Senior SME Consolidation

Job description

Role Summary NIQ is seeking a Senior SME – Consolidations to partner with the Global Process Owner (GPO) in managing and continuously improving the global consolidation and close process. This role is instrumental in ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of NIQ’s consolidated financial results, embedding robust governance, automation, and process standardisation across regions. The Senior SME acts as the technical deputy to the GPO, providing operational oversight, subject-matter guidance, and analytical insights across the consolidation lifecycle. The role will also contribute to NIQ’s broader R2R transformation agenda, supporting initiatives under Project Compass and RTR Quality Board. Key Responsibilities Consolidation and Reporting • Lead execution of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidations for NIQ entities in OneStream, ensuring accuracy and adherence to close timelines. • Validate consolidation entries, intercompany eliminations, and FX translation adjustments to ensure first-time-right financial results. • Partner with Corporate Accounting and Controllership to finalise management and statutory consolidation packs and ensure alignment of group reporting. • Support the GPO in monitoring Close Cockpit milestones and escalation management during close cycles. Governance and Standardisation • Maintain and update process documentation, SOPs, and L4 process maps for the consolidation process. • Ensure consistency in consolidation methodologies, data mapping, and chart-of-accounts alignment across legal entities. • Support GPO in embedding internal controls (SOX) and ensuring full audit readiness across regions. • Perform process quality reviews and recommend corrective actions for control and reconciliation gaps. Technology and Automation • Act as OneStream system SME, supporting configuration changes, system testing, and enhancement requests. • Partner with Enablement and IT to deliver automation and analytics initiatives (RPA, Power BI dashboards, consolidation exception reporting). • Develop and maintain standardised consolidation templates, mapping tables, and validation scripts. Business Partnering and Stakeholder Engagement • Liaise with regional controllers, service delivery leads, and corporate accounting teams to ensure smooth consolidation execution and issue resolution. • Provide technical accounting and system support for mergers, acquisitions, and entity restructures. • Collaborate with FP&A and Corporate Reporting teams to provide insights into consolidated P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow results. Continuous Improvement and Capability Building • Drive root-cause analysis of consolidation issues and lead remediation actions. • Support GPO in developing and delivering training modules for RTR teams on consolidation best practices. • Contribute to process transformation projects aimed at shortening the close cycle and improving data accuracy. Required Skills and Attributes Core Skills • Deep technical expertise in global consolidations, intercompany eliminations, and foreign currency translation. • Strong understanding of end-to-end RTR processes, including their interlinkages with FP&A, Tax, and Controllership. • Hands-on proficiency in OneStream, Hyperion, or equivalent EPM systems; good knowledge of SAP data structures and ledger logic (0L/1L). • In-depth knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS, particularly consolidation accounting, equity method, and non-controlling interests. • Proven experience in managing financial close governance, reconciliation frameworks, and control compliance. • Ability to interpret and communicate complex accounting and system issues clearly to non-technical stakeholders. Behavioural & Leadership Skills (Modelled on GPO Capabilities) • Process Excellence Mindset: Passion for continuous improvement, simplification, and first-time-right delivery. • Analytical Rigor: Ability to deep-dive into data, identify anomalies, and provide actionable insights. • Influence Without Authority: Collaborates effectively across time zones, driving alignment without direct hierarchy. • Execution Discipline: Strong planning, prioritisation, and follow-through to meet global close deadlines. • Change Agility: Comfortable working in a transformation environment with evolving systems and structures. • Stakeholder Stewardship: Builds trust with Controllers, SDLs, and Corporate Accounting through reliability and responsiveness. • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. • Professional qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) preferred. • 10–15 years of experience in Finance Operations, with at least 5 years in consolidation or group reporting. • Prior experience in global consolidation and reporting for multinational organisations is essential. • Exposure to OneStream or Hyperion implementations, process transformation, and automation initiatives desirable. Success Profile • Operates as the technical backbone of NIQ’s global consolidation process. • Acts as the operational deputy to the GPO, ensuring process execution excellence and data integrity. • Demonstrates strong technical, analytical, and leadership maturity, preparing for future progression to process-ownership roles. • Delivers accuracy, control, and speed — the three cornerstones of NIQ’s consolidation success. Our Benefits Flexible working environment Volunteer time off LinkedIn Learning Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP) NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: About NIQ NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit Want to keep up with our latest updates? Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. 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