Group Corporate Finance Lead

Our client is a leading international listed consumer goods company with a portfolio of globally recognised brands and a strong presence across international markets.

As part of an ambitious transformation programme, the Group is reshaping its global Finance organisation to simplify its operating model, strengthen governance and enhance the effectiveness of its Finance function worldwide. This strategic evolution includes the consolidation of key Finance activities within a more integrated global organisation, supporting sustainable growth, operational excellence and long-term value creation.

This is a unique opportunity to join a high-performing international environment and play a pivotal role in designing and leading the future Finance organisation of a global industry leader.

About the Opportunity

The Group is entering a pivotal phase in the evolution of its Finance organisation. Following the appointment of a new Executive Leadership Team, an ambitious transformation programme has been launched to simplify the operating model, strengthen governance and build a more integrated global Finance function.

Within this context, the appointment of a Group Corporate Finance Lead represents a key strategic leadership role.

Reporting directly to the Group Chief Financial Officer, the successful executive will lead the Group's Corporate Finance organisation, covering:

• Accounting Operations
• Tax
• Insurance
• Treasury

Initially managing approximately 30–35 Finance professionals, the role will progressively evolve towards the leadership of approximately 150 Corporate Finance professionals worldwide, as local Finance organisations transition towards a more centralised operating model.

The position combines operational excellence, governance and large-scale organisational transformation within a complex international listed environment.

Position Summary

• Title : Group Corporate Finance Lead
• Team Size : approximately 30–35 professionals initially, growing to around 100 worldwide.

Scope

• Accounting Operations
• Accounting Standards
• Tax
• Insurance
• Treasury

Role Overview

As a member of the Global Finance Leadership Team, the Group Corporate Finance Lead acts as the CFO's trusted partner across all Corporate Finance matters.

The role combines technical leadership with organisational transformation and requires an executive capable of leading a complex international Finance organisation while ensuring the highest standards of governance and financial reporting.

Beyond managing existing operations, the successful candidate will design and implement the future Corporate Finance operating model through process harmonisation, organisational redesign and systems transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Governance & Reporting

• Ensure accuracy, consistency and timeliness of Group consolidated financial statements under IFRS.
• Own Group accounting policies and technical accounting guidance.
• Lead Board and Audit Committee financial reporting.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory stakeholders.
• Strengthen internal controls and governance.

Corporate Finance Transformation

• Lead the transformation towards a global, standardised Finance organisation.
• Design scalable governance frameworks and operating models.
• Drive harmonisation and automation of Record-to-Report processes.
• Partner with Transformation and IT teams on ERP deployment and Finance systems evolution.
• Improve coordination across Accounting, Consolidation, Treasury and Tax.

Leadership

• Build and lead a global accounting community.
• Develop governance, KPIs, talent management and succession planning.
• Support leaders through organisational change.
• Foster collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

Strategic Partnership

• Advise the Group CFO on Corporate Finance matters.
• Support Finance strategy and organisational effectiveness.
• Partner closely with Controlling, Internal Audit, Procurement, Legal and Business Leadership.

Treasury & Tax

• Oversee Treasury activities including liquidity, cash management, funding and financial risk.
• Lead the Group Tax function and ensure robust governance and compliance.
• Ensure Treasury and Tax topics receive appropriate Executive and Board visibility.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an accomplished international Finance executive combining deep technical accounting expertise with proven transformational leadership.

Experience

• ~ 15-20 years of progressive Finance experience within listed multinational companies.
• Extensive leadership experience across Accounting, Consolidation and Financial Governance.
• Strong expertise in IFRS and Group Financial Reporting.
• Solid understanding of Tax governance.
• Experience overseeing Treasury activities is advantageous but not essential.
• Significant exposure to Board and Audit Committee interactions.
• Proven success leading large Finance transformation programmes.Strong experience redesigning Finance operating models, governance and international organisations.
• Professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
• Fluent English required; French is an advantage.

Ideal candidates are likely to come from international industrial, FMCG / consumer goods organisations operating within complex manufacturing and global supply-chain environments.

• Executive presence and credibility.
• Ability to lead through influence.
• Strong strategic vision combined with operational discipline.
• Proven ability to lead large international teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Strong change management capabilities.

Personal Qualities

• High integrity and sound judgement.
• Resilient and comfortable operating in complex environments.
• Pragmatic and analytical.
• International mindset.
• Results-oriented with strong accountability.
• Passionate about developing people and building high-performing organisations.

Why Join?

This role offers the opportunity to lead one of the most significant Finance transformation programmes currently underway within a major international listed group.

Reporting directly to the Group CFO, the successful candidate will shape the future Corporate Finance organisation, strengthen governance and build a scalable Finance operating model supporting the Group's long‑term ambitions.

It is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the Finance function of a leading global organisation.