Financial Controller

About EM3

EM3 is a leading energy consultancy that provides comprehensive energy management and engineering solutions to major industrial clients. We are dedicated to innovation, technical excellence, and sustainability, helping clients reduce energy consumption, lower carbon footprints, and enhance operational efficiency. Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, with offices in Madrid and Chicago, our team of over 75 professionals specializes in energy auditing, ISO 50001 systems, energy monitoring, analytics, and turnkey decarbonization projects. We serve diverse sectors including manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and data centers. EM3 values integrity, trust, curiosity, inclusivity, and passion.

Position Summary

The Financial Controller will be a key leadership figure in our Finance department, responsible for strategic financial guidance, governance, and operational oversight of EM3's global operations. Reporting to the Director-Ireland, this role ensures financial integrity through effective planning, reporting, compliance, risk management, and business partnering. We seek a commercially astute finance professional to support rapid business expansion, improve financial visibility, drive process enhancements, and provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making. The Controller will collaborate with senior management, operational teams, and international stakeholders to optimize financial performance and maintain strong financial controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily finance operations and ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Establish and maintain a robust financial control framework across all business activities.
• Spearhead continuous improvements in financial processes, systems, and controls.
• Support the CFO in developing financial strategy and long-term business planning.
• Ensure adherence to statutory, regulatory, taxation, and corporate governance standards.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis and performance reporting for senior management and shareholders.
• Monitor key financial metrics, identify trends, and recommend performance improvements.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Coordinate external audits and liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.
• Produce financial reports and presentations for the board.
• Lead the annual budgeting and strategic planning processes.
• Develop rolling forecasts and financial models to aid decision-making.
• Partner with business leaders on cost management and resource allocation.
• Assess business performance against budgets and strategic goals.
• Support investment appraisals, business cases, and capital expenditure evaluations.
• Collaborate with operational, commercial, and project teams to foster financial accountability.
• Provide financial advice and challenge to support profitable growth.
• Assist project managers with profitability, resource utilization, and financial performance reviews.
• Support new business initiatives through financial evaluation and risk assessment.
• Develop and implement financial risk management frameworks.
• Ensure effective internal controls and risk mitigation strategies are in place.
• Monitor contractual and commercial risks affecting financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and corporate policies.
• Support ESG and sustainability reporting as needed.
• Drive optimization of ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and business intelligence platforms.
• Lead finance transformation projects focused on automation and efficiency.
• Create dashboards and reporting solutions for enhanced business visibility.
• Promote data-driven financial management throughout the organization.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Essential: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, or related field.
• Essential: Fully qualified professional accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent).
• Essential: Membership in a recognized professional accounting body.
• Desirable: Master's Degree in Finance, MBA, or related field.
• Desirable: Additional qualifications in Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, or Business Analytics.
• Desirable: Certification in ERP, Business Intelligence, or Process Improvement methodologies.

Experience Requirements

• Essential: Minimum 7-10 years of progressive finance experience, including senior management roles.
• Essential: Proven experience in financial control, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering.
• Essential: Strong understanding of IFRS, statutory reporting, taxation, and financial governance.
• Essential: Experience managing finance teams and developing high-performing finance functions.
• Essential: Demonstrated success in process improvement and implementing financial controls.
• Essential: Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Desirable: Experience in consultancy, engineering, energy, industrial services, technology, or project-based industries.
• Desirable: Experience supporting international or multi-entity organizations.
• Desirable: Exposure to private equity, multinational corporations, or high-growth businesses.
• Desirable: Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytical platforms.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Align financial practices with organizational strategy for sustainable growth.
• Commercial Acumen: Understand business drivers and market dynamics for informed decision-making.
• Financial Analysis & Insight: Translate complex financial data into actionable business insights.
• Business Partnering: Build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders effectively.
• Risk Management & Governance: Exercise sound judgment in identifying and mitigating risks.
• Process Improvement & Innovation: Drive efficiency and leverage technology.
• Leadership & Team Development: Inspire, mentor, and foster high performance within the team.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Clearly convey financial information to diverse audiences.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Apply critical thinking and data analysis to resolve challenges.
• Change Management: Lead organizational change and support business transformation.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy and integrity in all financial activities.
• Planning & Organisation: Effectively manage priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and professional ethics.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic environment.
• Strong curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Passion for sustainability and EM3's environmental mission.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-growing international organization.

Offer Details

• Competitive Salary and Benefits package.
• Company Bonus Structure and Sales Bonus Scheme.
• Paid Time Off.
• Comprehensive Healthcare Plan.
• Company Contribution Retirement Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• Income Protection Scheme.
• Flexible work schedule with remote work options.
• Emphasis on continuous learning and development.
• Health & Well-being programs.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Potential for international travel.
• Support for Professional Body Membership.
• Employee Referral Programme.
• Active Sports and Social events.

Additional Information

Salary Range: €79,545 – 97,221. This role presents a significant opportunity for an ambitious finance leader to contribute to EM3's growth and international expansion while advancing its mission of delivering sustainable energy solutions globally. EM3 is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.