Group Financial Controller

Role Summary

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Group Financial Controller to lead the full spectrum of financial management across the Group. This includes financial planning and analysis, statutory reporting, business performance management, working capital optimization, and strategic business partnering with BU leaders across regions. The ideal candidate will provide forward-looking insights, drive financial governance, and play a key role in supporting growth initiatives, M&A, and operational transformation across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Leadership & Strategic Partnering

• Act as the finance business partner to senior management and BU leaders, providing financial insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Drive performance management across the Group - topline, margin, cost control, EBIT, and ROIC.
• Support and challenge Business Units on commercial initiatives, cost structures, A&P spending, pricing strategy, and profitability improvement.

2. Group FP&A and Budgeting

• Lead Group-wide budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning cycles with clear templates, timelines, and governance.
• Consolidate BU submissions and prepare insightful variance analysis, commentaries, and presentations for Group CEO and Board.
• Ensure target and forecast accuracy with clear accountability and performance tracking mechanisms.

3. Performance Review & Analysis

• Analyze monthly BU performance using both financial and operational data (e.g., SAP, Power BI, Lighthouse, CORE, Crystal).
• Prepare and lead monthly Group operations review meetings, highlighting key risks, trends, and opportunities.
• Drive consistency in analytics, dashboards, and reporting across Business Units.

4. Working Capital, Treasury & Control

• Monitor and improve working capital utilization - inventory, receivables, payables across the Group.
• Ensure strong financial controls, adherence to policies, and compliance with statutory and internal audit requirements.
• Partner with Treasury and Finance Shared Services to manage cash flow and optimize capital structure.

5. Strategic Projects & Transformation

• Support strategic projects including M&A due diligence, integrations, restructurings, and joint ventures.
• Lead or support digital finance transformation initiatives (e.g., automation, system upgrades like SAP, Power BI, Exceedra).
• Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives to streamline reporting, forecasting, and decision support.

6. Governance, Internal Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with IFRS/MFRS and local GAAP.
• Drive consistency and best practices in financial processes, reporting standards, and internal controls across the Group.
• Manage internal stakeholder engagement, Group CFO, BU Finance, Internal Audit, and External Auditors.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Finance/Accounting; CPA, ACCA or equivalent professional qualification required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Proven experience in regional or group finance leadership, ideally within a multinational or matrix organization.
• Strong analytical mindset with commercial acumen; capable of influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience in SAP, Power BI, or other ERP/BI tools is highly preferred.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); excellent communication and presentation skills.