Lead Finance (Hybrid role)

Job Summary

You will work closely with the accounting team to ensure the timely execution of all finance and accounting affairs for the Harley-Davidson Benelux and H-D Switzerland entities. Additionally, this role works closely with the market’s management team to add value and contribute to the attainment of operational and strategic objectives.  This role will assist the Regional Finance Manager to ensure local results and activities are aligned with the overarching regional objectives. This position manages one accountant.

The role manages all day-to-day finance and administration activities for the two local entities, to ensure compliance with local requirements and to support the business. This includes the execution of month-end close activities, production of management accounts and reports, review of the accounts with the Regional Finance Manager, preparation of variance analysis, costs and spending analysis, as well as assisting in the planning, budgeting and forecasting activities. This position will be responsible for the local financial accounting according to local GAAP and US GAAP. Taking full ownership of the statutory filings are completed as required (VAT, Statutory accounts, etc.) and leading the annual audit processes. Assisting the Regional Finance Manager in the evaluation of pricing and margins, providing finance support to the commercial team. 
 

Job Responsibilities

Year-End/Month-end Processes

• Ensure that the accounting close process is completed accurately and on time, in line with Harley-Davidson requirements. 
• Work with the Finance team as needed to maintain accurate accounting records, up-to-date and reconciled accounts, as well as timely and robust management reporting.
• Ensures timely filing of all relevant statutory requirements, including but not limited to timely preparation of income tax, VAT filings as well as annual accounts (as applicable) . Working with local external advisors and auditors, as primary contact. 

Reporting, Forecasting, & Planning

• The Finance Lead has the responsibility for the appropriate financial and operating information.  This individual and the accounting staff are expected to work closely with other department groups on problems involving accounting systems and financial planning.
• Manage the preparation of annual budget and quarterly Operating Expenses and local Cost of Sale forecasts. Provide the corresponding reporting and analysis monthly and ad-hoc as required. 
• Assist in the input of plans into BPC
• Provide other business analysis as required to assist the organization, including calculation of transfer pricing related information. 
• Preparation and filing of monthly local VAT returns. Appropriate resolution of issues. 

Control

• Provide control via weekly and monthly reporting.
• Manage and control discount and promotional programme process for the markets.
• Ensure management and integrity of all market control processes, e.g. credit note approval.
• Manage and control the fleet of Company Owned Vehicles from a financial perspective.
• Responsible for engaging the necessary stakeholders to ensure compliance with all relevant statutory requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining the internal control environment and ensuring full compliance in collaboration with the Regional Finance Manager with all internal and SOX control requirements.
• Implementation of plans to enable continuous improvement of accounting and administrative procedures.

Education Specifications

This position required a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, as a basic requirement. A professional accounting qualification is desired.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated financial transaction processing, financial management, financial reporting and consolidations, preferably within both professional practice and industry. 
• Excellent MS-Excel and database skills are required. Experience with a large ERP system. SAP experience is a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and skills necessary to communicate with all levels of management. 
• Self-motivated and a self-starter continuously looking for process improvements. 
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining the broader, analytical perspective; and excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks under time constraints. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch are required, including fluency in English. German verbal and written communication would be desirable. 

The position may involve some travel to customer locations, motorcycle rally events, and other Harley-Davidson meetings.