Finance & Controls Sustainability Disclosures - Vice President
London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT
SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term
Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.
Who we are
United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.
Role Summary
We’re looking for a Vice President - Finance & Controls Sustainability Disclosures to join our team.
This role sits within the Finance & Control department and is responsible for co-ordinating the Bank’s sustainability disclosure and related work. The position carries both “run the bank” responsibilities—managing the annual disclosure cycle—and “change the bank” responsibilities—driving the implementation of new sustainability reporting standards (ISSB) in the UK. Additionally, this position will ensure keeping track of changes in sustainability related Accounting and Regulatory standards in the UK.
The successful candidate will support the central coordination of all UK sustainability disclosures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, alignment with Group standards, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. They will also play a key role in building new processes and governance frameworks to embed future sustainability reporting obligations into the Bank’s finance and control framework.
This is a critical role that requires a strong finance control and reporting background, deep knowledge of sustainability disclosure requirements, and the ability to manage stakeholders across functions and geographies.
Business Area
Finance and Control - Strategic Planning Department
Position Description
Run the Bank – Manage & Coordinate Current UK Sustainability Disclosures
- Co-ordinating the annual UK sustainability disclosure process, as required under the UK Companies Act, including coordinating creation of TCFD-aligned content.
- Engage subject matter experts across Strategic Planning, Finance, Risk Management, Operations, Legal and other functions to gather and validate inputs.
- Ensure disclosures are produced to a high standard, subject to rigorous controls, and delivered on time.
- Liaise with Head Office and EU counterparts to ensure disclosure alignment and consistency.
- Manage relationships with internal and external auditors and maintain documentation of reporting methodologies and criteria.
- Conduct regular peer analysis to help the organisation understand the evolving market standards on disclosure.
- Prepare insightful reports for contribution to monthly and quarterly local Board level and sub-committee governance.
Change the Bank – Implement New UK Sustainability Disclosure Standards
- Play a key role in the project team that is planning and implementing new UK sustainability disclosure requirements (ISSB standards).
- Conduct gap analysis versus current processes and develop a roadmap for compliance.
- Design and implement improved data collection, systems, and reporting processes.
- Work with senior management, Group functions, and governance committees to embed new requirements into reporting structures.
- Proactive knowledge sharing of new topics to teams and relevant stakeholders.
Broader Contribution
- Act as a subject matter expert on sustainability disclosures within the Finance & Control Department.
- Monitor industry and regulatory developments, sharing insights with senior management.
- Support the preparation of Board and senior management reporting, ensuring consistent messaging and transparent disclosures.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Strong knowledge of UK Companies Act sustainability disclosure requirements, including TCFD.
- Understanding of ISSB standards and their regulatory adoption in the UK.
- Background in Finance Control, regulatory reporting, or audit/assurance in a bank or large financial institution.
- Experience in supporting cross-functional projects and managing senior stakeholders.
- Proven ability to support the co-ordination of disclosure cycles with strong attention to controls, documentation, and assurance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
- Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Prior experience implementing ESG disclosure (ISSB, CSRD/ESRS etc).
- Knowledge of EU sustainability disclosure frameworks.
- Exposure to climate risk modelling, stress testing, or ESG data tools.
What we offer
For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.
As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Competitive paid leave days
- Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance
- Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
- Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
- Ambitious remuneration package
So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!
We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.