General & Statutory Accounting Lead - office based in Bratislava

This position is responsible for managing and coordinating a team that maintains the general ledgers of selected business units supported by a regional finance shared service center. The primary objective of this function is to ensure the integrity and completeness of all general ledgers, including execution of the day-to-day core processing activities in our PeopleSoft financial systems, reconciliation of accounts and resolution of discrepancies, in accordance with US GAAP, internal financial policies, local statutory requirements, Quintiles Financial Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Sarbanes-Oxley rules. This individual will be a member of the Quintiles financial shared services center, supporting our operations in a specific region, which is an integral part of our global financial shared services network.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This regional role provides the technical and operational foundation necessary to support internal and external reporting, financial planning and analysis and global tax requirements. As a result, this individual must have highly developed skills in all areas of accounting, and a high comfort level with ERP systems. Duties include:
• Manage the monthly closing and financial reporting process to the US parent for each business unit in the region by ensuring each closing task is completed timely, accurately and in the proper sequence.
• Deliver full substantiation and reconciliation of general ledger balance sheet and key P&L accounts.
• Manage the fixed asset process; ensuring the Capital Appropriation process operates effectively and capitalizations are done properly.
• Establish and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures, US and local compliance requirements, statutory reporting, procedures and controls.
• Drive accuracy and compliance with all accounting regulations and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
• Manage staff in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable legislation. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance and guiding professional development; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing employee relations issues and resolving problems. Approve actions on human resources matters, including salary administration.
• Effectively manage team resources and delegate tasks commensurate with skill level. Evaluate workload and quality through regular review.
• Ensure the staff has a consistent understanding and positive impression of business strategy for their respective business unit/division/country.
• Participate in the implementation of strategic initiatives and plans.
• Coordinate and participate in financial, tax and related audits (internal, external and financial authorities) as assigned.
• Provide the requisite process-related support to the various country general and statutory accounting teams to enable them to effectively monitor corporate income, sales and use, VAT, property, payroll and benefits taxes in their jurisdictions, and so they can support the preparation of the various tax returns in these jurisdictions.
• Work closely with worldwide Shared Services group to ensure strong global coordination, continuous improvement and standard processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Strong communication skills – effective verbal and written communication skills in both English and relevant local language(s).
• Attention to detail and a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to exercise judgment within procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers and business partners.
• Ability to lead, influence and motivate others.
• Sense of urgency and ability to manage and prioritize multiple work requirements to meet deadlines.
• Strong customer service focus, with a drive to ensure that we exceed the expectations of our customers.
• Commitment to delivering quality results and overcoming obstacles and challenges in a time-sensitive environment.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. CPA or Chartered Accountant certification is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (in a US multi-national preferred).
• Experience of working in a Shared Service financial accounting role.
• Knowledge of ERP financial systems and reporting tools (experience with PeopleSoft a plus).
• Hyperion Financial Management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Potential locations: Bratislava – Slovakia, Bangalore – India.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Extensive use of keyboard requiring repetitive motion of fingers.
• Extensive use of telephone and face-to-face communication requiring accurate perception of speech.
• Regular sitting for extended periods of time.
• May require occasional travel.