Group Accounting Lead

Job description

Group Accounting Lead Department: Finance - Group Position type: Permanent Location: Paris/Marcoussis, France Travel required: in Europe, occasionally DATA4'S MISSION DATA4 creates Smart & Scalable digital facilities for our customers. Our network of highly connected, resilient and sustainable data center campuses underpins our customers’ digital growth in Europe. DATA4 Group finances, designs, constructs and operates its own data centers. Delivered through our data center campus model, we provide our customers with secure, scalable and high-performance data hosting solutions. DATA4 VALUES At DATA4 we are driven by our values. These are the core of everything we do – from the proactivity we show in delivering great outcomes for our clients, to the responsibility we show as a key contributor to the digital economy. Our three values are: 1. To be entrepreneurial – we are teams of doers who make things happen - with autonomy, energy and a sense of responsibility 2. To always take responsibility – for our impact on the people we work with, the society we are part of, and the environment in which we operate 3. To constantly be adaptable – our business is designed to adapt, answering not only today’s challenges, but also anticipating what’s coming next. ABOUT THE ROLE Lead the redesign and operational implementation of the Data4 Center of Finance and Accounting Excellence. This role is pivotal in ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and operational excellence across the group. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Lead Accounting Process · Contribute to build the capability and autonomy of local finance teams, reducing reliance on external CPAs · Contribute to a better understanding of financial data · Lead the redesign and operational implementation of new accelerated close (Fast Close) processes across all entities · Ensure Fast Close processes are fully aligned with Consolidation Team workflows RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Lead Accounting Process · Contribute to build the capability and autonomy of local finance teams, reducing reliance on external CPAs · Contribute to a better understanding of financial data · Lead the redesign and operational implementation of new accelerated close (Fast Close) processes across all entities · Ensure Fast Close processes are fully aligned with Consolidation Team workflows 2. Group-wide Standardization · Contribute to implementation of a comprehensive Group Accounting Manual (e.g., IP delivery). · Produce process maps, SOPs, and checklists · Harmonize practices across entities · Support definition of new roles process : local finance, IT · Pilot and test the new processes in selected entities for Finance Tools · Oversee test cycles / UAT related to R2R activities on new tool deployment (RPA, AI, ect..) · Support subsidiaries during rollout’s · Train local finance teams on new process · Monitor closing KPIs (D+1, D+2, D+3, etc.) and dailies, Group calendar preparations 4. Audit Support · Act as PMO of the annual audit process 5. Continuous Improvement & Center of Excellence · Establish an escalation mechanism of monthly close/process issues · Track recurring bottlenecks and issues · Adjust process based on feedback from en RESPONSIBILITES IN TERMS OF IMS CERTIFICATIONS Respect and enforce certification policies in terms of: · H&S: Respect and enforce health and safety rules. · Environment: Respect and enforce environmental policies. · Information security: Respect and enforce information security policies · Energy: Respect and enforce the policy of reducing energy consumption. REQUIREMENTS Education and experience · Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. · CPA, ACCA, or equivalent certification. · Experience in a high-growth, private equity-backed or technology-driven environment is a plus. · Fluency in English; additional European languages are a plus Technical Skills · Proven experience in group accounting and consolidation in an international, multi-entity environment. · Deep knowledge of IFRS and SOX compliance. · Strong understanding of digital finance transformation, including ERP and consolidation tools. · Expertise in complex accounting transactions and audit processes. Soft Skills · Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional and cross-border teams with influence and clarity. · Change Management: Skilled in driving transformation in fast-paced, evolving environments. · Project Management: Strong planning, execution, and stakeholder management capabilities. · Communication: Clear, structured communicator with the ability to engage