Financial Controller - Europe

Optimas; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Financial Controller - Europe

Reporting To: Finance Director – Europe & APAC

Department: 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

1. 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.
2. Drive improvement in business performance through effective cost and expense review.
3. Develop and maintain accounting systems and processes, with particular emphasis on cost accounting, profitability analysis, and maintenance and reporting of key measurements.
4. Deliver accurate and timely financial reports including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports. Accuracy, speed, and reliability are critical.
5. Ensure that financial controls and operating procedures are in place to comply with both US (for Group) and French (for Local) GAAP.
6. Responsible for accounting and reporting for the Spanish and German non-trading business units.
7. Lead the annual budget process and monitor actual results vs. budgeted results. Perform reforecasts during the year as requested by management.
8. Undertake accurate cash forecasting analysis and present to Finance and Business Leaders.
9. Interface with other finance functions including Tax, Treasury, AR, AP to ensure compliance with group policy and strategy.
10. Coordinate with internal and/or external audit teams and take responsibility for related activities, results and action items.
11. Implement processes for establishing, monitoring, and reporting on performance against Key Performance Indicators, both operational and financial.
12. Work with the corporate accounting group to ensure the accurate and timely production of all financial reports.
13. Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts on a recurring basis, including posting monthly journal entries, completing account reconciliations, providing variance analysis, and investigating discrepancies.
14. Propose and evaluate cost saving/profit enhancing, continuous improvement or system enhancement opportunities.
15. Support ethical business practices throughout the operation.
16. “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

1. Act as a member of the France Management Team and contribute to the overall performance of the business.
2. Adhere, embrace and promote the Optimas THREAD principles.

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

1. Part or fully qualified accountant with a high level of practical accounting/finance experience.
2. French language skills (written and verbal) are essential.
3. A solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
4. Experience with French Local accounting standards preferable.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products including Advanced Excel skills.
6. Experience using NetSuite software or similar ERP packages to maintain accounting records.
7. Experience with financial and operational process improvement methodology.
8. Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organization skills.
9. Attention to detail and time management skills.
10. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including presenting complex business issues to all levels of management.
11. 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.