My client is a scaling US distribution company with ambitious growth plans for Europe. They are partnered exclusively with me to appoint their Regional Controller - Europe.
Job Summary: The Regional Controller oversees the accounting and finance functions Europe, which includes operations in Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and mainland Europe (currently Sweden). This role leads the regional accounting function, financial reporting, monthly forecasting, annual budgeting, and ad-hoc management reporting/analysis as required by local and corporate stakeholders. The Regional Controller ensures compliance with local regulations, tax requirements, and audit processes in partnership with external accounting advisors. Additionally, this role ensures robust internal controls and effective budget management across all these entities.
Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Oversee Accounting Activities: Manage the business's monthly accounting activities (journal entries, accounting reconciliations, invoice entry, tax/VAT entries), excluding certain centrally handled corporate functions (cash applications, cash collections and cash payments). Ensure the timely and accurate production of financial statements, leveraging team resources to ensure effective review and oversite.
2. Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysist to support corporate finance while understanding actual results and performance drivers.
3. Ad-hoc Requests: Respond toad-hoc requests from finance to assist in the valuation of financial performance and costs to support business decisions.
4. Reporting Structure: Reporting directly to the Corporate Controller in the US and collaborate with the Director of FP&A, Senior Treasurer and Tax Director on items ranging from budgeting, forecasting, cash flow forecasts. and tax provisions/compliance.
·Local Leadership Collaboration: Partner with the local leadership team to support financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and performance evaluation. Assist with general office management from an administrative standpoint. This is a highly collaborative, hybrid/3-2 role that works closely with leadership to drive key initiatives and maintain alignment across the local team.
·Compliance and Pronouncements: Remain current on local accounting pronouncements and review unusual transactions for proper account and disclosure.
5. Statutory Reporting: Oversees certain statutory financial reporting requirements and government compliance reporting including VAT.
6. Annual Plan/Budget Support: Support the preparation and achievement of the annual plan/budget, understanding and communicating important variance drivers.
7. Systems and Controls: Establish and maintain systems and controls to verify the integrity of all systems, processes, and data.
8. Valuation Reserves Review: Review and assess valuation reserves (e.g. accounts receivable, inventory), environmental reserves, restructuring reserves, incentives compensation, workers' compensation, and self-insurance reserves.
9. Business Partnership: Act as an effective business partner, providing assistance and guidance on financial related issues by preparing accurate and timely financial reporting.
10. Continuous Improvement: Maintain a continuous improvement mindset, seeking opportunities to improve processes and drive efficiency.
11. Adaptability and Change Management: Embrace and support change in systems, processes, and organizational direction. Foster a positive work culture and actively contribute to a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Required Skills/Abilities:
12. Strong internal customer orientation and customer centricity.
13. Demonstrated continuous improvement focus.
14. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
15. Flexibility to handle changing requirements and multiple projects.
16. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
17. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
18. Effective communication skills with team, peers, and leadership team.
19. Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
20. Ability to function well in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
21. Ability to adapt to changing environments, systems, and processes in a positive and productive manner. Ability to be a positive change agent and promote a positive work culture.
22. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
23. Proficient with SAP
Education and Experience:
24. Bachelor's degree in finance or related field
25. Qualification - ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CPA
26. 10+ years' experience in finance management, financial systems, financial reporting, financial principles, financial analysis, accounting, budget management, strategic planning, and managing direct reports.
27. This will initially be a stand alone role which will build out a team over time.
Please contact Deborah Crilly to discuss confidentially in more detail.