Commercial Controller

The Commercial Controller is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of commercial financial records, monitoring trade spend, enforcing financial controls, and ensuring compliance with company policies. This role involves close collaboration with sales, marketing, and accounting teams to maintain financial discipline while supporting business decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Commercial Accounting & Financial Control

• Ensure accurate recording of commercial revenues, discounts, rebates, and promotional expenses in line with accounting policies (IFRS/GAAP).
• Validate and monitor commercial agreements, ensuring all financial obligations are correctly accounted for.
• Control customer pricing structures, trade terms, and promotional investments to prevent financial leakage.
• Oversee the commercial function's month-end and year-end closing process, ensuring proper accruals and provisions.

2. Trade Spend & Discount Management

• Ensure accurate recording and monitoring of trade spend, discounts, and promotional expenses.
• Reconcile trade spend accounts and investigate discrepancies to prevent revenue leakage.
• Work with sales and marketing teams to ensure trade spend commitments align with financial approvals and budget constraints.

3. Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and financial policies related to sales, trade spending, and promotional investments.
• Monitor compliance with company policies and financial regulations, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Conduct periodic audits of commercial financial transactions and agreements to ensure compliance.
• Strengthen financial governance through regular reviews and improvements of financial processes.

4. Revenue Recognition & Customer Financial Management

• Ensure proper revenue recognition, following IFRS/GAAP standards.
• Validate customer claims, deductions, and rebates to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
• Work closely with accounts receivable to monitor customer balances, credit limits, and overdue payments.

5. Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Ensure timely and accurate commercial financial reporting, including revenue, trade spending, and profitability.
• Provide monthly reconciliations of commercial accounts, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Support financial audits by providing accurate documentation and explanations for commercial finance-related entries.

6. Process Improvement & System Controls

• Strengthen financial control processes by improving automation and digitalization in commercial finance.
• Ensure ERP (SAP, Oracle, etc.) compliance and alignment with financial reporting requirements.
• Drive efficiencies in financial processes related to sales, trade spending, and customer rebates.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

Experience: a minimum of 10 years in finance, accounting, or commercial controlling, preferably in FMCG or a multinational environment.

Skills:

• Strong financial control and accounting expertise.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent analytical and reconciliation skills.
• Strong understanding of IFRS/GAAP and internal controls.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.