Finance Controller

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)

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.

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

Key Responsibilities

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

Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process.

Ensure accurate financial statements under:

Colombian statutory accounting (local GAAP and regulatory requirements)

IFRS (group reporting)

Review and approve all key accounting areas:

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

Accruals, provisions, prepaid expenses

Payroll accounting and benefits

Fixed assets and depreciation

Intercompany accounting and reconciliations

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

Colombian Taxation & Statutory Compliance

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

Income tax

IVA (VAT)

ICA

Withholding taxes (retenciones)

Payroll taxes and parafiscales

Own the statutory compliance calendar and ensure zero missed or late filings.

Liaise with external tax advisors and auditors to:

Support audits, tax reviews, and inspections

Assess regulatory changes and implement required actions

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

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:

Payment approvals and segregation of duties

Bank account governance and signatories

Drive working capital optimization:

Improve billing accuracy and AR collections (DSO reduction)

Manage vendor payments and AP scheduling

Oversee intercompany settlements

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

Audit, Internal Controls & Governance

Act as main point of contact for:

External auditors

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.

Business Partnering (Telecom / IT Services)

Partner with Operations and Commercial teams on:

Customer and project profitability

Cost management and margin improvement

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.

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.

Systems & Tools

ERP: SAP (group reporting), Siigo (local/statutory accounting)

Advanced Excel (mandatory); Power BI / automation tools preferred

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:

IFRS and Colombian statutory accounting

Local taxation and compliance

Audit and internal controls

Treasury and cash management

Fluent English (spoken and written) – mandatory.

Experience managing a team of 4–5 finance professionals.

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.

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