Key Objectives

1. Strategic Partnership:

Serve as the finance expert for the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and R&D Directors, participating in their respective functional leadership teams.
Collaborate with R&D Directors and BU Heads of Finance to define functional goals and translate them into tangible financial plans.
Achieve strategic capex, opex, working capital, and structural savings goals, managing an annual budget of approximately €50m for the Global R&D team and indirectly an additional 250m of R&D spend within the BUs

2. Data-Driven Insights:

Analyze the financial performance of the Global R&D Function on a monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc basis.
Provide fact-based analysis to identify financial risks and opportunities, driving critical decision-making.

3. Performance Enhancement & Transformation Catalyst:

Implement recently standardized processes and digitalization efforts within the Functional Control team to the R&D function.
Enhance performance management, efficiency, and innovation through proactive involvement in wider finance projects and initiatives.
Drive harmonization, standardization, and process automation, leading to efficiency gains and continuous improvements in end-to-end processes.

4. Financial Liaison:

Act as a bridge between R&D, BUs, and the finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting and maintaining the integrity of accounts.
Review complex topics and liaise with Group Reporting to ensure proper recognition.

5. Strategic Governance:

Serve as an objective voice and governor of the company’s processes and policies, ensuring compliance and supporting internal control process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Structure Creation:

Develop and implement governance structures to streamline processes within the R&D department and across BUs.
Collaborate with fellow controllers and business units to establish clear guidelines and workflows.

Stakeholder Management:

Liaise with various business units and stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and ensuring effective communication.
Confidently manage difficult conversations and navigate complex stakeholder dynamics.
Engage with stakeholders around the world to align on goals and objectives.

Process and Data Management:

Provide detailed analysis and oversight of processes and data within the R&D team.
Identify gaps between current operations and desired outcomes, proposing and implementing improvements.

Commercial and Cost Controlling:

Bring a commercial mindset to R&D product-driven initiatives.
Adapt cost-controlling methods to better fit the evolving needs of the organization.
Analyze financial data to support commercial decision-making and drive efficiency.

Change Management:

Lead transformation initiatives aimed at improving the overall structure and functionality of the R&D department.
Proactively propose and implement changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Manage the complexities of a large matrix structure, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption.

Ownership and Initiative:

Take full ownership of projects, driving them from conception through to implementation.
Bring innovative ideas to the table and confidently execute them.
Provide seniority and drive to inspire and motivate colleagues through periods of change.

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

Develop project budgets, forecasts, and financial plans in collaboration with the R&D team.
Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to stakeholders, including project status updates and budget vs. actual analysis.
Conduct cost-benefit analyses and return on investment (ROI) assessments for proposed projects.

Risk Management:

Identify potential risks and opportunities, proactively mitigating risks.
Ensure integrity, compliance, and transparency of financial results, liaising with Group Reporting as necessary.

Process Improvement:

Drive process solutions for transfer pricing and cost allocation models globally, regionally, and locally.
Participate in projects to standardize, streamline, and bring efficiency to end-to-end processes across the company.
Work with dependent areas such as R2R, P2P, and I2C to drive improvements.

Team Collaboration:

Be a proactive member of the Functional Control team, seeking continuous improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
Coach and guide the team of analysts, helping them develop their professional skills.

Complexity of the Role

• Working within a large multinational matrix organization with a global R&D function led by the CTO, as well as R&D directors reporting directly to 8 BU Directors.
• Direct exposure to senior C-suite executives and a global, regional, and local network of cross-functional stakeholders.
• Navigating several systems and processes that are continuously improving, particularly through ongoing finance transformation and digital application changes.
• Managing change in end-to-end processes following a recent restructure within finance.

Requirements

Masters degree in Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, or equivalent. MBA or chartered controller degree is a plus.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior-level controlling, preferably within a large, multinational organization.
Proven track record in business partnering and change management with senior/executive stakeholders across multi-functional and cultural teams.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Ability to analyze and interpret detailed financial data.
Proactive approach to problem-solving and change management.
Confident and assertive in managing difficult conversations and driving change.
Proven P&L and B/S impact with experience in forecasting and budgeting.
Sound understanding of key accounting principles (IFRS) and accounting systems (SAP). HFM is preferabel but not mandatory.
Strong analytical skills, able to transition from a helicopter view to deeper granular understanding.
Willingness to start with a blank slate and build structures from the ground up.
High level of seniority and drive, with a proactive and confident approach.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, unstable environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Fluent in English, both verbal and written communication.
Proven self-starter, problem solver, and implementer with a result-driven, ‘Getting it done’ mentality.
Stress-resistant, flexible, and open to change.
Natural curiosity and attention to detail.
High level of integrity