Synthomer plc is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.
At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong knowledge of French GAAP, tax, and statutory compliance
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, across all levels – in both French and English
• Proven ability to lead change, drive process improvements, and foster high-performing teams
• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Experienced in managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and supporting audits and finance transformation initiatives
• Sound judgment and strategic planning capabilities

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree-level education (essential)
• Fully qualified accountant ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent (essential)

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 5+ years post-qualification experience
• In-depth knowledge of French GAAP, French tax system, and VAT/tax regulations (essential)
• Background in large, complex financial environments (manufacturing experience preferred)
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Hands-on experience with SAP and S4 systems or similar, large ERP systems
  Location and Travel requirements:
  This position can be located at our facility in Sintra, Portugal (Hybrid) or at our office in Harlow, UK (Hybrid), with Hybrid indicating at least 3 days in the office. Both sites have specialised finance teams that you will collaborate with closely. No matter where you are situated, you will be part of a cooperative, cross-border working environment.
  Occasional travel to Europe may be necessary for this position and could also be required during the training phase.

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

We’re looking for a detail-driven finance professional to take on a vital role in the preparation of Financial Statements and statutory returns, ensuring compliance for our French legal entities according to French local GAAP. Additionally, you will assist with similar processes in other European markets. If you have a passion for tax precision, regulatory compliance, and making a significant impact on business projects, this is your chance to shine in a dynamic, cross-border environment. This role requires fluency in French, enabling seamless collaboration with French stakeholders and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
This position can be located at our facility in Sintra, Portugal (Hybrid) or at our office in Harlow, UK (Hybrid), with Hybrid indicating at least 3 days in the office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain accurate and timely financial records for French entities in line with local GAAP.
• Translate IFRS/US GAAP trial balances into French GAAP and support the preparation of statutory financial statements.
• Collaborate on finalising financial statements for French and other European entities.
• Prepare data to support French corporate tax and year-end tax computations.
• Provide monthly support for statutory balance sheet reconciliations (CIT, Payroll, VAT).
• Partner with the VAT team to ensure compliance with French-specific requirements.
• Lead on French compliance activities, including provisions for bonuses, pensions, and other statutory obligations.
• Support internal and external audits by delivering timely and accurate financial data.
• Assist the Senior European Compliance Manager with finance projects and ad-hoc initiatives.
• Help develop and maintain internal controls and ensure process documentation is up to date.
• Contribute to M&A activities, including due diligence, data validation, and system transitions.