Legal Entity Controller

The Legal Entity Controller role primarily oversees the legal entity (LE) financial reporting process, ensuring the integrity and precision of the LE financial statements, tax filings, reporting packages, and other relevant reports. Responsibilities will include streamlining month, quarter, and year-end closings within established timelines, handling high importance/complex items during entity closings, and managing local audits. The position requires interaction with Business Unit (BU) Finance, providing crucial financial data and analysis. Additionally, it includes the recruitment and development of a high-performing accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Gain a thorough understanding of each legal entity’s jurisdiction to grasp the financial accounting and reporting procedures, bearing in mind the complexities and effect of local laws on the overall company’s financial protocols.
• Spearhead the timely assembly, submission, and sign off of financial statements, which includes the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, alongside local tax requirements, internal reporting packages, and other mandatory reports in alignment with established accounting standards.
• Review and approve complex journal entries prepared by accounting teams.
• Lead the close process, which includes month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounts for each legal entity within their jurisdiction.
• Oversee internal controls and introduce enhancements as necessary to safeguard the integrity of financial information.
• Liaise with BU Finance teams to understand trends that may influence LE reporting and tax compliance due to local regulations.
• Collaborate with Regional Controller, Consolidations, and Technical Accounting teams to address intricate accounting issues.
• Coordinate with external auditors for Legal Entity audits.
• Monitor the progress of local audits, supplying necessary aid as required.
• Demonstrate the capability to manage and supervise a team of Legal Entity Accountants.

Stakeholder Interaction:

Local Finance Director and/or General Manager

• The LE Controller will closely support the local FD and/or GM related to all matters pertaining to entity results, financial statements, local filings, and compliance.

Consolidations and Technical Accounting

• The LE Controller will actively connect with the Consolidations and the Technical Accounting team for guidance on complex accounting matters.

BU Finance

• LE Controller will support BU Finance teams with regards to providing data for month-end performance analysis.

Regional Controllers

• The LE Controller will connect with the regional controllers on complex matters pertaining to entity financial reporting documents and other local filings, audit requests, etc.

Qualifications

Education:

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required in Finance / Accounting / Business Management. CPA or related professional certification preferred.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master‘s degree or CPA preferred).
• 8+ years of proven experience as a controller or similar roles, preferably in a multinational company.
• Deep understanding of accounting principles, financial legislation, and regulatory standards.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage well through ambiguity and complexity.
• Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.