European Finance Manager

Hays PLC; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job description

European Finance Manager - French speaking - Gloucester

Hays Senior Finance are supporting a global manufacturer/distributor and service provider of fastening and supply chain solutions for manufacturers seeking to improve their efficiency and profitability. Formed in 2015 and headquartered in the US with multiple sites across the UK. You would be based out of their Gloucestershire site on a hybrid basis.

The role..

As European Finance Manager, 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. You are expected to understand, develop, and promote my clients' overall business objectives.

Key responsibilities

• As a member of the French business' management team, 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 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 financial controls and operating procedures 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.

Experience and skills needed

• 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 organization 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

What you'll get in return

In return you will receive a competitive package, flexible working arrangement and be working for a progressive and forward-thinking business.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.