Accounting Controller

AkzoNobel; Long Eaton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global paints and coatings company is seeking an experienced Accounting Controller to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, a Master’s degree in finance or accounting, and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include managing the accounting team, overseeing financial reporting, and liaising with auditors. This role offers a hybrid work model in a vibrant atmosphere, along with various employee benefits such as bonuses and well-being workshops.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Additional operational bonus

Referral program

Health care including dental

Access to LinkedIn learning

Well-being workshops

Mentoring program

Team building events

CSR Initiatives

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in accounting and financial reporting.
• Capable of analyzing complex processes and issues.
• Very good English; Spanish is a big advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accurate and timely preparation of statements.
• Manage accounting operations and supervise month-end/year-end closing.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and company policies.
• Lead, develop, and provide training to the accounting team.
• Coordinate with external auditors and support internal audits.
• Identify opportunities to optimize accounting systems and workflows.

Skills

Experience in accounting and financial reporting

Good communication skills

Adaptability

In-depth knowledge of financial accounting processes

Hands-on and proactive approach

Education

Master’s degree in finance or accounting

Tools

ERP systems

SAP

HFM

Merlin

Job description

About AkzoNobel

Since , we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

© Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

About the role

Accounting Controller is the finance leader who oversees all financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, compliance with regulations, and effective internal controls. Manages accounting teams, streamline processes, and provide strategic insights to support business decision‑making.

To drive connecting all relevant stakeholders (Commercial and ISC navigators, FP&A, RAC, auditors and beyond) to meet operational goals for retained accounting teams, finance, and AkzoNobel as a whole.

In the scope of this position will be entities in Spain and Portugal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial reporting – Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in compliance with accounting standards.
• Manage accounting operations – Supervise general ledger, and month‑end / year‑end closing processes.
• Ensure compliance – Maintain adherence to tax regulations, financial laws, and company policies.
• Lead and develop the accounting team – Provide guidance, training, and performance management.
• Audit coordination – Liaise with external auditors and support internal audits.
• Process improvement – Identify opportunities to optimize accounting systems and financial workflows.

Business partnering for all relevant accounting activities to relevant stakeholders.

Specific country responsibilities.

Key requirements

• 10+ years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, and capable of analysing complex processes and issues.
• Master’s degree in finance or accounting.
• In depth knowledge in financial accounting (R2R / I2P / I2C / Tax processes, IFRS, Local GAAP).
• Hands on, proactive, able to work in a fast‑paced matrix organization, multitasking, strong requirement to connect with people of various cultures and backgrounds.
• Good communication skills .
• Adaptability.
• Experience with ERP / SAP / HFM and merlin (or willing to learn).
• Very good English.
• Very good Spanish will be a big advantage.

What we offer

• Annual bonus.
• Additional operational bonus.
• Referral program.
• LuxMed health care including dental, multisport membership, additional insurance.
• Learning cafeteria and access to LinkedIn learning.
• Well‑being workshops.
• Mentoring program (YAM).
• Team building events.
• CSR Initiatives.
• Hybrid model of work in a great, vibrant atmosphere in our modern office.

LI-MS2 #LI-Hybrid

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.