French Statutory Reporting Manager

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.

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 corporate 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 position requires fluency in French to facilitate effective collaboration with French stakeholders and ensure adherence to local regulations. The role is based either in Sintra, Greater Lisbon, Portugal or at our office in Harlow, Essex, UK

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate and timely financial records for French entities in line with local GAAP.

• Collaborate on finalising financial statements for French legal entities and other European entities as required, including tax disclosures.

• Prepare data to support French corporate tax provisions during the Group IFRS year end including current and deferred tax.

• Oversee co-sourced French corporate tax and related returns, ensuring accuracy in key calculations such as interest disallowance prior to submission.

• Provide expert guidance and perform calculations for participation bonuses/interessement/, R&D tax credit claims, and pensions accounting.

• Advise on differences between IFRS and French GAAP/Tax for fixed assets, ensuring ledger accuracy and compliance.

• Ensure timely preparation and availability of FEC (Fichier des Écritures Comptables) files for all French entities.

• Provide monthly support for statutory balance sheet reconciliations (CIT, Payroll, VAT).

• Lead on French compliance activities, including provisions for bonuses, pensions, and other statutory obligations.

• Participating in S4 Hana transformation including year-end change for France and ensuring IFRS/Local GAAP/Tax GAAP/French tax requirements are gathered and delivered.

• Support the wider finance and tax teams with audits (including local Tax Authority Audits) by delivering timely and accurate financial data to stakeholders.

Education and Qualifications:

• Fully qualified accountant ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent (essential)

Experience and Knowledge:

• French language and French GAAP/tax system/Tax regulations expertise is essential.

• This role supports French entities remotely and does not require relocation to France.

• Highlight Sintra as the preferred location if that's your preference.

• Background in large, complex financial environments (manufacturing experience preferred)

• 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, Greater Lisbon, Portugal or at our office in Harlow, Essex, UK. 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 partially between our London and French sites.

Benefits -these may vary region to region

• 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation, global bonus scheme, share options (senior positions)

• 🩺 Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision – tailored to regional locations)

• 🏖️ Generous paid time off and public holiday leave

• 👶 Parental leave and family support (maternity, paternity, adoption leave)

• 🏡 Flexible working options (hybrid, remote, or flexible hours depending on role and location)

• 📚 Learning & development opportunities (continuous training, online platforms, mentorship & buddy programs)

• 💙 Wellbeing support (Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives)

• 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions (plans vary by country)

• 🌍 Inclusive and diverse culture where everyone can thrive

Check out our Synthomer Strategy video for insight into our company vision and strategic direction. We hope you enjoy it! Our strategy | Synthomer