Purpose of the position
The Head of Accounting is responsible for the accounting of 20+ Corporate entities and Holding Companies (including country Holdco) leading a team of five people to ensure that financial transactions are recorded accurately and in compliance with accounting standards, the preparation of statutory financial statements in compliance with local GAAP / IFRS, providing financial analysis and advice to senior management, group reporting, tax returns in cooperation with the tax team. The Head of Accounting will contribute to the legal / tax / financial structuring of business development activities. Depending on person specification, be able to assist FP&A for specific projects, and provide initial technical advice on IFRS subjects.
Key activities and competencies
1. Strategic
o Contribute to the legal, tax, and financial structuring of business development activities.
o Provide initial technical advice on IFRS subjects.
2. Operational
o Manage the day-to-day operations of the accounting department, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and treasury.
o Prepare statutory financial statements for group companies and holding entities.
o Ensure VAT and tax returns are filed on time.
o Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual Group reporting.
3. Organisational
o Ensure that financial transactions are recorded accurately and in compliance with accounting standards.
o Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including tax and VAT.
o Ensure that internal controls are in place and operating effectively.
o Contribute actively in the transformation of the Finance through Automation, digitalization, process and control.
o Propose new way of working to improve efficiencies and process
4. Planning & Delivery of Work
o Provide financial analysis and advice to senior management to support decision-making.
o Stay up-to-date with changes in accounting standards and regulations.
o Manage the relationship with external auditors and ensure timely completion of audits.
o Be responsible for the delivery of work to ensure the right level of quality and timeliness.
5. Working with others
o Manage and mentor the accounting team to improve their skills and knowledge.
o Work collaboratively with other departments to achieve company goals and objectives.
Experience
o 10+ years of experience in accounting, with at least 5 years in a managerial role, ideally with Big 4 audit firm background.
o Experience of working in Corporate HQ, Leading Accounting function of a share service centre and experience of accounting of joint venture companies or similar.
o Strong analytical reasoning.
o Strong knowledge of accounting principles, international accounting practices (IFRS) standards, and local tax regulations.
o Excellent communication, leadership, and team management skills.
o Experience managing the accounting function in a complex, fast-paced environment.
o Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
o Strong appetite for continuous improvement.
o Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders.
o Excellent IT and systems skills. Experience with ERP systems (SAP highly preferred). SAP implementation experience is a plus.
o Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
