Financial Controller - Europe

As Financial Controller – Europe, 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. Key Result Areas: * As a member of the French business’ management team, the individual will 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 particular 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 that financial controls and operating procedures are in place to 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. Knowledge, Training, Experience & Skills required: * Part or 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 organisation 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 Optimas is a global distributor of integrated supply chain solutions, and engineering support focused on delivering fasteners, components, industrial and safety supplies to our diverse customers around the world. Our local, on-the-ground teams understand the nuances of every community we serve. This allows us to adapt with our customers and partners as needs evolve, leveraging our footprint to remain at your side while providing a highly personalised level of service and support no matter where you find yourself around the globe