UK Group Financial Controller

Engineering with purpose.
GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, our more than 18,000 dedicated employees work to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

Responsibilities / Tasks

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: UK/IE Cluster CFO

• Dotted Line Reporting: UK/IE Cluster Managing Director

Core Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Support:

• Provide support to local entities in monthly financial reporting processes.

• Step into individual entities as needed to ensure timely and accurate monthly reporting.

• Develop and implement new reporting tools to align with evolving business needs (e.g., Power BI).

Risk Management:

• Provide quarterly risk management support to entity Managing Directors (MDs) and local controllers.

Organisational Development & Recommendations:

• Review the Finance organisational structure across entities and make actionable recommendations for improvement.

Leadership & Staff Management:

• Directly manage Equipment Entity Controllers (Full-Time, Shared, and Part-Time).

• Oversee recruitment within the finance hierarchy.

Controls & Reconciliation:

• Conduct quarterly reviews of control reconciliations across all entities.

Ad Hoc Reporting:

• Support MDs with ad hoc reporting requirements as needed.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Actively contribute to the UK/IE cluster reorganisation initiative, "Transform 360."

• Play a key role in the SAP 4/HANA ERP implementation across the group.

• Support the implementation of forensic financial tools in line with the Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) role.

Compliance & Audit:

• Ensure compliance with GEA eApproval systems and corporate requirements.

• Support the Internal Audit process by liaising with entity MDs and local controllers.

• Manage and coordinate GEA compliance across entities.

Financial Accuracy & Forecasting:

• Review and provide input on financial forecast models to ensure accuracy, collaborating with MDs and local controllers.

Tax & Statutory Reporting:

• Manage the UK Group Corporation Tax position, working with tax advisors and local controllers.

• Oversee UK Financial Statutory reporting processes in collaboration with local controllers.

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of UK entity audits, liaising with auditors and controllers.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Attend local entity management meetings to communicate GEA strategies and provide advice or observations.

• Coordinate with Divisional Finance functions as required.

Insurance & Internal Agreements:

• Manage the insurance renewal process for GEA UK, coordinating with local controllers.

• Oversee UK Internal Recharge Agreements, ensuring alignment with entity MDs.

Ad Hoc and Special Reporting Requirements:

• Manage and support GEA ad hoc reporting needs in collaboration with local controllers.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Fully qualified ACA or CIMA professional.

• A minimum of four years post-qualification experience (PQE).

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel.

• Experience with Power BI (preferred).

• Familiarity with SAP systems (preferred).

Key Competencies:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey ideas effectively.

• Quick grasp of complex business situations, demonstrating flexible and adaptable thinking.

• Ability to support and propose viable business strategies.

• Capable of challenging and rejecting non-viable strategies while advocating for those that align with business goals.

• Skilled in managing expectations in a controlled and pragmatic manner.

• Strong collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Track record of delivering results and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated with a strong enthusiasm for developing reporting processes and enhancing work efficiency.

• Demonstrates the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines consistently.

Work Environment:

• Work location will depend on proximity to a GEA office (Milton Keynes OR Bristol preferable), with flexibility for part-time work-from-home arrangements.

• Travel to various sites is required as part of the role.

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