Group Consolidation Expert

The organisation

AkzoNobel is a Dutch multinational (stock listed: AEX) with activities in paints and coatings. In 2021, the consolidated turnover amounted to almost EUR 10 billion and is active in more than 150 countries. The Global Headquarters is based in Amsterdam.

For more than 200 years, AkzoNobel have been pioneers in a world full of possibilities for perfect finishes. Chances are, our products are always close at hand. We're proud that customers around the world rely on our premium brands and products, including Flexa, Sikkens, Dulux, International and Interpon. We are committed to becoming the global leader in our industry, as the most sustainable paint company that has been shaping the future for more than two centuries.

The position

The Group Consolidation Expert is the first responsible within the corporate consolidation department with a focus on controlling the consolidation process and complex accounting topics. Important part of the job is controlling the Monthly, Quarterly and Annual closings, supporting a smooth and no-surprises close through: 

• Coordination of consolidation activities within the corporate consolidation department;
• Receiving and performing analytical review on the data from the regions;
• Taking responsibility for certain specification forms in the monthly/quarterly/Year-End closing;
• Supporting and interacting with Accounting Operations, other parts of Finance and the Hyperion Financial Management (HFM) application management to run a smooth consolidation process.

The Group Consolidation Expert ensures both the timely and proper onboarding of newly acquired entities in the AkzoNobel consolidation and the proper accounting for the acquisition / divestment transactions. The Consolidation expert is the first focal point within CTA (Consolidation, Technical Accounting and External reporting department) for accounting issues in case of potential M&A deals.

The Group Consolidation Expert assists and advises CTA management with regard to accounting and system issues, makes a set up for advanced calculations, sets up journal entries and sends instructions to legal entities within AkzoNobel how the transactions should be treated in the general ledger and the reporting forms. Acquisition and divestment projects are done in close cooperation with amongst others the Merger and Acquisition Department and the involved (BU) accounting manager.Group Consolidation Expert.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Runs all activities needed to establish and maintain the consolidation process, from the legal entity level to the Akzo Nobel corporate level, within strict deadlines for actual reporting (month, quarter and year-end close);
• Reviews and verifies the financial reliability and completeness of specifications at AkzoNobel level;
• Participates in improvement projects within own area of responsibility;
• Communicates and interacts with accounting functions in regions and those at corporate level as well as other relevant functions (tax, legal, treasury).

Candidate profile

• Master’s degree in economics, accounting or business administration; 
• 10 years of experience in Accounting and Consolidation positions;
• In-depth IFRS knowledge and practical business understanding to ensure interpretation of IFRS and translation in practice;
• Proven track record in issue resolution - proactively design and implement practical solutions to ensure proper accounting within the IFRS requirements (structuring deals / effect on operational processes and systems);
• High level of customer orientation, results orientation, change management, ownership and collaboration;
• Knowledge of Financial reporting systems (preferably HFM and MerlinXL);
• Highly analytical, with problem-solving and pragmatic skills;
• Independent, self-starting and interested in what is behind the numbers;
• Practical experience in driving process improvements;
• Strong team player with good interpersonal skills;
• Fluent in English, both verbal as well as in writing;
• Excel and PowerPoint skills.

The offer

• Competitive salary;
• Bonus: 12,5%;
• 30 holidays;
• Great pension scheme;
• Endless career and personal growth opportunities.

Interested?

You are invited to apply for this position by following the link below. For more information, please contact Rogier Schatens at +31 (0)6 55 72 42 53.