Accounting Finance Process Lead

Accounting and Finance Process Lead

Department: Finance - Group

Position type: Permanent

Location: Paris, France

Travel required: in Europe, occasionally

About the Role

• Lead the redesign and operational implementation of the Data4 Center of Finance and Accounting Excellence.
• This role is pivotal in ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and operational excellence across the group.
• Created to contribute to transformation of the Finance Department and deploy a Core Model supporting the fast-growing business in all functions and geographies.

Responsibilities

Lead Accounting Process

• Contribute to build the capability and autonomy of local finance teams, reducing reliance on external CPAs.
• Contribute to a better understanding of financial data.
• Lead the redesign and operational implementation of new accelerated close (Fast Close) processes across all entities.
• Ensure Fast Close processes are fully aligned with Consolidation Team workflows.

Group-wide Standardization

• Contribute to implementation of a comprehensive Group Accounting Manual (e.g., IP delivery).
• Produce process maps, SOPs, and checklists.
• Deploy and maintain the Accounting / Consolidation Core Model.
• Harmonize practices across entities.
• Support definition of new roles, processes and responsibilities.
• Pilot and test the new processes in selected entities for Finance Tools.
• Oversee test cycles / UAT related to R2R activities on new tool deployment (RPA, AI, ect..).
• Support subsidiaries during roll-outs.
• Train local finance teams on new process.
• Monitor closing KPIs (D+1, D+2, D+3, etc.) and dailies, Group calendar preparations.
• Operational Financial Deployment.
• Support Preparation of the future Group’s developments (new entities, new geographies, new scopes).
• Audit Support.
• Act as PMO of the annual audit process.
• Continuous improvement & Center of Excellence.
• Establish an escalation mechanism of monthly close/process issues.
• Track recurring bottlenecks and issues and propose solutions to tackle them.
• Adjust process based on feedback from entities (Monthly REX).
• Contribute to deployment of Finance Tools.

Responsibilities in Terms of IMS Certifications

• Respect and enforce health and safety rules.
• Respect and enforce environmental policies.
• Respect and enforce information security policies.
• Respect and enforce the policy of reducing energy consumption.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA, ACCA, or equivalent certification.
• 15-year+ experience in a high-growth, private equity-backed or technology-driven environment is a plus.
• Fluency in English; additional European languages are a plus.

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in group accounting and consolidation in an international, multi-entity environment.
• Deep knowledge of IFRS and SOX compliance.
• Strong understanding of digital finance transformation, including ERP and consolidation tools.
• Expertise in complex accounting transactions and audit processes.

Soft Skills

• Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional, cross-border teams with influence and clarity; team player.
• Change Management: Skilled in driving transformation in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Project Management: Strong planning, execution, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Communication: Clear, structured communicator with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Rigor and listening; problem-solving oriented.