Lead Finance Specialist – Accounting Operations

Job Description SummaryThis role is responsible for statutory financial filings including statutory audits with internal and external partners and oversee transactional taxes’ filings and assure local compliance for the entities in scope. Responsible for driving technical accounting compliance, financial and operational internal controls, process simplification, and operational excellence to deliver accurate actual financial reporting and analysis. Impacts quality of own work and the work of others on the team. Focused on execution of standard enabling activities/provision of advice subject to policy and work routines within an enabling discipline.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and timely submission of statutory financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with local regulations and corporate policies.
• Own and manage the full statutory audit lifecycle, from planning and coordination to resolution of audit findings, acting as the primary liaison for external auditors.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Regional business line, Tax, Legal, Treasury, Operations etc.) to collect, validate, and reconcile financial data and ensure completeness of disclosures.
• Maintain strong relationships and manage engagements with external auditors to ensure timely and efficient audits.
• Ensure adherence to and reporting of key statutory and tax KPIs, and contribute to the continuous strengthening of internal controls.
• Support and lead Lean and process improvement initiatives to enhance statutory reporting processes, controls, and efficiency.
• Act as country / entity Controller, with a sound understanding of business drivers, and proactively identify and report financial risks to the Region Controller.
• Oversee STAT to GAAP adjustments in Statutory HFM and ensure correct postings in SAP dual ledger (L1).
• Lead deep-dive analysis and drive reduction of legal entity-level Stat-to-GAAP (S2G) reconciling items, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and simplification goals.
• Coordinate and provide timely, accurate data to tax teams to facilitate tax calculations, compliance, and filings.

Required Qualifications

• Certificated Public Accountant / Commerce  post qualification from an accredited college or university
• Overall 7+ years working experience in financial reporting and audits
• SAP, FDL, HFM  experience preferred

Desired Characteristics

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles (IFRS/GAAP/local accounting standards and legal requirements).
• Familiarity with SAP, HFM, or other financial reporting tools is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to work with large datasets.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset and a proactive attitude towards problem-solving.
• Ability to manage time effectively and handle multiple priorities.

Additional Information