Area Controller Europe South

About the role

Sika, a specialty chemicals company, is looking for an Area Controller Europe South to lead the financial governance, performance oversight and technical leadership of its finance organizations across Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. The role is based in one of the four countries of the area and acts as a key business partner to the Area Manager and a quality gate between local entities and EMEA / Group Finance.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee and challenge financial performance across the area, focusing on Sales, Material Margin, Opex, EBITDA and ONWC, and ensure accurate, consistent financial reporting to the area, EMEA and Group.
• Identify financial risks and deviations, escalate them when needed, and align local financial practices with Group, EMEA and area standards.
• Act as the primary financial partner to the Area Manager and contribute to area management decisions with fact-based analysis.
• Guide local Finance Managers on accounting, controlling and governance, and serve as a reference point for complex financial, tax and audit matters.
• Oversee country budgets, forecasts and long-term plans, define benchmarks and support countries in turning insights into action plans.
• Support internal and external audits, promote a culture of compliance and internal controls, and shape the finance organization, including roles, succession planning and talent development.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in finance, controlling or financial management, ideally in an international or multi-country environment.
• Proven regional or area financial leadership experience, preferably in matrix organizations.
• Experience developing finance teams across multiple countries and supporting transformation, restructuring and performance improvement initiatives.
• Fluent English (mandatory); proficiency in one or more local area languages is an advantage.

Required skills

• Technical background in accounting (IFRS preferred), controlling and financial governance.
• Planning, budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and financial reporting tools such as SAP, Hyperion, Power BI or similar.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.