Solution Architect - Annual Reporting (Cognos Controller etc) at Primark, Reading/Remote, 6 Months initial, £Day Rate

Solution Architect – Annual Reporting (PLC Transformation)

Duration: Initial 6 Months

Location: Reading or Dublin (Hybrid)

Contract Type: Inside IR35 Day Rate

Primark is transitioning from a subsidiary to a full Public Limited Company and we’re looking for an experienced Solution Architect to play a pivotal role in shaping our future‑state financial and non‑financial reporting landscape.

This is a rare opportunity to influence group‑level consolidation, reporting, compliance, and period‑end processes at enterprise scale.

The Opportunity

You’ll lead the architecture for Primark’s new PLC‑grade reporting capabilities, including:

• Designing and governing the adoption of IBM Cognos Controller as the Group consolidation platform
• Integrating with IBM Planning Analytics (PA) and existing Oracle Finance systems
• Shaping the selection and implementation of a financial close governance / task‑tracking solution (e.g., Workiva, Sphera, BlackLine)
• Ensuring all solutions meet PLC‑level audit, control, compliance, and reporting standards

You’ll define the end‑to‑end architecture, produce solution blueprints, govern design decisions, and ensure delivery teams and vendors align to the target state.

What You’ll Do

• Own solution architecture for consolidation, reporting, and period‑end close
• Define current → target → transition architectures
• Govern designs and assure delivery across vendors and integrators
• Ensure audit‑ready, compliant, repeatable period‑end and annual close cycles
• Manage design risks, dependencies, and production readiness
• Work closely with Finance, Audit, Risk, Compliance, Architecture, and SI partners

What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience designing financial consolidation and group reporting solutions
• Hands‑on expertise with IBM Cognos Controller (essential)
• Experience with IBM Planning Analytics (PA) and Oracle Finance data flows
• Deep understanding of multi‑entity consolidation, FX, eliminations, reconciliations, and statutory reporting
• Knowledge of IFRS / UK GAAP, audit requirements, and PLC‑level governance
• Experience with period‑end close tooling (e.g., BlackLine, Workiva, Sphera)
• Strong documentation, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills
• 5+ years as a Solution Architect in large, complex organisations