Regional Finance Controller - Central Western Europe (‘RFC’)

ALS | Wessling provides a broad range of testing and analytical services to a wide variety of end markets and  industries around the globe. Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, we continue to remain at the forefront of the testing services industry, building an enviable reputation. ALS has offices strategically located around the globe, with over 22,000 employees, in more than 450 laboratories and sites across Australia, Asia, North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The relevant ALS business across the Central Western Europe responsibility region consists of >AUD$180M revenues, across >20 sites and over 900 employees.

As key member of the executive team, you will lead all aspects associated with the finance function for all ALS businesses in the CW Europe region (excl. Nuvisan operations)
Leading finance transformation process, including implementation of financial processes and controls, future roll-out of a new ERP in the region to be deployed by ALS, enhancing current financial team qualities to support the business. The RFC is also a key partner to business leaders, supporting them in the understanding and measurement of business drivers through monthly P&L reporting, balance sheet reconciliation, KPI implementation, and in the preparation of financial analysis and planning (budget, forecasts and strategic planning). You will lead a team of 10+ employees.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to local Businesses leaders, Integration Director, Group Financial Controller, Group treasury, and Group CFO, as required including proactive financial analysis to help to manage the businesses by identifying trends, risks and opportunities, and drive/track strategic initiatives.
• Responsible for Monthly, Quarterly and Annual financial reporting of the CW European operations.
• Drive the financial planning analysis process within CW European region (budget, forecast and strategic planning).
• Oversee the operations of all finance functions, including theimprovement of the financial controls and financial procedures within Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts receivable and Tax areas.
• Leads and manages the month end closing process for the assigned business unit(s).
• Coordinate all work and interaction with external auditors for annual audit processes.
• Lead credit and collection management process for the business, driving continuous improvement in Cash Generation.
• Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Manage financial systems and related policies and procedures.
• Organize cash repatriation process.
• Supervision of internal audits procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, and current professional accounting accreditation
• 15+ years of finance and accounting experience in a high volume industrial or business services environment, including 10 or more years in a management role.
• Worked in a lead position in the implementation of ERP projects (functional lead or finance manager as part of ERP implementation project).
• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly demanding, and matrix organization.
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex accounting processes and employ effective auditing/ drill down capabilities. 
• Ability to obtain, organize and analyze data, and utilize to develop and implement processes to drive efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills with high level of English proficiency, both written and verbal. Speaking fluent French is a plus.
• Strong planning and organizational and analytical skills.
• Recognized leadership and people development skills.
• Experience in change management financial related projects and projects linked to financial process and controls definition and implementation.
• Ensure Quality Systems are adhered to in performance, review, and reporting of laboratory duties and communicate all quality issues. 
• Support Quality Department and Continuous Improvement Processes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, document and database software (MS Office, Excel, Access, and Adobe Acrobat). Advanced capabilities with Excel and ERP systems required.

Please note: A valid work permit for Germany is required for this position!