FO Financial Reporting Lead AAP (E4)

Job Summary:

The Finance Operations (FO) Financial Reporting Lead AAP is a pivotal leadership role responsible for managing the financial reporting and accounting operations for a group of 4-6 mid/small-sized entities within AAP, depending on their size and complexity.

The Financial Reporting Lead holds full responsibility for the day-to-day operations and monthly closing procedures of R2R Finance Operations, maintaining overall E2E accountability for IFRS Financial Statements and MB Group Reporting. This includes managing and guiding the Chief Accounting Officers (CAOs) of the respective companies within the cluster, as well as overseeing the R2R accounting teams located in the FO hub in the Philippines (Cebu and Clark) and the respective markets under their purview. Additionally, the Sub-Cluster Lead maintains a close relationship with global operations O2C and P2P to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the acc. sub-ledgers of the entities in charge.

Together with the CAOs, the Sub-Cluster Lead ensures compliance with financial regulations, supports internal and external audits, assesses the fulfillment of the Internal Control System (ICS), and adheres to the Ethics Code, Corporate Policies & Guidelines, and Compliance standards.

Additionally, they engage in the execution of strategic, standardization, and transformation projects, collaborating with Local Process Experts, thereby ensuring the implementation and adherence to group-wide harmonized processes and methods. A strong focus is also placed on maximizing Financial Statement quality by ensuring proper accounting controls through account reconciliations, aging follow-up, KPIs, and monthly accounting reviews.

Moreover, the Sub-Cluster Lead provides strategic financial insights to support business decisions. Together with his CAOs he works together with the respective CFOs to ensure the organization's financial integrity and strategic financial planning.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Financial Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of financial statements for all entities within the cluster - delivering and being accountable for the assigned Entities Financial statements (Local GAAP & IFRS) to be delivered on time and in quality.

• Ensure compliance with international accounting standards and regulations.

• Analyze, study and communicate new accounting rules/methods. Supervise the implementation and fulfillment of accounting rules

• Quality assurance & performance improvement, through KPIs analysis & detailed follow up

• Review and approve monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports

2) Process Harmonization/Improvement:

• Implement (together with global process management R2R) and enforce group-wide harmonized accounting processes and methods.

• Ensure consistency and standardization across all entities within the cluster.

• Monitor adherence to established processes and identify areas for improvement.

3) Leadership and Management:

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to the Chief Accounting Officers (CAOs) of the entities within the cluster and to the FO R2R Teams - review financial performance, address any issues, and ensure the achievement of assigned tasks.

• Coach and support employees in their role, ensuring they have the necessary qualifications and knowledge relevant to their tasks and compliance requirements.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the accounting teams.

4) Internal Controls & Audit:

• Ensure robust internal controls are in place and functioning effectively in accordance to corporate ICS guidelines and guardrails.

• Closely align with the ICS managers of respective legal entities within the cluster and ensure a comprehensive understanding and overview.

• Conduct periodic audits and reviews to assess the effectiveness of internal controls.

• Implement corrections as necessary to address any deficiencies.

• Supports internal and external audit activities (internal controls, substantive procedures) and tracking and implementing mediation measures for the cluster

5) Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policies.

• Identify and mitigate financial risks within the cluster.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and regulatory changes.

6) Further related ad hoc and on top duties as required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent certification preferred

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in accounting and financial management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, standards, and regulations (ICFR standards, Local / IFRS GAAP, taxand legislation etc.)

• Proven experience in process harmonization and implementation in an international environment

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment

• Proficiency in financial software and tools (SAP Finance, Communication Tools, Reporting packages)

• In dept market know-how of an MPC/MOC in the automotive industry

• Languages: Fluent in English, German or any local language of assigned markets is an added value

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking

• Leadership and Team Management

• Analytical Skills and Problem-Solving

• Attention to Detail

• Effective Communication