Synthomer plc is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.
At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Purpose of role:
We're looking for a detail-driven finance professional to take on a vital role in 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. If you have a passion for tax precision, regulatory compliance, and making a significant impact on business projects, this is your chance to shine in a dynamic, cross-border environment. This role requires fluency in French, enabling seamless collaboration with French stakeholders and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain accurate and timely financial records for French entities in line with local GAAP.
- Translate IFRS/US GAAP trial balances into French GAAP and support the preparation of statutory financial statements.
- Collaborate on finalising financial statements for French and other European entities.
- Prepare data to support French corporate tax and year-end tax computations.
- Provide monthly support for statutory balance sheet reconciliations (CIT, Payroll, VAT).
- Partner with the VAT team to ensure compliance with French-specific requirements.
- Lead on French compliance activities, including provisions for bonuses, pensions, and other statutory obligations.
- Support internal and external audits by delivering timely and accurate financial data.
- Assist the Senior European Compliance Manager with finance projects and ad-hoc initiatives.
- Help develop and maintain internal controls and ensure process documentation is up to date.
- 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
- Proven ability to lead change, drive process improvements, and foster high-performing teams
- Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Experienced in managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
- Comfortable working cross-functionally and supporting audits and finance transformation initiatives
- Sound judgment and strategic planning capabilities
Education and Qualifications:
- Degree-level education (essential)
- Fully qualified accountant ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent (essential)
Experience and Knowledge:
- Minimum 5+ years post-qualification experience
- In-depth knowledge of French GAAP, French tax system, and VAT/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, cross-border working environment.
Occasional travel to Europe may be necessary for this position and could also be required during the training phase.
**Request**
ALL APPLICATIONS TO BE SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH
In addition, we offer a highly desirable benefits package:
Benefits packages vary depending on location (UK or Portugal) — more details available on request.
At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business.
Why Synthomer?
We are ambitious!
We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.
We believe in high challenge, high support!
We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.
We personalize our approach to development!
At Synthomer, you won't find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We'll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.
We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.
We believe in high challenge, high support!
We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.
We personalize our approach to development!
At Synthomer, you won't find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We'll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.
Porquê a Synthomer?
Somos ambiciosos!
Temos crescido significativamente - tanto organicamente como inorganicamente. Somos uma empresa cotada na FTSE 250, 22% das nossas receitas provêm de produtos recentemente comercializados, e somos reconhecidos no primeiro quartil para a segurança no fabrico de produtos químicos.
Acreditamos que para um grande desafio, é necessário um grande apoio!
Estamos empenhados em deixá-lo contribuir em papéis reais desde o primeiro dia. Esperamos muito, mas oferecemos muito também. Isto inclui integração, eventos de indução e formação, oportunidades de networking, mentoria e planeamento do desenvolvimento pessoal. Por isso, prepare-se para uma inspiradora aventura de carreira a longo prazo.
Personalizamos a nossa abordagem ao desenvolvimento!
Na Synthomer, não encontrará percursos de carreira genéricos ou programas de desenvolvimento, mas sim uma abordagem de tamanho único para o desenvolvimento dos colaboradores. Faremos parceria consigo para assegurar que tem as experiências certas que desenvolvem as suas capacidades e aceleram o crescimento da sua carreira.
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