VF Corporation is looking for an exceptional Manager, Financial Closing & Gross-to-Net to join the Financial Closing & Reporting team based in Stabio, Switzerland. The role sits within EMEA central Controllership team and supports a portfolio of iconic brands such as The North Face®, Vans® and Timberland®.

Let’s talk about the role!     

In this role, you will be responsible for leading a small team and for month-end closing and reporting activities for the EMEA region, with a specific focus on revenues, margin and customer settlements. You will make sure that provisions, settlements, credit and debit notes, and related accruals are correctly accounted for and reported in the monthly financial results.

You will oversee the preparation of Top Management dashboards and provide ad hoc analysis to support Senior Management decisions. Using a firm understanding of our entity structure, general ledger and financial systems, you will ensure data integrity and drive process improvements by leveraging automation and AI. You will also represent the team in cross-functional projects affecting systems and financial data flows.

Primary Accountabilities:

·         Manage, coach and develop team members in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Set priorities, balance the workload and review the team's work. 

·         Lead the design, management and improvement of the month-end closing process, ensuring that all activities are completed within tight closing deadlines. This includes revenue recognition and accruals, as well as support to the finance community during the monthly close. 

·         Own the balance sheet reserves for returns, bad debt, off-invoice discounts, chargebacks, cash discounts, and loyalty programmes, ensuring they are adequately supported, reconciled and correctly reflected in the monthly financial results. 

·         Oversee Gross-to-Net reporting and analysis, as well as the preparation of Top Management dashboards, including variance analysis on revenues and standard margin, customer profitability and the unshipped order book. Provide ad hoc analysis to support Senior Management decisions, often at short notice. 

·         Oversee daily monitoring of actuals to ensure financial data is complete and accurate. 

·         Oversee and approve a high volume of credit and debit notes, invoice adjustments, sundry documents and agent commissions, with direct review of complex and high-value cases. 

·         Coordinate customer claims, disputes and the customer AR reconciliation for terms and conditions with Customer Operations, Credit and the Brands. Coordinate the activities delegated to external service providers. 

·         Own master data governance and mapping maintenance, making sure the technical structure of the systems stays aligned with business and reporting needs. 

·         Lead the preparation of the Balance Sheet Review for the areas in scope and support the related review discussions. 

·         Maintain strong controls and documentation, act as the point of contact for internal and external auditors, and work with Accounting to make sure new accounting standards and policies are correctly implemented. 

·         Identify and drive process improvements using automation and AI tools to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy and speed up the close. 

·         Work with Business Intelligence, D&T (Digital & Technology) and AMS (Application Management Services) to improve the tools used for actuals and reporting, resolve system or process issues, and deliver cross-functional projects, including new business models, alongside day-to-day activities. 

Skills for Success

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management Engineering or a related field. 
• 6+ years of relevant experience in Finance, Accounting or Management Accounting, preferably in a multinational company or a Big Four firm. 
• Previous experience managing or coordinating a team. 
• Fluent written and spoken English. Knowledge of Italian is a plus; other European languages (e.g. German, French or Spanish) are an advantage. 
• Strong financial background and solid knowledge of accounting principles. 

• Experience in month-end closing, revenue and margin reporting, and settlement processes. 

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into insights for Senior Management. 

• Strong relationship and stakeholder management skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and a heavy workload under tight deadlines, while staying accurate and keeping attention to detail. 

• Continuous improvement mindset, with interest in or experience of applying automation and AI tools to finance processes. 

• Excellent Excel skills and good knowledge of SAP. Knowledge of Vistex, BlackLine, Cognos or other BI tools is a plus. 

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

·         A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

·         An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

·         Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization

·         On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

·         50% discount on all VF brands

·         Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity 

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!