Foreign Business Unit – General Ledger Accountant
Location: Milan, Navigli Area
Company: Leading Italian Pharmaceutical Group
Company Overview
Our client is a distinguished Italian pharmaceutical group with a solid international footprint, recognized for its commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and operational rigor. As part of its continued expansion, the company is strengthening its Finance organization and is seeking a Foreign Business Unit – General Ledger Accountant to oversee the accounting activities of designated international entities.
Role Purpose
The role will serve as the primary accounting owner for selected foreign business units, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity of financial data. The ideal candidate combines technical proficiency with strong analytical capabilities and the confidence to engage effectively with international stakeholders. This position offers high visibility within the Finance function and the opportunity to contribute to a rapidly evolving and growth-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting & Reporting
* Lead the monthly closing processes for assigned foreign entities, including cash, fixed assets, prepaids, accruals, intercompany, VAT, taxes, and leases.
* Prepare and document manual journal entries, account reconciliations, and monthly reporting packages.
* Perform foreign currency gain/loss analysis and ensure accurate multi-currency accounting.
* Review monthly financial statements and conduct detailed fluctuation and variance analyses.
* Maintain the integrity of general ledger accounts, ensuring compliance with IFRS and local statutory requirements.
Compliance & Internal Control
* Ensure appropriate recordkeeping and documentation in line with internal policies and regulatory standards.
* Support the preparation of Statutory Financial Statements for designated international entities.
* Assist internal and external auditors by providing timely, accurate, and complete documentation.
* Contribute to maintaining an effective internal control environment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Projects
* Liaise with key internal stakeholders (Finance, Tax, Treasury, and local subsidiaries) to support monthly close activities.
* Participate in Finance-driven initiatives, process improvements, and special projects assigned by the Associate Director, Accounting.
* Perform ad‐hoc analyses and support the Finance function on strategic accounting inquiries.
Candidate Profile
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
* Professional accountancy qualification (e.G., CA, CIMA) strongly preferred.
* Minimum 5 years of experience within an international, matrix-structured environment.
* Solid understanding of IFRS principles, internal control frameworks, and audit processes.
* Experience with multi-currency transactions and international accounting operations.
* Proficiency in English;
additional European languages represent a strong plus.
* Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office;
SAP and FloQast experience preferred.
Competencies & Personal Attributes
* Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail.
* Proactive approach, intellectual curiosity, and openness to process optimization.
* Ability to operate within small, distributed, and multicultural teams.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* High degree of integrity, reliability, and accountability.