GL Accountant
Permanent contract / Marbella, Spain
Sommet Education is a hospitality management and pastry & culinary arts education group of more than 1200 employees that is home to five leading brands: Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, Ecole Ducasse, Invictus Group and the Indian School of Hospitality. Our headquarters are based in Lausanne, Switzerland, with additional hubs in Marbella, Spain (Accounting) and London, UK (Enrolment, Marketing and Digital).
You share our values: Development, Distinctiveness, Joint commitment, Openness and Sense of service.
1. Professional accounting experience with 7+ years post qualified experience
2. Extensive knowledge of accounting principles, technical accounting skills, including knowledge of GAAP, IFRS and other regulatory requirements
3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and drive results.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (English), with the ability to present financial information to senior leadership.
5. Proven leadership skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team of professionals.
6. Experience with financial systems and software
7. Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment
8. Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting software (MS Dynamics experience a bonus)
9. Strong attention to detail and accuracy whilst having full control of the big picture.
10. Excellent oral and written communication skills required
11. Must have strong technical and automation skills
12. Must have excellent analytical skills
13. Must be a self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills
14. Must be flexible, able to contribute to a team environment, and able to handle multiple priorities
15. Individual will possess a business orientation with demonstrated customer service skills working within a team environment
16. Preparation of VAT, Corporate tax return and statutory financial statements, in collaboration with tax advisors
17. Consolidation experience is a plus
Main responsibilities & tasks
Manage and oversee the daily operations of the core accounting department (including accounts payable, general ledger and technical accounting), to ultimately ensure timely, complete and accurate financial reporting.
Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations through effective financial stewardship.
Oversee the preparation of financial statements, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, and provide insights to senior leadership.
Prepare and present financial reports and analyse financial data, providing insights to senior leadership on financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.
Own and constantly monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve financial performance.
Collaborate with other departments such as legal, strategic finance and tax to ensure cross functional alignment with business objectives and to support decision-making.
Assist in budgeting and forecasting
Manage relationships with external auditors, and other financial professionals, culminating in a timely and accurate audit process.
Provide guidance and support to core accounting team, including coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
Stay up to date with industry trends, changes in accounting regulations, and best practices to ensure continuous improvement in accounting processes and systems.
Identify opportunities to automate to elevate efficiency and accuracy across the team, ensuring we remain up to date with the latest world class tech solutions in the accounting sphere, streamlining processes and removing bottlenecks.
Drive ad-hoc projects across the business to add value, insight and revenue generating insight to the internal stakeholders.
Experience with reconciliation of Balance sheet accounts and prepare supporting documentation.
Assist direct on-boarding acquisition accounting practices and assessing current financial situation.
Assist in new processes and system implementation when required