Finance Manager

Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.

With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

📌 Purpose of Job

Lead the delivery of accurate financial reporting, statutory compliance, and strong internal controls across Synthomer’s European entities. Drive continuous improvement, support transformation initiatives, and develop a high‑performing accounting team that consistently meets stakeholder expectations.

🛠️ Main Accountabilities

• Lead the production of timely, accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports

• Ensure high‑quality balance sheet reconciliations and Blackline compliance

• Oversee statutory accounts preparation and timely filing

• Manage assets under construction, ensuring correct and timely capitalisation

• Partner with Tax and VAT teams to maintain full compliance

• Support internal and external audits, ensuring issues are resolved promptly

• Oversee GRIR management and weekly cashflow forecasting

• Lead annual balance sheet budgeting and support P&L planning

• Approve weekly payment runs and maintain strong cash discipline

• Drive process improvements and strengthen internal controls

• Develop, mentor, and performance‑manage a team of qualified accountants

• Support finance transformation, system enhancements, and business improvement initiatives

• Contribute to M&A activity, including data analysis, due diligence support, and integration readiness

• Ensure all accounting policies, procedures, and documentation remain current and effective

• Support KPI preparation and ensure team objectives, appraisals, and development plans are completed

🎓 Minimum Requirements

• Degree‑educated with a full recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar finance leadership role

• Proven experience managing and developing teams

• Strong technical accounting skills within a large, complex environment (manufacturing preferred)

• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management capability

• Demonstrated ability to lead change and deliver process improvements

• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Experience working cross‑functionally and within a matrix structure

• SAP or similar ERP experience

• European language skills beneficial but not essential

📍 Location & Working Pattern

This role is based at our European Shared Service Centre in Harlow, where collaboration and team synergy are at the heart of how we work. We ask team members to be on-site at least four days per week to support this dynamic environment.

🌍 Global Benefits Overview

• 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation

• 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme

• 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions

• 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role

• 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations

• 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)

• 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers

• 💙 Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives

• 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country

• 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive

• 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes

Synthomer Strategy Video: Michael Willome Synthomer Strategy

“At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business”