Finance Manager (France/Belgium/Netherlands Region)

Leading Central London based Consultancy is looking for a qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) and experienced Finance Manager - ideally with fluent French language skills - to join its Finance team.

Reporting to the EMEA Head of Reporting (in a EMEA finance team of circa 45), the successful candidate will manage a region including 3-4 finance staff and carry out the accounting for 2 -3 of our international business units (France and Belgium, and possibly Netherlands), ensuring timely and accurate reporting of results in line with local GAAP for statutory reporting and US GAAP for group reporting. Fluent French would therefore be a big advantage, but is not essential.

The role is a hands on role including:

• Responsible for the accounting function including financial reporting, quarterly reporting and month end close process for 2- 3 EMEA entities (France and Belgium, and possibly Netherlands), which includes tasks such as:
  • Preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements
  • Manage 3 - 4 Country Accountants within the reporting region.
  • Ensures the accurate and timely closing and reporting of financial results for the region in compliance with statutory requirements (including US GAAP reconciliation)
  • Liaison with internal and external audit including preparation of "prepared by client" schedules, and implements recommended procedural improvements
  • Preparation of monthly variance analyses and commentaries, liaising with our FP&A department to confirm these are in line with their forecasts
  • Ensures adherence to internal controls (including Sarbanes-Oxley requirements)
  • Ensures compliance with global accounting policies and procedures, and that adequate systems and procedures are in place to provide control, safeguarding of assets and the efficient execution of financial activities
  • Involvement in the finalisation of statutory accounts
  • Preparation & posting of journal entries into SAP
  • Preparation of balance sheet reconciliations
  • Preparation of accruals and prepayments
  • Preparation of month end binders
  • Posting of invoices
  • Preparing payments
  • Liaising with local tax and accounts advisors
  • Communicates with other areas of the organisation to achieve the finance department's objectives within the context of the broader business
  • Ad hoc projects

Requirements:

• Fluent French language skills highly desirable, but not essential
• Experienced qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Experience of managing staff
• Strong academic background
• Team player who thrives in a multi-tasking, deadline driven environment
• SAP experience would be an advantage but not essential
• Self-starter and analytical mind
• Professional and confident manner
• Good communicator with stakeholders at all levels in the organisation
• Committed, bright, numerate and enthusiastic
• US GAAP would be helpful, but not essential
• Experience of reporting and working with auditors (internal and external)
• Has to feel comfortable in a matrix structure
• International experience would be useful