid expenses

o Payroll accounting and benefits

o Fixed assets and depreciation

o Intercompany accounting and reconciliations

• Deliver monthly management reporting with clear variance analysis and commentary in English.

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2\. Colombian Taxation & Statutory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all Colombian tax and regulatory obligations, including:

o Income tax

o IVA (VAT)

o ICA

o Withholding taxes (retenciones)

o Payroll taxes and parafiscales

• Own the statutory compliance calendar and ensure zero missed or late filings.
• Liaise with external tax advisors and auditors to:

o Support audits, tax reviews, and inspections

o Assess regulatory changes and implement required actions

• Ensure statutory financial statements are prepared, approved, and filed on time.

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3\. Treasury, Cash Flow & Fund Management

• Lead weekly and monthly cash flow forecasting for a US$6–8M revenue entity.
• Manage liquidity, ensuring sufficient funds for operations, payroll, tax payments, and vendors.
• Enforce strong treasury controls:

o Payment approvals and segregation of duties

o Bank account governance and signatories

• Drive working capital optimization:

o Improve billing accuracy and AR collections (DSO reduction)

o Manage vendor payments and AP scheduling

o Oversee intercompany settlements

• Manage banking relationships, KYC documentation, and any guarantees or facilities.

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4\. Audit, Internal Controls & Governance

• Act as main point of contact for:

o External auditors

o Internal audit / corporate controllership

• Maintain continuous audit readiness with strong documentation and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and SOX-type controls (where applicable).
• Identify control gaps and lead remediation plans (CAPA).
• Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs, process notes, and finance control frameworks.

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5\. Business Partnering (Telecom / IT Services)

• Partner with Operations and Commercial teams on:

o Customer and project profitability

o Cost management and margin improvement

o Financial review of contracts (billing milestones, SLAs, penalties)

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and re-forecasting in coordination with regional finance.
• Provide insights on revenue trends, cost drivers, utilization, and operational risks.

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6\. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a finance team of 4–5 members.
• Allocate responsibilities across accounting, AP/AR, payroll, and compliance.
• Set performance objectives, conduct reviews, and build bench strength.
• Coordinate effectively with shared services / BPO teams where applicable.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership, compliance, and continuous improvement.

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Systems & Tools

• ERP: SAP (group reporting), Siigo (local/statutory accounting)
• Advanced Excel (mandatory); Power BI / automation tools preferred

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• Contador Público certification.
• 8–12 years of progressive finance experience in Colombia.
• Proven experience as Finance Controller / Senior Accounting Manager in a services environment.
• Strong hands-on expertise in:

o IFRS and Colombian statutory accounting

o Local taxation and compliance

o Audit and internal controls

o Treasury and cash management

• Fluent English (spoken and written) – mandatory.
• Experience managing a team of 4–5 finance professionals.

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Key Competencies

• Strong ownership and accountability mindset.
• Excellent leadership and people-management skills.
• High attention to detail with audit-quality standards.
• Strong communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Business-oriented, pragmatic, and solution-focused.