International Business Controller (VOC & HQ)
Cotecna is a leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services. Founded in Switzerland in 1974, Cotecna started off as a family business and has now grown to become a world-class international player with over 7000 employees in more than 140 offices across 50 countries.
Mission of the Role
The VOC & HQ Controller provides reliable financial oversight, forward-looking analysis and effective control across the Verification of Conformity business and selected HQ processes. The role safeguards the accuracy and integrity of financial information, supports business and Group decision-making, and drives consistent performance, risk management and resource optimisation across the VOC network.
Key Responsibilities
1. VOC Financial Controlling
Lead VOC financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, ensuring consistent assumptions, robust challenge and timely delivery.
Review the accuracy and completeness of VOC consolidated financial figures, monthly reporting and consolidation packages.
Establish and maintain effective controls over financial data, accounting submissions and key closing processes.
Monitor actual performance against budget and forecast, explain variances, identify trends and provide actionable insights to management.
Ensure timely reporting and compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulations, laws and Group requirements.
Optimise the VOC credit control process in coordination with affiliates and relevant HQ stakeholders.
2. Intercompany, Royalties & Commercial Flows
Ensure the accuracy and consistency of VOC transfer pricing and intercompany recharge processes.
Validate royalties and commissions arising from VOC programmes, including the underlying calculations and financial recognition.
Coordinate issue resolution and preventive actions where discrepancies or recurring errors are identified.
3. Risk Management & Compliance
Identify and assess VOC operational risks, excluding technical risks, and financial risks.
Develop, implement and monitor proportionate risk mitigation actions in coordination with process owners.
Promote compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, accounting requirements and internal control principles.
Collaborate with internal and external auditors and support the timely remediation of agreed findings.
4. Group Strategic Planning
Contribute to the Group strategic plan through integrated financial modelling by business activity and country.
Support the preparation and analysis of profit and loss, cash flow, capital expenditure, debt leverage and M&A synergy assumptions.
Provide recommendations for Group strategic initiatives based on financial analysis.
5. Organisation & Investment Support
Design and support the financial set-up of new VOC programs and Liaison Offices, including reporting, controls and intercompany flows.
Perform CAPEX analysis, challenge investment assumptions and follow up approved expenditure and expected benefits.
Support the definition of scalable financial processes, governance and reporting for new or evolving VOC programmes.
6. HQ Controlling & Governance Support
Provide controlling support for selected HQ processes in line with Internal Control Systems and external audit findings
7. Stakeholder Communication & Continuous Improvement
Communicate financial performance, key drivers, risks and recommendations to VOC leadership, Group Finance and other stakeholders.
Drive root-cause analysis and preventive actions to reduce errors, omissions and recurring process weaknesses.
Promote best-practice sharing across affiliates and implement practical solutions that improve accuracy, speed, transparency and efficiency.
Qualifications, Experience and Technical Skills
Advanced academic background in finance, accounting or a related discipline; CPA, ACCA or equivalent qualification is an advantage.
Proven financial Business controlling experience in a multinational and matrix organisation. (5 years minimum)
Demonstrated experience in planning, forecasting, consolidation, performance analysis, internal control and business partnering.
Experience in the Testing, Inspection and Certification industry or an international service business is a strong advantage.
Strong knowledge of IFRS and the ability to operate across Group and local accounting environments.
Fluency in English; French and any additional language are an advantage.
Advanced command of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Financial ERP - Tagetik EPM is a strong advantage - and Business Intelligence tools.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Geographical Scope
Global
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Function
Finance
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Seniority
Manager
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Country
France
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City
Orvault (Nantes)
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Contract
Full-time unlimited
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Subject To Travel
Up to 25%
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Open Until
2026/11/30