Company Introduction:

Lindt & Sprüngli is a Swiss chocolate manufacturer and recognized as a global leader in the market for premium chocolate, offering a large selection of products around the world. Lindt & Sprüngli looks back on a long-standing tradition of 175 years during which it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate under the key brand Lindt. 

Today, more than 2500 products are distributed by 29 subsidiary companies and branch offices, in about 500 own stores, and via a comprehensive network of more than 100 independent distributors around the globe. Today, quality chocolate products by Lindt & Sprüngli are made at 11 own production sites in Europe and the USA. With over 14,100 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group is globally present in more than 120 countries and reported sales worth of USD 5.0 billion in 2021.

Lindt chocolates are known worldwide for their incomparable, unique taste and fine melting texture. From smooth melting Lindor to the thin, refined elegance of an Excellence bar and from the iconic Lindt Gold Bunny, to exquisite praline masterpieces, our Maîtres Chocolatiers take pride in creating a chocolate experience like no other. 

Lindt & Sprüngli (North America) Inc. is the holding company of the US family of companies Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. and Russell Stover Chocolates Inc. and acting as the Center of Excellence for the North American market by providing world-class Supply Chain-, IT- and additional business services to the local entities.

This is an exciting time to join our company as we are further accelerating the success story and market expansion over the next years. High performing, entrepreneurial, result driven and passionate employees are key success factors for Lindt & Sprüngli and we're warmly welcoming ambitious talents to join us.

Job Description Summary:

This is a new position that was created to support the on-going fast growth of the business with profound analytics and process understanding that provide the foundation for smart decision making on a senior management level. This role is highly visible as it is creating a real and active partnership with operations and senior management at the local as well the brand level.

As a Senior Financial Analyst, it is about supporting the whole business to raise standards in key decision areas as well as taking a forward-looking and commercial view. Therefore, this role acts as a sparring partner to the senior leadership team as well as the stakeholders at the local entities. The role will be highly dynamic and focused on various projects which requires the willingness to take over responsibility and engagement as a change agent with an entrepreneurial mindset as well as the intention to deliver always high quality.

The Financial Analyst will be the key financial support to our shared services logistics organization. This organization is comprised of owned warehouses and 3PL assets which store and distribute chocolates for the Lindt & Sprüngli family of companies. In addition to possessing strong analytical skills.

Roles & Responsibilities will change over time as the organization is growing significantly. Therefore, this position offers a unique career path with the possibility to build and develop the North American Center of Excellence for Lindt & Sprüngli.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Partnering
  • Responsibility for critical financial analytical support to the distribution network to ensure cost targets and business objectives are met
  • Monitor spending and provide monthly analysis on cost variance to distribution, identifying areas of success and opportunities for improvement
  • Perform month-end closing activities, including accounting, reconciliations, invoice charge-outs to customers, and the creation of a monthly financial reporting package

• Operational Insights and Organizational Development
  • Assist in the development of the annual distribution budget and periodic forecasts of freight spend and warehousing costs
  • Work closely with distribution, logistics, and procurement partners to build processes to support a best-in-class distribution network
  • Support of planning cycles and provide insights as well as strategic advice through scenario modeling and prepare recommendations to group management
  • Setup Targets/Scorecard Reviews: monthly review process to track performance vs. targets vs. plan
  • Challenge current ways of working, drive efficiencies and process improvements through the establishment of best practice in controlling
  • Support projects to develop efficient and effective reporting tools and processes to support a best in class supporting network

Personal Characteristics:

• Entrepreneurial personality that likes to work in a fast-changing business environment and with the willingness to implement and develop best practice solutions (tools, processes, controls, teams)
• Stakeholder management with the ability to influence, motivate and work in cross-functional / cultural teams
• Solution- and results driven “can-do” mentality that strives for results, through monitoring progress, meeting deadlines and interacting with stakeholders
• Eager to accelerate the career and take over more responsibilities including the responsibility for direct reports in the mid-term

Additionally you live up with our company values:

• Excellence: You have passion for what you are doing and strive for excellence
• Innovation: You are constantly looking for new and better ways to deliver success
• Entrepreneurship: You are empowered and accountable for your actions and results
• Responsibility: You act with integrity and treat everyone with respect
• Collaboration: You support your colleagues across disciplines, business segments and geographies

Qualifications and Competencies required:

• 5-7 years of work experience in Management Accounting, Controlling or as Business Analyst - preferably with a Logistics or Consumer Goods company
• Substantial experience in running and performing budgeting or forecasting processes
• Strategy and business focus with an advisory and consultancy mindset
• Ability to influence and with strong customer service and partnering skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Business Objects, SAP BI or Excel VBA experience is a plus

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree with specialization in Finance/Controlling/Accounting or consulting background
• CMA, ICMA, CPA, ACCA, CFA qualification or a master’s degree is a plus

What Lindt & Sprüngli offers:

• A highly passionate team that is eager to make Enchant the World with Chocolate
• A fast-changing business environment with a flat organization and an entrepreneurial mindset where YOU can decide and take responsibility
• Industry leading annual leave policy
• Central and prime office location in Kansas City next to the Plaza
• A steep learning curve AND career path or in the US or internationally within the Lindt Group
• Additional medical coverage and many other exciting benefits
  • Floating holiday benefits
  • Team building events 
  • Employee Chocolate Discounts & Sales
  • Many other exciting benefits like free coffee and drinks etc.!