Finance Accounting Lead

About the role You will take full ownership of financial closing, P&L management, cash flow forecasting, annual business planning and financial reporting to the Headquarters. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong SAP expertise, the ability to independently prepare financial and management reports, and experience managing external audits and tax investigations. You will be a key financial partner to regional management and Headquarters. Responsibilities - Lead and oversee finance and accounting operations, including financial closing, reporting, treasury and tax compliance - Manage monthly, quarterly and annual closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements - Independently prepare and analyze P&L statements, cash flow reports, budgets and financial forecasts. - Lead the annual Business Plan and budget preparation process, working closely with commercial and functional teams - Perform actual vs. budget analysis, identify key financial variances and provide actionable insights to management - Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports and respond to financial and management reporting requests from Headquarters - Oversee cash flow management, working capital, banking operations, AR/AP and treasury activities - Lead tax compliance and tax audit processes, including direct coordination with tax authorities and external tax advisors - Manage annual external financial audits and resolve accounting, tax and compliance issues - Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, local tax regulations and Group accounting policies - Utilize SAP FI/CO and related modules for financial closing, accounting analysis, reporting and financial controls - Establish and improve accounting procedures, internal controls and financial management processes - Support regional financial planning, profitability analysis and business decision-making - Lead and develop the finance and accounting team, ensuring efficient operations and timely delivery of financial reports - Act as the key finance contact for Headquarters, regional management, auditors, banks and external advisors. Qualifications - Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, including experience leading finance and accounting operations - Proven ability to independently manage financial closing, financial statements and overall finance operations - Hands-on experience in preparing P&L reports, cash flow forecasts, annual Business Plans and budgets - Strong experience in financial reporting to Headquarters, including management reporting and budget vs. actual analysis - Solid practical experience using SAP, particularly FI/CO modules, for accounting, financial analysis and reporting - Direct experience managing tax audits, dealing with tax authorities and resolving tax-related issues - Strong knowledge of accounting standards, tax regulations, treasury management and internal controls - Experience in managing external financial audits and coordinating with external auditors and tax advisors - Strong financial analytical skills, business acumen and problem-solving capabilities - Proven leadership and team management experience - Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling and management reporting - Fluent English with strong communication and presentation skills - Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field - CPA, ACCA or equivalent professional accounting qualifications are highly preferred - Experience in multinational companies, preferably in FMCG, manufacturing or distribution - Regional finance experience or prior exposure to Headquarters reporting is an advantage.