PLP is an international business with active studios in London Tokyo, and Singapore.  The business. is currently designing projects across three continents and has buildings under construction in Japan, Korea, Singapore, UK, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and India.

Bringing together people, planet, and technology, PLP Architecture drives innovation in architecture and urban design from our London hub, extending our impact through studios in Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Singapore. Our experience in design, research, and strategy is underpinned by our commitment to creating meaningful change in our cities and supported by our in-house research collaborative PLP Labs.

Our strength lies in our diversity. This diversity not only fosters creativity but reflects in our portfolio, which spans over 650 projects in 37 countries. Notable work includes the Korean Government’s first net-zero building the National Meteorological Centre, Singapore’s biophilic luxury residential tower, Park Nova, the world’s most sustainable building when constructed, The Edge in Amsterdam and the tallest tower in the City of London, 22 Bishopsgate.

Role:

We are seeking a Financial Controller who manage our finance department and help our business through its next stage of growth and global expansion.  This is a senior level position reporting directly to the firms Chief Operating Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the finance department (currently a team of three), providing direction, oversight, and professional development.
• Oversee all financial operations of the business, including billing, accounts payable and receivable, credit control, payroll coordination, general ledger maintenance, project-based revenue recognition, and month-end close procedures.
• Prepare and present consolidated monthly management accounts, including KPIs, variance analysis, and financial forecasts to senior management
• Manage treasury activities, including cash flow and foreign exchange risk management.
• Conduct detailed cash flow analysis to ensure liquidity and support strategic planning.
• Provide financial analysis and information to support strategic decision-making by senior management.
• Manage and analyse Work in Progress (WIP) in line with industry-specific revenue recognition criteria.
• Oversee financial operations of overseas subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with local regulations and group reporting requirements.
• Manage banking relationships and negotiate financial facilities where required.
• Act as the main finance contact for tax, audit, and payroll, overseeing coordination with external advisors and service providers.
• Prepare and submit UK VAT returns in compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Coordinate international tax planning strategies in collaboration with external consultants to minimise tax exposure.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Adherence to strict monthly reporting and statutory deadlines,
• Team leadership and development.

Skills & Experience:
Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or international equivalent).
• Proven senior-level experience (5 years plus) in a similar role with financial reporting, ideally in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience of presenting financial information at board level and liaison with external professionals in particular auditors
• A solid technical accounting background with a strong attention to detail, particularly in all aspects of financial and management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, project financial management and audit experience combined with an analytical approach to problem solving.
• Treasury experience is important including cash management and some knowledge of currency exchange and hedging arrangements
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to lead projects
• Hard working – will do what it takes to get the job done to tight deadlines
• Strong IT skills including decent knowledge of accounting systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Hands-on approach, happy to roll sleeves up and get stuck in on any task
• Proactive approach and an ability to make continuous improvements to what they do
• Experience gained in creative or professional service industries would be advantageous.

Attitude & Culture Fit

• • Identify opportunities to automate manual finance processes using AI and predictive technologies, improving speed and control
  • Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team.
  • The personality fit is vital particularly within the small finance team. Strong interpersonal skills, diplomatic, assertive, friendly, committed with a robust personality able to challenge in the right way with the ability to think on their feet
  • A team player with ability to build relationships and influence cross functionally including the senior management team whilst gaining the trust and respect of the architectural staff managing projects
  • Ability to cope with change with a flexible and adaptable approach.

About the company:

• Be part of an internationally respected studio that represents 37 nationalities and speaks 45 languages
• Great studio environment with a very friendly atmosphere to work in
• Large, international, established practice of 100+ team members
• Modern office space
• Excellent transport links in the heart of London.
• Excellent benefits package including Private Healthcare, Healthcare Cash Plan & Pension Scheme.

Please send a covering letter, CV and samples of your work (maximum 10MB) to careers@plparchitecture.com and include ‘Financial Controller’  in the subject line.

All Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

This is a full-time permanent position with benefits, based in our London office. All candidates should be eligible to work in the UK.

PLP is an equal opportunity employer.