Head of Accounting to Reporting (A2R) – Europe

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Accounting to Reporting (A2R) – Europe to take overall leadership of our European A2R organization. As Head of A2R Europe, you will lead an organization of approximately 50–60 Finance professionals and be a key member of the Finance Operations management team, with overall accountability for the performance, people, transformation and control environment of A2R across Europe. This is not simply a role managing accounting delivery. You will lead the European A2R function and its leadership team, set direction and priorities, build organizational capability, influence senior stakeholders and translate the global A2R strategy into execution across Europe. You will combine senior people leadership, financial governance, operational excellence and transformation, while ensuring that accounting and reporting across the European organization remains accurate, efficient, well controlled and ready for the future. Accountabilities: As Head of A2R Europe, you will have end-to-end accountability for the European Accounting to Reporting organization and its performance. Lead the European A2R Organization Provide overall leadership and direction for a 50–60 person European A2R organization, translating global Finance strategy into clear European priorities and execution. Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing and highly engaging A2R organization and leadership team, creating a culture of ownership, accountability and collaboration. Build the leadership and technical capabilities required for the future of A2R. Set clear objectives, priorities and performance expectations across the organization. Develop talent and succession pipelines and create an environment where people can grow and perform. Represent European A2R within the wider Finance Operations and Global A2R management community and build strong connections with European and global finance leadership. Own Accounting & Reporting Performance Take overall accountability for General Ledger accounting, period-end close, Group reporting and balance sheet integrity across the European scope. Ensure accurate, timely and properly substantiated financial reporting in line with Syngenta Financial Reporting requirements, IFRS and local statutory requirements. Maintain high standards of balance sheet governance, reconciliation and substantiation. Ensure high-quality financial analysis and commentary supporting month-end close, lock meetings, balance sheet reviews and management reporting. Ensure Finance decisions are supported by robust financial information and a clear understanding of financial risks and exposures. Support accurate cash-flow forecasting and effective cash-flow management. Be a Senior A2R Partner Act as a senior partner to Business Facing Finance, Finance Operations and other Finance leaders across Europe. Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across functions, countries and the wider global organization. Represent European A2R in key Finance discussions and provide a clear point of accountability for A2R performance. Translate complex accounting and operational topics into clear business implications and decisions. Influence across the organization to create alignment, resolve issues and deliver sustainable outcomes. Shape the European A2R Transformation Agenda Own and drive the European A2R transformation and continuous improvement agenda. Challenge existing ways of working and accelerate simplification, standardization, automation and digitalization. Lead A2R through major Finance and business changes, including SAP implementations, new business models, integrations and organizational transformation. Drive operational excellence through KPIs, performance management and root-cause-based improvement. Work with global and regional peers to develop and scale best practices across Finance A2R Operations. Hold third-party service providers accountable for service quality, performance and data integrity. Lead Controls, Compliance & Audit Own the strength and sustainability of the A2R financial control environment across Europe. Ensure effective implementation of Internal Control Frameworks and segregation-of-duties risk management. Set the tone for a strong financial compliance culture across the organization. Lead A2R engagement with Internal and External Audit and ensure timely and sustainable remediation of findings. Sponsor control improvements and broader initiatives including fraud risk assessment and prevention. We are looking for an established Finance leader with the credibility and experience to lead a sizeable A2R organization. Minimum 12–15 years of progressive Finance experience, with a strong track record in senior leadership roles across Accounting, Reporting or Finance Operations in a complex multinational environment. Proven experience leading a large, sizeable Accounting, Reporting or Finance Operations organization, ideally across multiple countries and through a management structure. Strong knowledge of IFRS, statutory accounting, financial reporting and internal controls. Experience owning month-end close, Group reporting and balance sheet activities across multiple countries and legal entities. A strong track record of leading leaders, developing talent and building high-performing organizations. Demonstrated ability to set direction, establish priorities and drive execution through a management team. Strong experience in Finance transformation, process standardization, automation and major system change. Proven ability to operate and influence at senior management level in a complex global matrix organization. Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills. Experience with internal controls, compliance and audit management. Strong change and project leadership capabilities. SAP experience in a multinational environment is highly desirable. Excellent written and spoken English and confidence presenting to senior leadership. The Head of A2R Europe we are looking for: You are not only an accounting expert — you are a leader of a sizeable A2R organization. You create direction, build strong leadership teams and empower people to take ownership. You combine financial discipline with business understanding, and you know when to go into the detail and when to step back and lead at strategic level. You challenge complexity and continuously look for ways to make Finance simpler, smarter, more digital and more effective. Most importantly, you can turn strategy into execution and bring a 50–60 person European organization with you through change. If you are ready to lead A2R across Europe and shape the next chapter of Finance Operations, we would like to hear from you. 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. #LI-Hybrid 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.