Financial Controller - Europe

Optimas Solutions; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Financial Controller for its European operations. This pivotal role involves ensuring accurate financial reporting, developing cost accounting systems, and collaborating with management to drive business performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, be proficient in French, and have a solid understanding of GAAP. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to strategic financial decisions and enhance overall business operations within a dynamic environment. Join a forward-thinking company that values ethical practices and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High level of practical accounting and finance experience required.
• French language skills (written and verbal) are essential.
• Experience with financial process improvement methodology.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate accounting records and financial reporting for the French business unit.
• Lead the annual budget process and monitor actual vs. budgeted results.
• Develop and maintain accounting systems with emphasis on cost accounting.

Skills

Accounting Principles

Financial Reporting

Cost Accounting

Analytical Skills

French Language Skills

Microsoft Excel

Problem-Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Part or Fully Qualified Accountant

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title:

Reporting To:

Department

Financial Controller - Europe

Finance Director - Europe & APAC

Finance / Accounting

2. JOB PURPOSE

You are expected to understand, develop, and promote Optimas' overall business objectives and participate with total enthusiasm and commitment to achieve and exceed them. As Financial Controller - Europe, your primary objective is to ensure that accurate accounting records are maintained for the French business unit; providing financial reporting and financial information that will assist the Country Manager and other leaders in making critical economic decisions. You will work collaboratively through finance business partnering to ensure the tight control of all costs by understanding the cost drivers and reporting on them in a timely manner.

3. KEY RESULT AREAS

As a member of the French business' management team, the individual will act as a Finance Business Partner to drive the formulation of business strategies, plans, and budgets, and monitor ongoing performance to ensure that company goals are achieved.

Drive improvement in business performance through effective cost and expense review.

Develop and maintain accounting systems and processes, with particular emphasis on cost accounting, profitability analysis, and maintenance and reporting of key measurements.

Deliver accurate and timely financial reports including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports. Accuracy, speed, and reliability are critical.

Ensure that financial controls and operating procedures are in place to comply with both US (for Group) and French (for Local) GAAP.

Responsible for accounting and reporting for the Spanish and German non-trading business units.

Lead the annual budget process and monitor actual results vs. budgeted results. Perform reforecasts during the year as requested by management.

Undertake accurate cash forecasting analysis and present to Finance and Business Leaders.

Interface with other finance functions including Tax, Treasury, AR, AP to ensure compliance with group policy and strategy.

Coordinate with internal and / or external audit teams and take responsibility for related activities, results and action items.

Implement processes for establishing, monitoring, and reporting on performance against Key Performance Indicators, both operational and financial.

Work with the corporate accounting group to ensure the accurate and timely production of all financial reports.

Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts on a recurring basis, including posting monthly journal entries, completing account reconciliations, providing variance analysis, and investigating discrepancies.

Propose and evaluate cost saving / profit enhancing, continuous improvement or system enhancement opportunities.

Support ethical business practices throughout the operation.

"The post-holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be reasonably expected within the scope and level of the role".

4. ADDITIONAL KEY DUTIES

Act as a member of the France Management Team and contribute to the overall performance of the business

Adhere, embrace and promote the Optimas THREAD principles

5. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

Part or fully qualified accountant with a high level of practical accounting / finance experience

French language skills (written and verbal) are essential

A solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Experience with French Local accounting standards preferable

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products including Advanced Excel skills

Experience using NetSuite software or similar ERP packages to maintain accounting records

Experience with financial and operational process improvement methodology

Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organisation skills

Attention to detail and time management skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including presenting complex business issues to all levels of management

A strong team player

8. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

We confirm that this conveys a full and accurate description of the job as at DATE.

Job Holder's Signature:.................................................................................................................

Manager of Department Signature:............................................................................................

Director of Department Signature:.............................................................................................

Date:...................................

Date:...................................

Date:...................................

Document Owner: Human Resources

Creation Date: March 2025

Please Note: Printed Copies are not subject to version control