Accounting Controller

AkzoNobel; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading paints and coatings provider is seeking an experienced Accounting Controller in the UK to oversee financial operations and reporting. The successful candidate will manage accounting teams, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and implement process improvements. A Master's degree in finance/accounting and over 10 years of experience is required. A hybrid work model along with competitive bonuses and health care benefits are offered, promoting an inclusive workplace for diverse talents.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Health care including dental

Learning opportunities

Team building events

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in accounting and financial reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of financial accounting and tax processes.
• Very good English and preferable Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial reporting and prepare financial statements.
• Manage accounting operations and ensure compliance.
• Lead the accounting team and support performance management.

Skills

Accounting and financial reporting

Proactive communication

Multitasking

Cultural adaptability

Education

Master’s degree in finance or accounting

Tools

ERP / SAP / HFM

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.