Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world's foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.
With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Purpose of role:
In this role, you'll take ownership of financial accounting and local compliance for your entities, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timely delivery. You'll also play a key role in our S4 Hana system migration and support a range of exciting finance projects.
Financial Excellence & Reporting:
* Producing monthly management accounts and financial reports aligned with company standards
* Preparing and posting accruals, prepayments, and other key accounting entries
* Completing timely, accurate balance sheet reconciliations in Blackline
* Ensuring intercompany accounts are fully reconciled and discrepancies resolved
* Preparing and filing statutory accounts for your legal entities
Operational Leadership
* Managing asset accounting, depreciation runs, and project capitalisation
* Supporting VAT and tax compliance alongside internal and external specialists
* Leading external audit requests and partnering with internal audit to resolve findings
* Managing GRIR accounts and ensuring no aged balances remain
* Preparing and reviewing weekly cashflow forecasts
* Leading the annual balance sheet budget and supporting P&L budgeting
* Approving weekly payment runs
* Partnering with HR and payroll providers to ensure accurate, timely payroll
People & Process Leadership
* Managing and developing one or more accountants, ensuring strong performance and growth
* Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business
* Driving continuous improvement, documenting and enhancing processes
* Supporting the Finance Manager/Senior Accounting Manager with ad‑hoc projects
Project & Transformation Work
You'll be a key contributor to Synthomer's Finance Transformation Programme, collaborating with colleagues across Finance and the wider business to deliver our vision for a modern, efficient, and future‑ready finance function.
What You Bring
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
* Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
* Confidence working independently and collaboratively
* Sharp analytical thinking and exceptional Excel capability
* Experience in large, complex financial environments (manufacturing preferred)
* Hands‑on experience with SAP and S4 Hana
* ACA/ACCA/CIMA, part or fully qualified essential
* European language skills are a bonus (not essential)
Global Benefits Overview
* Competitive, market-aligned compensation
* Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
* Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
* Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
* Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
* Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
* Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
* Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
Location & Working Pattern
This role is based at our European Shared Service Centre in Harlow, where collaboration and team synergy are at the heart of how we work. We ask team members to be on-site at least four days per week to support this dynamic environment.
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"At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business"