Do you have the appetite to Grow Your Magic?

Consumers everywhere are increasingly conscious of the quality of the food they eat. Puratos develops, produces and distributes a unique range of ingredients for bakers, pastry-chefs and chocolatiers who demand the very highest quality.

Founded in 1919 in Belgium, Puratos is growing rapidly with over 10,000 employees in more than 100 countries, with a consolidated turnover of over €3 billion. Our passion for innovation, pioneering spirit and core values continue to propel our global ambitions. This, coupled with our commitment to our communities is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

Based in Latvia (Pure), we are currently recruiting a talented professional for the position of

Finance Manager Northern Europe

(Pure, Latvia)

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Regional Director Northern Europe, you will play a key role in the region and contribute significantly to the financial performance of the Puratos entities and joint ventures in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Your key focus will be on the two countries with own production sites, Denmark & Latvia. You will lead a team of ten Finance professionals across accounting, finance and business controlling.

• In your regional role you will manage and coordinate the finance team, based in Latvia, taking care of all the finance processes for the seven Puratos entities in Northern Europe
• As part of the Management Team, you will actively contribute in the value creation and the decisions made in the two manufacturing sites of the region. While Puratos Latvia is a mature company specialized in the production of fruit fillings for yogurt, ice cream, bakery and confectionery processing, Puratos Denmark is a freshly made acquisition, developing new capabilities and opportunities

Key accountabilities

Finance management

• Be a key business partner to the Regional Director and the General Managers of the 7 entities in North Europe, to support them with all Financial, Legal and Admin matters and support the decision-making process with relevant data
• Develop finance organizational strategies by compiling financial and accounting information, (trend) analysis, and recommendations to strategic thinking and direction; establish functional objectives in line with organizational objectives
• Organize and supervise all finance processes with the team: monthly closing and reporting, tax and VAT reporting, forecasting & budget process…
• Be a partner for the different functions amongst the entities to challenge and improve the processes safeguarding an optimal use of the assets of the company. This includes strict debtor management, stock control, cash management, trade creditors, control of fixed assets, application of Group and local generally accepted accounting principles, analysis of investments in accordance with Group principles
• Effectively communicate financial goals/targets and ensure accountability is assigned to the appropriate functional leader; work closely with local management teams in setting cost control and reduction strategies
• Drive the annual budgeting process and coordinate with various stakeholders. Consolidate and analyse budgets, prepare management reports and presentations to follow up on completion of financial objectives
• Manage financing requirements and optimize cash management in coordination with the Group treasury function
• Take part to the pricing process of the companies to ensure the balance between competitiveness and profitability
• Work closely with other department managers and with the Belgian headquarters to ensure financial strategies are aligned with the business objectives
• Reduce FX exposure through hedge management (when applicable)

Capital assets management

In collaboration with the Operations team:

• Support and review elaboration of business cases
• Discuss the financing and the return of the projects

Development and teamwork

• Inspire and develop talents, identify team strengths & opportunities
• Act as role model to encourage team and stakeholders to embrace change
• Crosstrain staff in all vital functions to ensure continuity

Qualifications

• Master’s in finance or business administration with about 10 years of relevant professional experience and at least 3 years in a leadership position.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment - preferably in a multi-national context - is highly recommended
• You are accurate, efficient and have a strong business acumen & drive for results
• You are capable to organize, plan and execute reliably and independently
• You have proven people management and development skills
• You are proficient in MS Office and any ERP system (Ideally SAP) 
• You have excellent English writing and communication skills; Knowledge of Latvian or any other language from the region is of course an advantage
• You have strong influencing, analytical and problem-solving skills
• You have a good understanding of law and general practices in terms of finance management
• You demonstrate sufficient understanding & knowledge of IFRS
• You are a team player & practice partnership at all levels of the organization
• You are ready to travel to Baltics and Nordics countries up to 15% of your working time

Our Offer

Puratos provides a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to take initiatives and suggest ideas that will contribute to the success of the company.

Next to a competitive salary package that also includes yearly bonus un the company car, Puratos offers a flexible workplace alternating remote work with physical presence as well as a career that you can further shape and develop.