Head of Financial Accounting, Reporting & Taxation (Ref: 196871)

Our client is a leading international private-label manufacturing business operating across multiple European markets, supplying products to major retailers and brand partners. The business is backed by leading private equity investors and is currently undergoing significant transformation, including ERP consolidation, reporting modernisation and finance function development.

The Benelux and France region is entering its next phase of growth and requires a senior finance leader to build a best-in-class accounting, reporting and control environment.

This is not a maintenance role.

This is a build-and-transform opportunity for an experienced finance leader who can establish governance, improve processes, develop people and create a scalable accounting function capable of supporting future growth.

The successful candidate will inherit a technically capable team but will be expected to introduce structure, accountability and leadership while preparing the function for a major ERP transformation.

The Role

The Head of Financial Accounting, Reporting & Taxation will have full ownership of:

• Financial accounting and reporting across multiple legal entities

• Statutory reporting and compliance

• Tax governance and external audit management

• Treasury and cash flow oversight

• Team leadership and development

• Finance process improvement and transformation

• ERP migration and finance systems sponsorship

The role requires an individual who can operate both strategically and operationally, balancing technical accounting expertise with leadership and organisational capability.

Financial Close & Governance

• Design and implement a structured month-end close calendar with clear ownership and accountability.

• Own the close sign-off process across all entities.

• Introduce governance forums, reporting routines and close management disciplines.

• Ensure all month-end deliverables are visible, measured and delivered to agreed deadlines.

Financial Reporting

• Own end-to-end statutory reporting across multiple entities.

• Prepare and review monthly management reporting and EBITDA reporting packs.

• Deliver month-on-month variance analysis and commentary.

• Oversee consolidation and group reporting submissions.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Own weekly cash flow forecasting and reporting.

• Manage treasury activities and banking relationships.

• Oversee intercompany cash forecasting and payments.

Exceptions & Balance Sheet Management

• Implement and own an exceptions management framework.

• Drive resolution of aged items, intercompany mismatches and balance sheet issues.

• Establish robust accrual management and reporting disciplines.

Statutory Reporting, Tax & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local GAAP and IFRS reporting requirements.

• Oversee VAT compliance across multiple European jurisdictions.

• Coordinate corporate tax activities with external advisors.

• Manage transfer pricing compliance and governance.

• Own all statutory reporting obligations and external reporting requirements.

Audit Management

• Act as the primary contact for external auditors.

• Establish audit governance and year-round audit readiness.

• Coordinate all audit activities and deliverables.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing accounting team.

• Introduce structured performance management and regular one-to-ones.

• Build accountability and clear ownership across the function.

• Improve collaboration with shared service centres and wider finance teams.

Transformation & Process Improvement

• Lead accounting process redesign and optimisation.

• Sponsor finance requirements for ERP transformation programmes.

• Act as Finance Lead for system implementations, testing and process mapping.

• Drive continuous improvement and eliminate process duplication and inefficiencies.

• Build structured cross-functional relationships across Sales, Operations, HR and IT.

Leadership – Essential

This role requires a proven finance leader who has:

• Built or transformed accounting functions.

• Managed and developed accounting teams.

• Implemented governance, controls and reporting structures.

• Created accountability and performance management frameworks.

• Led teams through change and transformation.

Technical Accounting – Essential

Strong experience in:

• Multi-entity accounting and statutory reporting.

• IFRS and local GAAP reporting.

• VAT and indirect tax compliance.

• Corporate tax coordination.

• Transfer pricing.

• Consolidation and group reporting.

• Month-end close governance.

• Management and EBITDA reporting.

Transformation & Systems – Essential

Demonstrable experience with:

• ERP implementations or migrations.

• Finance process redesign.

• Finance systems sponsorship and user acceptance testing.

• Multi-system environments and reporting platforms.

• Data and reporting transformation programmes.

Industry Background – Preferred

Experience within:

• FMCG

• Manufacturing

• Consumer Goods

• Food & Beverage

• Private equity-backed businesses

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration.

• Professional qualification preferred (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent).

Languages

• English – Essential

• Dutch – Essential

• French – Desirable

Car allowance OR Car

Pension Contribution

Bonus

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 6–12 months the successful individual will:

• Implement a structured month-end close process.

• Establish governance and reporting disciplines.

• Improve cash flow forecasting and balance sheet control.

• Build a high-performing and accountable team.

• Improve relationships with shared service centres and stakeholders.

• Deliver meaningful process improvements.

• Prepare the finance function for a major ERP transformation.

This Role Is Ideal For Someone Who:

• Enjoys building and improving functions.

• Thrives in fast-paced, changing environments.

• Combines strong technical accounting knowledge with leadership capability.

• Has successfully transformed finance processes and teams.

• Is comfortable operating within a private equity-backed environment.

• Wants to play a significant role in the growth and modernisation of an international business.

Typical Backgrounds

• Head of Accounting

• Regional Financial Controller

• Head of Financial Control

• Chief Accountant

• Accounting & Reporting Manager

• Group Accounting Manager

• Senior Finance Manager – Controllership