Senior Financial Controller - Benelux Region

We are a global manufacturing concern seeking an experienced Senior Financial Controller to lead our finance team in the Benelux region. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Dutch and English, possess a CPA or equivalent designation, and have extensive experience in Belgian local accounting and tax regulations. Additionally, the candidate should have a proven track record of managerial experience in a similar role and a strong aptitude for digital tools and technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Governance:

• Oversee and ensure compliance with US GAAP and local financial regulations (Belgian/Dutch GAAP) and company policies.
• Manage and mitigate financial risks and maintain strong internal controls per the global group policies and procedures within the COSO framework.

Financial Reporting:

• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of global (US GAAP) and local (local GAAP) financial reporting in the record-to-report cycle.
• Responsible for accurate balance sheet reconciliations, supporting registers and schedules, VAT and Intrastat returns, supplementary information for periodical reporting and other ad hoc information timeously.
• Work with local consultants to prepare and review statutory financial statements for our Belgian and Dutch entities.
• Facilitate and manage internal, external, tax and statutory audit engagements and ensure that deliverables are produced accurately and on time.
• Communicate financial performance and key insights to the European Controller and corporate stakeholders, including formal and informal business reporting as required.

Compliance and Taxation:

• Collaborate with external tax advisors and auditors to ensure compliance with all tax requirements, including VAT, corporate income tax, and other local taxes in Belgium and the Netherlands.
• Stay abreast of changes in local accounting and tax regulations, proactively advising management on potential impacts to the business.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and manage the regional team, providing guidance, coaching, and support to meet departmental and company objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations in line with global controllership objectives and key results, and promote professional development within the team.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Build strong relationships with local operational teams, department heads, and other key stakeholders.
• Routinely travel to the region to meet with and support management, consultants, auditors and other stakeholders.

Software and Systems:

• Leverage digital tools and technologies to streamline financial processes and enhance decision-making capabilities.

Regional Liaison:

• Be the remote financial manager of the regional entities and support in all matters that require finance representation and input.
• Be flexible to sufficiently support the local teams with financial and other requests and ad hoc project requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• CPA or equivalent professional designation.
• Fluent in Dutch and English, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fundamental understanding of accounting principles, concepts, practices, and the double-entry method.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Belgian local accounting and tax, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• At least 5 years of managerial experience in a similar financial controller role.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic insights in a clear and precise manner, adjusted for the audience.
• Proficient in digital tools and technologies, willing to learn and adapt to new systems.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and integrity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Experience with Dutch local accounting and tax regulations, including VAT, corporate income, and payroll tax.
• At least 10 years of post-qualification experience in financial management and accounting roles.
• Familiarity with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and multinational financial reporting.
• Background in a multinational environment, with experience managing financial operations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Big 4 accounting firm trained, with a solid foundation in audit, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced technology user proficient in ERP systems and supporting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, BlackLine), financial planning software, and data analytics tools.

Location: Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

Reports to: European Controller

Hybrid Working: 3 days in the office, 2 days from home

Travel required: 20 - 30%

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Location: Hemel Hempstead, GB

Posted Date: 10/7/2024