Controller, North America

PURPOSE:

pladis globally is one of the world’s fastest-growing snacking companies with sales in over 110 countries. Headquartered in the UK, we operate >30 factories and employ > 17,000 people across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the US, and Asia Pacific. Our diverse portfolio includes beloved brands in sweet and savory biscuits, cakes, wafers, chocolates, gums, and candies – enjoyed by millions worldwide. As we continue to scale and transform, our finance team plays a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, optimizing operations, and unlocking new opportunities. If you are ready to shape the future of a global consumer brand, pladis offers the scale, agility, and ambition to match your career goals. Headquartered in White Plains, the North America operations markets brands such as Godiva, Flipz, Turtles and McVitie’s. The business currently operates across two legal entities and leverages two ERP platforms (SAP S4 and Microsoft Dynamics 365). In North America, we are seeking a strategic and hands-on Controller to lead our accounting operations, AR, AP, and tax teams and collaborate to harmonize systems and processes. This position reports to the regional CFO and will be a senior member of the Americas Finance leadership team. This is a critical position as the Controller will play a key role in continuing the journey to fully integrate the people, processes and systems of two legal entities, Godiva and pladis, while maintaining and strengthening the overall control environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in CPG business/commercial finance and controllership and have the ambition to achieve the level of CFO in 3-5 years.

This is a unique opportunity to join an organization in transformation with an ambitious agenda. As a senior member of the Americas Finance Team, the role holder will have a significant opportunity to support and develop overall finance talent and capability in the organization. The role has responsibility for all aspects of the daily operations of the accounting department, including but not limited to payables, receivables, month end activities, audit, and cash management. S/he will have full ownership of accounting processes, financial controls and systems and will have demonstrated proven results in implementing workflow and system enhancements that strengthen the financial control framework and maximize reporting accuracy and overall efficiency. The successful candidate will need to be able to effectively challenge the organization, problem solve and be willing to be hands-on in driving solutions in a fast-paced growth-oriented company. The role holder will provide leadership in ensuring a highly engaged team and will play an active role in driving the global finance agenda. Key Stakeholders include the General Manager Americas, Head of Treasury Americas, Head of Transformation Americas, Head of IT Americas and the Global CFO.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DELIVERABLES:

Financial Operations and Oversight

• Lead and manage all day-to-day operational accounting activities and functions of the company including timely and accurate monthly financial reporting, consolidation and closing processes, reconciliation of various financial statement accounts and deep dive analysis as appropriate.
• Meet group reporting requirements of both the pladis Group and the Yildiz Group
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of the general ledger, payroll, and taxes.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with IFRS and US GAAP (dependent on legal entity)
• Manage and optimize two ERP systems with a strategic eye towards harmonization.
• Leverage OneStream for global consolidation, reporting, and performance management.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce risk.
• Drive transparency in performance against key KPI’s.

Compliance and Controls

• Maintain robust internal processes and controls and overall governance of regional DOA.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Proactively assess processes and controls that have a material financial impact; recommend course correcting action as needed.
• Ensure clean and timely year end audits conducted by outside CPA firm and audits conducted internally. Prioritize and implement solutions to address internal audit findings.
• As needed, manage audits conducted by the CRA.

Cash

Supervise cash management activities with a focus on continuous improvement of working capital year over year. Provide management oversight and direction for the company’s accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, fixed asset, and tax activities. A focus on strong AP management is required.

Strategic Leadership

• Proactively identify opportunities to simplify legal structures where appropriate.
• Partner with the CFO and cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives as needed.
• Provide actionable insights and analysis to support decision making within area of remit.

Relationships with External Stakeholders

• Develop and cultivate strong relationships with all stakeholders including home office teams, global partners, internal and external auditors, and others as appropriate.
• Actively participate in corporate governance process of the company

Leadership

• Create the environment for a highly engaged team that works well and are seen as valued partners by the business.
• Develop talent and maintain succession plans for key roles

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Essential to have experience in Snacking, Food or overall CPG industry.
• Proven experience as a senior finance leader in both Commercial Finance and Controllership
• Successful record of leading high performing teams, delivering streamlined process and leveraging technology
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Expert-level knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting standards
• Advanced proficiency in SAP S4, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is preferred
• Proficiency in OneStream for consolidation and performance management
• Strong command of internal controls, compliance and audit readiness
• Demonstrated ability to drive efficiency, reduce manual work and optimize workflows
• Transformation experience covering process and ERP
• Experience coaching and developing finance professionals
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Ability to stand alone and influence both up and down within and outside the organization
• A drive, commitment and sense of urgency that inspires others to be their best and achieve results

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:

• Able to position themselves and drive followership as a leader and trusted advisor to stakeholders and build strong working relationships both vertically and horizontally.
• Accountable for results and how they are achieved.
• Thrives in an environment that is fast-paced and able to adapt to changing situations.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven record of developing talent
• Genuine in desire to build a positive and productive high-performance team culture.