Head of Financial Operations

This is a key leadership role in the financial function, responsible for overseeing the preparation of statutory, tax, and management reports according to local GAAP and Tax regulations.

The successful candidate will be an experienced finance professional with a strong background in accounting, tax, and financial planning. They will have excellent communication skills and be able to effectively manage complex issues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the country Business Facing Finance team to achieve business goals and objectives.
• Developing and implementing financial strategies to drive business growth and profitability.
• Providing financial guidance and advice to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Managing financial risk and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of success in a similar role, with experience in managing teams and developing financial strategies.

They will also have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Additionally, they will have a strong understanding of financial systems and processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities include:

• Ownership of statutory and fiscal representation by managing and overseeing the preparation of statutory, tax, and management reports according to local GAAP, Tax regulations, and Group Reporting standards.
• Lead country Business Facing Finance team with ownership of all Commercial, Production, and Supply, Research and Development, and Corporate Functions finance responsibilities including Statutory and Tax Compliance, Financial Planning and Analysis, Monthly Business Review, and Business Decision Support.
• Provide financial leadership and guidance to Country Leadership Team. Build and manage effective relationships with key business partners to better influence and shape business priorities.
• Identify clearly business opportunities and set ambitious targets accordingly that translate into areas for business focus, resource allocation, and high-quality business planning input.
• Contribute through excellent analysis and controlling process to the operational and strategic performance and growth of both Crop Protection and Seeds business. Through detailed financial analysis of key financial information, provide management with fact-based impartial financial advice.
• Provide business with sound risk-based analysis on potential impacts, implications, and propose potential ways to improve risk management on key economic exposures; in partnership with the business define, implement, and monitor key performance metrics.
• For all key investment decisions, provide accurate and informative appraisals that drive trade-off discussion and appropriate resource allocation.
• Lead the annual Budget process and rolling forecasts.
• Provide the linkage between the Country and Regional Finance organizations, ensuring timely, accurate, effective, and transparent flow of information and data.
• Support and partner with Finance Operation Team in Pune, India in the implementation and delivery of best-in-class accounting and financial support to the country.
• Drive Compliance Culture in the organization.
• Develop, coach, guide Finance team, and inspire to be an agile and high-performing team.

Qualifications:

Critical knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of Financial Reporting Standards and GAAP.
• Understanding of Business Financial planning cycles.
• Strong Business Case Analysis and Ability to analyze trade-off decisions.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and local statutory and tax regulations.

Critical experience:

• Proven capability to communicate and manage complex issues.
• Minimum 10 years experience in all facets of accounting and business partnering role in an MNC environment.
• Involvement in strategic options development and implementation.
• Familiarity with a computerized business environment (e.g. ERP software, Enterprise Data Warehouse).

Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities:

• Certified Public Accountant, MBA preferred.
• An aptitude for detailed, inquisitiveness as to the drivers of production and financial performance.
• Advanced financial analysis tools and techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong Analytical skills.

Critical leadership capabilities:

• Develop goals and prioritize actions.
• Understand well supply chain processes.
• Communicate effectively.
• Step beyond comfort zones.
• Take ownership for the change.
• Achieve goals and standards.
• Manage performance to ensure high results.
• Coach to release creativity and innovation.
• Promote and develop teamwork across functions.

Additional Information:

We recognize that diversity and inclusion are important to our business. We embrace the unique perspective and capabilities of our employees, which will help us continue to drive innovation and achieve our business goals.