Head of Finance & Controlling (FiCo)

Objective and Purpose of the Position

• Leading the Finance Department for Americas (USA, Mexico and Brazil), with responsibility for ensuring compliance with policies and standards

• Leading all financial operations, controlling and reporting activities for the Americas region

• Ensure financial integrity, compliance and support strategic business decision to drive growth and profitability

Main Tasks

• Serving as the CEO’s main strategic partner, providing critical support and challenge to drive the company’s success

• Oversee all finance and controlling functions for the Americas region USA, Mexico, Brazil

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in line with corporate and regulatory standards

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and capital expenditure

• Monitor and analyze financial performance, providing actionable insights to management

• Ensure compliance with local, regional, and international accounting standards and regulations

• Support business strategy with financial analysis and recommendations

• Coordinate and support audits internal and external

• Lead and develop the regional finance and controlling teams

Special Tasks

• Drive continuous improvement in finance processes and systems

• Implement group-wide financial initiatives and digitalization projects at the regional level

• Represent the Americas region in global finance meetings and projects

Key Performance Indicators / Responsibilities

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting

• Achievement of budget and financial targets

• Compliance with audit and regulatory requirements

• Process improvement implementation and cost savings

• Team development and retention

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS, and local accounting standards in Mexico and Brazil

• Advanced skills in financial planning, analysis, and reporting

• Proficient in ERP systems and MS Office Suite

• Experience with financial process optimization and automation

Financial Competencies

• Budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis

• Cash flow and working capital management

• Risk management and internal controls

• Investment analysis and capital allocation

Personnel Competencies

• Disciplinary leadership of the FiCo Manager

• Functional leadership of the FiCo Team in North America, as well as the FiCo Managers in Mexico and Brazil, ensuring that all work according the same financial and accounting standards

Other Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• High level of integrity and ethical standards

• Strategic and business-oriented mindset

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

Requirements for the Job Holder

In certain positions, education must be necessary and NOT desirable.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required

• Master’s degree or MBA preferred

• CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification a plus

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance and controlling experience

• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role

• Experience in a multinational environment and in European companies required; experience in Swiss companies preferred

• Manufacturing experience required; Automotive industry experience preferred

• Experience managing teams across multiple countries

Additional Skills:

• Fluent in English required; Spanish and/or Portuguese a plus

• Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills