At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting and analysis across 16 countries in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join Baker Hughes, a leading energy technology company with a rich history of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of transformative initiatives while building a global finance network.
- Why this job: Accelerate your finance career with unique exposure to international finance and strategic projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and a passion for finance.
The Role
This is an exceptional opportunity for a recently qualified accountant to accelerate their finance career during the integration of Howden and Chart Industries into Baker Hughes, one of the world's leading energy technology companies. Joining during this transformational period will provide exposure to large-scale corporate finance, international reporting, business integration and strategic finance projects that are rarely available so early in a finance career.
As Finance Manager - Europe within our European Regional Finance team, you will play a key role in supporting the financial reporting, planning and control activities across a diverse European business spanning 16 countries and around 40 business units.
Working directly with an experienced regional finance leadership team, you will develop expertise in financial reporting, consolidation, forecasting, business partnering and financial controls, while collaborating with finance professionals across Europe and global corporate finance teams.
You'll also gain exposure to senior regional leaders and contribute to reporting and analysis that supports decision-making at both regional and global levels.
This role is ideal for someone who is ambitious, curious, and eager to broaden their experience beyond traditional financial reporting into the wider world of international finance and business performance management.
About Us
Howden and Chart Industries are now part of Baker Hughes, a leading energy technology company serving customers across the energy and industrial sectors worldwide.
For more than 165 years, Howden has been at the forefront of engineering innovation, providing mission-critical air and gas handling solutions to industries around the world. Combined with Chart's leadership in process technologies and cryogenic equipment, we are helping customers tackle some of the world's most complex energy and industrial challenges.
Our European Regional Finance team provides financial leadership, reporting, analysis and governance across our extensive European operations. We work closely with business unit finance teams, senior regional leadership and global finance functions to provide accurate financial insight, support strategic decision making and ensure strong financial controls across the region.
As we integrate Chart, Howden and Baker Hughes, our finance teams are at the heart of shaping future processes, reporting structures and ways of working across a global organisation. This creates a unique opportunity to contribute to transformation initiatives while building broad international finance experience.
What You'll Gain
Few opportunities for recently qualified accountants offer exposure to reporting, consolidation, forecasting, business partnering, governance and finance transformation at this scale. In this role, you'll work closely with experienced finance leaders and gain hands-on experience across:
- Group and statutory reporting within a global organisation
- Regional and entity-level consolidation accounting
- Financial planning, forecasting and budgeting processes
- Cash, working capital and business performance management
- International finance operations across multiple countries and business units
- Financial systems, reporting tools and data analytics
- Power BI and technology-enabled decision making
- SOX, governance and internal control frameworks
- Internal and external audit engagement
- Senior leadership reporting and stakeholder management
- Cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Operations, Procurement and Project Management teams
- Finance transformation and integration activities associated with the Baker Hughes acquisition
What You Will Do
You will support the Regional Financial Controller and work closely with finance teams throughout Europe to ensure accurate reporting, strong governance and meaningful business insight.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support the monthly financial reporting cycle across the European region.
- Coordinate weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reporting deliverables, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Prepare and analyse regional consolidated financial information and management reports.
- Partner with business unit finance teams to understand performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Provide financial analysis and insight into key strategic and operational areas.
- Support the annual operating plan (AOP) and quarterly forecasting processes.
- Assist with compliance, governance and internal control activities, including SOX requirements.
- Collaborate with global finance functions including Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit and Corporate Finance.
- Play an active role in supporting finance integration and transformation initiatives associated with the Baker Hughes acquisition.
- Contribute to finance improvement projects covering areas such as working capital management, capital expenditure, acquisition accounting & revenue recognition.
What Do You Bring?
We're looking for a motivated finance professional who is eager to learn, develop and build a long-term career within a global finance organisation. An ideal candidate would likely have the following profile:
- Qualified accountant (ICAS, ACCA or ACA) with up to two years post-qualified experience.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and a solid understanding of financial reporting principles.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong financial modelling capabilities.
- Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Understanding of the importance of financial controls and operating within a controlled environment.
- Interest in leveraging technology and data to improve finance processes.
- Experience using tools such as Power BI or reporting systems would be advantageous.
- Exposure to group reporting or consolidation systems would be beneficial but is not essential.
- Fluent English communication skills, additional European languages are welcomed but not required.
Our Benefits
- A flexible, hybrid working environment
- Generous holiday entitlement package totalling 33 days annual leave
- Howden Pension Plan with a maximum employer contribution of 7%
- Company electric vehicle scheme through salary sacrifice
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental and adoption leave pay
- Free onsite parking
- Healthcare cash plan
- Group Life Assurance plan at 3x salary
- Group Income Protection plan
- Access to My Howden Benefits & Wellbeing Portal - Cycle2Work programme, range of discounts across various retailers, employee assistance programme, wealth of information to support health & wellbeing
- Dedicated Spark Service - free counselling, physiotherapy, financial support, medical second opinion, remote GP, personal training, nutrition consultations etc
- Financial planning & mortgage support
- Opportunity to be involved in our ESG ‘Bright Future’ initiatives - STEM ambassador & volunteering
Finance Manager - Europe in Renfrew employer: Chart-Industries
Baker Hughes offers an exceptional work environment for finance professionals, particularly in the role of Finance Manager - Europe, where you will gain invaluable experience during a transformative integration period. With a strong focus on employee growth, a flexible hybrid working model, and a generous benefits package including 33 days of annual leave and comprehensive health support, Baker Hughes fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced leaders in a global finance organisation, contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of energy technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Europe in Renfrew
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Chart-Industries. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Europe in Renfrew
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Chart-Industries.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Chart-Industries's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chart-Industries
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Chart-Industries.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Chart-Industries will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Chart-Industries employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
