Accounting to Reporting Europe Head

At Syngenta Group, we're a global community of 56,000 innovators across 90 countries, united by a 250-year legacy of agricultural excellence. As the world's most local agricultural technology partner, we create tailor-made solutions that transform farming while protecting our planet, driven by our commitment to innovation, ethics, and integrity. Through our inclusive environment and diverse perspectives, we pioneer breakthrough solutions for farmers, society, and future generations. Join our worldwide teams of agricultural pioneers in creating a more resilient and equitable food system for all.

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative Finance leader to head the regional Accounting to Reporting (A2R) function. You will help shape and implement the global A2R strategy in the regional Finance Operations centre, ensuring delivery is aligned with Syngenta’s global standards, Finance Target Operating Model and control requirements. You will lead accurate, timely and well-supported accounting and reporting activities, including the month-end close process, Group reporting submissions and financial datasets for FP&A and Business Facing Finance. The role brings together operational delivery, people leadership and strong financial governance.

Accountabilities:

• Responsibility of preparing all general ledger accounting, period end close and group reporting. Assuring correctness, timely submission, and proper substantiation of financial reporting submissions in line with the Syngenta Financial Reporting requirements and local statutory reporting regulations.
• Ensure effective dialogue with relevant Finance Operations and Business Facing Finance teams to verify the correctness of the accounts and provide appropriate substantiation for the Business to approve relevant accounts.
• Ensure data quality of services provided by 3rd party partners are reliable and meeting defined performance KPI’s
• Sustain high standards on verification of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet. Perform balance sheet reconciliation in line with corporate IFRS and local statutory reporting requirements.
• Accountable for providing all standard financial performance analysis and commentaries for actuals in support of Month Close (e.g. lock meetings, BS Reconciliation reviews) as well as relevant management reporting.
• Ensure Finance decisions are supported by robust, timely information and are taken with a full understanding of the financial impact, potential risks / exposures
• Ensure accuracy of cash-flow forecasting and effective cash-flow management.
• Provide efficient support to new business model implementation and mergers/integrations, ensuring adherence to the applicable corporate frameworks
• Drive the effective and efficient delivery of end-to-end Finance Operations activities and collaborate effectively with other regional peers to share best practice.
• Assure effective and sustainable implementation of Internal Control Frameworks (ICF) and segregation of duty (SoD) risk management frameworks. Similarly, support other control improvement initiatives such as development of fraud risk assessment approach
• Develop and maintain high level of financial compliance capability in the team and promote compliance culture through training and other relevant initiatives.
• Accountable to facilitate internal /external audits, and drive sustainable and timely remediation of outstanding audit issues in close corporation conjunction with the wider Finance organization.
• Drive and support internal control improvements. Similarly, support other control improvement initiatives such as development of fraud risk assessment approach.
• Ensure effective A2R Service Delivery management of Global Finance Operations and foster continuous improvement mindset.

• Sound finance and accounting background, 8 to 15 years working experience in a Senior People Leader position in Finance or Audit.
• Previous experience in provision of Statutory Accounts, Accounting and reporting in multinational environment.
• Track record of compliance culture maintenance and enforcement.
• Understanding of reporting, budgeting, forecasting and planning processes.
• Ability to effectively function in a complex multi-dimensional matrix organization.
• Ability to develop, agree and maintain compliant and fit-for-purpose operational procedures and processes.
• Ability to efficiently prioritize and delegate tasks for the Operations finance team and drive for performance.
• Change and project management experience: Ability to structurally manage fast moving transformation and change agenda.
• Experience with SAP in a decentralized environment is desirable.
• Exposure to senior management / stakeholder management linked to strong communication skills, including English skills (written and spoken), face-to-face discussions and formal presentations.
• Ability to communicate complex issues in an easy to understand way.
• Ability to influence and gain support from leadership teams and organization in general.
• Ability to assess and resolve implementation issues and conflicts.
• Develop clear strategies, set aligned objectives for individuals and teams, prioritize actions and ensure appropriate support and resources.
• Skillfully plan, organize and monitor performance to meet objectives.

What We Offer

• An environment where every voice matters, professional growth is encouraged, and work-life balance is prioritized.
• Comprehensive benefits package tailored to your location along with learning and development opportunities, wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and additional benefits in accordance with local practices.

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.