Finance Compliance Manager (French specialist) Algueirão–Mem Martins

Finance Compliance Manager (French specialist)
Lisboa
Algueirão–Mem Martins, Lisboa, Portugal

Overview

Finance Compliance Manager (French specialist) role at Synthomer. The candidate will be responsible for the preparation of Financial Statements and statutory returns, ensuring compliance for our French legal entities according to French local GAAP. Additionally, you will assist with similar processes in other European markets. This role requires fluency in French to enable seamless collaboration with French stakeholders and to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely financial records for French entities in line with local GAAP.
• When required, convert IFRS/US GAAP reporting for French entities into local GAAP to support the preparation of statutory financial statements.
• Collaborate on finalising financial statements for French legal entities and other European entities as required, including tax disclosures.
• Prepare data to support French corporate tax provisions during the Group IFRS year end including current and deferred tax.
• Oversee
  - sourced French corporate tax and related returns, ensuring accuracy in key calculations such as interest disallowance prior to submission.
• Provide expert guidance and perform calculations for participation bonuses/interessement, R&D tax credit claims, and pensions accounting.
• Advise on differences between IFRS and French GAAP/Tax for fixed assets, ensuring ledger accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure timely preparation and availability of FEC (Fichier des Écritures Comptables) files for all French entities.
• Provide monthly support for statutory balance sheet reconciliations (CIT, Payroll, VAT).
• Partner with the VAT team as required to ensure compliance with French-specific requirements.
• Lead on French compliance activities, including provisions for bonuses, pensions, and other statutory obligations.
• Participate in S4 Hana transformation including
  - end change for France and ensuring IFRS/Local GAAP/Tax GAAP/French tax requirements are gathered and delivered.
• Support the wider finance and tax teams with audits (including local Tax Authority Audits) by delivering timely and accurate financial data to stakeholders.
• Contribute to M&A activities, including due diligence, data validation, and system transitions.

Skills And Experience

• Strong knowledge of French GAAP, tax, and statutory compliance
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, across all levels – in both French and English
• Experienced in managing multiple priorities and projects in a
  - paced, matrixed environment
• Comfortable working
  - functionally and supporting audits and finance transformation initiatives

Education And Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent (essential)

Experience And Knowledge

• Minimum 5+ years
  - qualification experience
• In-depth knowledge of French GAAP, French tax system, and Tax regulations (essential)
• Background in large, complex financial environments (manufacturing experience preferred)
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Hands-on experience with SAP and S4 systems or similar, large ERP systems

Location and Travel requirements

This position can be located at our facility in Sintra, Portugal (Hybrid) or at our office in Harlow, UK (Hybrid), with Hybrid indicating at least 3 days in the office. Both sites have specialised finance teams that you will collaborate with closely. No matter where you are situated, you will be part of a cooperative,
- border working environment.

Occasional travel to Europe may be necessary for this position and could also be required during the training phase partially between our London and French sites.

Benefits

• Competitive,
  - aligned compensation, global bonus scheme, share options (senior positions)
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision – tailored to regional locations)
• Generous paid time off and public holiday leave
• Parental leave and family support (maternity, paternity, adoption leave)
• Flexible working options (hybrid, remote, or flexible hours depending on role and location)
• Learning & development opportunities (continuous training, online platforms, mentorship & buddy programs)
• Wellbeing support (Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives)
• Retirement / pension contributions (plans vary by country)
• Inclusive and diverse culture where everyone can thrive