The Company

Royal Ahrend is an international leader in office furniture, delivering contemporary and highly sustainable office lifestyles to corporate end-users around the world. Royal Ahrend was founded in 1896 and operates in over 50 countries on five continents; with factories in both Europe and China. The main brands within the Royal Ahrend portfolio are Ahrend, Gispen and Techo.

Royal Ahrend APAC, has been operating in China since 2004. During recent years, the company has expanded rapidly on the Chinese and Asian market and has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for the next few years. As such, we are constantly on the lookout for the next big (domestic) office project, as well as remaining to be a trustworthy partner for our global customers. Royal Ahrend APAC employs between 100-150FTE, and has a young and dynamic management team.

Job Description

Becoming the Finance Manager of Royal Ahrend APAC is a great step for anyone wanting to operate within a multinational company, Our candidate has a solid financial background – enabling him/her to deliver outstanding monthly financial reporting to management and corporate headquarters – yet also has the ability to get invested in many other aspects of daily operations. You will be leading a team of 6 and will report directly to the managing director, as such you will be an integral part of the company’s management team. You will also have a second reporting line to the Ahrend Group CFOO. A strong background in accounting and finance, enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to go the extra mile, are what it takes to be successful in this job. Experience in leading several teams across different disciplines is preferred.

Main tasks and responsibilities include:

1. Financial Control
   • Maintain internal controls and employ best practices, policies, and processes to monitor and ensure appropriate control environment.
   • Treasury management, incl. foreign exchange control in cooperation with HQ
   • Monthly margin analysis
   • Periodic stock checks and analysis
   • Ad-Hoc capex and/or cost analysis
2. Accounting, Reporting and Tax
   • Preparing monthly, quarterly and yearly financial reports for local management and the group HQ in Europe in both PRC GAAP and IFRS (Cognos)
   • Yearly Budgeting and monthly (rolling) Forecasting
   • Maintain accounting records and set up reporting of a new local trade company.
   • Analyze (financial) reports to identify/explain variances and trends
   • Periodic preparation of mid-term plan
   • Ensuring all accounting practices are in compliance with legal guidelines and established accounting principles (group accounting manual)
   • Improving reporting for Singapore trade entity
   • Ensure Tax compliance (CIT, VAT, IIT)
3. IT / ERP (direct report IT manager)
   • Continuous improvement and implementation of new modules of K3 ERP software
   • Regular maintenance and control of the ERP system
   • Drive reporting and analysis improvements by developing current and new BI reports
   • Manage implementation of new Shop Floor Control system and ERP interface
4. HR Responsibilities (direct report HR Manager)
   • Recruitment of new staff based on company requirements
   • Manage employee relations (code of ethics / employee handbook)
   • Monthly Payroll management and labor contract review
   • Yearly annual review process
   • Realize better HR tools and reporting through implementation of new HR system
5. Admin and Facilities (direct report A&F Manager)
   • Manage A&F team to ensure proper working environment in both office and workshop
   • Manage periodic company events such as annual dinner, company trip.
6. Legal and Compliance / Other
   • Liaise with External Auditor (both local China + Singapore Branch)
   • Liaise with Banks (local + foreign) / Tax authorities / Corporate service provider SGP
   • Compliance review and risk assessment of company contracts and agreements (sales, supply chain, logistics, patents etc). Coordinate with inhouse legal department and / or external legal advisor
   • Ensure compliance with both External and Internal Laws and Regulations
   • Setting up trade newco in China

Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in (Intl) Business, Finance, Accounting or related field.
2. Minimum 5 years experience as Financial Manager. Big 4 accounting firm experience is preferred.
3. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Good knowledge of the English language.
4. Strong computer skills and able to learn company systems and processes (MS office incl. Excel and PowerPoint, Kingdee K3 ERP, PowerBI, Cognos).
5. Adheres to the company’s values and ethical expectations (company code of ethics, employee handbook).
6. Strong understanding of General Accepted Accounting Principles. Acquainted with IFRS accounting standards. Knowledge of PRC GAAP is a pre.
7. Sound knowledge of accounting and financial processes (Closing, Reporting, Forecasting, Budgeting etc.).
8. Detail-oriented with great prioritization and organizational skills.
9. Ideal applicant must enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and be able to thrive under pressure meeting all departmental deadlines.
10. Keen analytic, organization and critical thinking skills which allows for strategic data interpretation vs. simple reporting
11. Enthusiastic, curious, team-player, willing to go the extra mile.