Financial Controller - Head of Bookkeeping

Position: Controller - Head of Bookkeeping

Location: Serbia (Factory-based)
Reports to: Group Controller & Group CFO (Headquarters)
Manages: Local bookkeeping and finance team

Role Purpose

The Controller - Head of Bookkeeping will be responsible for end-to-end financial accounting, statutory compliance, and financial control of the Serbian subsidiary, while also providing bookkeeping and reporting services to other group subsidiaries.

The role combines hands-on bookkeeping, people management, and financial controlling, operating under group policies and in close coordination with headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

1. Bookkeeping & Accounting Operations

• Full responsibility for day-to-day bookkeeping in accordance with Serbian GAAP and group accounting policies
• Recording and controlling:
• General ledger transactions
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Credit cards and employee expenses
• Bank transactions and bank reconciliations
• Fixed assets and depreciation
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• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial records across all entities under responsibility

2. Statutory Compliance & Tax Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with local accounting laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements
• Preparation and submission of:
• VAT returns
• Corporate tax calculations and filings
• Payroll-related accounting coordination (with HR/payroll providers if applicable)
• Other statutory filings as required by Serbian authorities
• Act as primary contact for tax authorities, auditors, and external advisors

3. Financial Reporting

• Prepare and deliver:
• Monthly management reports
• Quarterly financial statements
• Year-end financial statements and audit support
• Ensure consistency between local statutory reporting and group reporting standards
• Provide explanations and analysis of variances, trends, and unusual items

4. Group Bookkeeping & Shared Services

• Perform or oversee bookkeeping and reporting for additional group subsidiaries, following the same standards and timelines
• Ensure harmonization of accounting practices across entities
• Support group-wide initiatives such as system implementations or process standardization

5. Budgeting & Controlling

• Monitor and control budgets versus actuals
• Analyze budget deviations, surpluses, and cost overruns
• Review budget surplus requests and:
• Approve within delegated authority, or
• Recommend adjustments or escalation to HQ
• Provide financial insights to support operational and management decisions

6. Team Leadership & Coordination

• Manage and develop a small local bookkeeping/finance team
• Ensure task allocation, training, and performance management
• Maintain high professional standards, internal controls, and documentation
• Foster collaboration with operations, HR, procurement, and headquarters finance

Qualifications & Experience

Professional Background

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field
• Significant hands-on experience in bookkeeping and accounting (preferably in manufacturing or industrial environment)
• Strong expertise in Serbian accounting standards, tax laws, and statutory requirements
• Experience working with multinational companies or group reporting structures – strong advantage

Skills & Competencies

• Fluent English (written and spoken) – mandatory
• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to see the “big picture”
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while aligning closely with headquarters

Systems & Tools

• Experience with ERP and accounting systems
• Strong Excel skills
• Experience with reporting tools and financial consolidation systems – advantage

Reporting & Authority

• Functionally and hierarchically subordinated to the Group Controller and CFO
• Acts as the local financial authority for bookkeeping, compliance, and reporting
• Authority to approve expenditures and budget adjustments within defined limits