Head of Finance & Operations European Sales & Service Companies

The organisation

When it comes to tech-based personal fitness products, Polar sets the benchmark in quality and innovation. Since inception, this company, headquartered in Finland, has been on a mission to equip the world with essential health and performance data, stats, measurements, and guidance.

Through their popular collection of Polar smart watches, heart watches, fitness and activity trackers, Polar’s measurement technology and data-driven insights help all levels of athletes to understand their body better, improve their happiness, and live a healthier life.

The position

Polar is the pioneering brand behind the world’s first heart rate monitor, and is the market leader in wearable sports, fitness, and health personal tech products. With innovation at their core, this global company is now seeking a Head of Finance & Operations for its European Sales and Services Companies.

Tasks & responsibilities

As part of an exciting brand evolution, Polar is on the lookout to fill a newly created Head of Finance and Operations role in their European Sales and Services organization. In this company defining role, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to set up the future for Polar’s finance and operations by establishing a unified workflow, guiding local finance managers, and taking charge of major improvement projects. Operational efficiency is key in this role, so the successful candidate will need to demonstrate solid experience in developing lean processes that ensure finance and HR are streamlined and organised well. Strong accounting and compliance skills are also essential for this newly created role. This vacancy at Polar Electro will be set in a European Sales Hub based in the Netherlands that encourages a fun, healthy, and rewarding corporate culture.

“Innovation is at the heart of Polar, and we’re excited about the next evolution within our organization. The Head of Finance & Operations of the European Sales & Services Companies will have a unique opportunity to shape the way we do business.” - Yves Sprunger, CFO

Reporting into the CFO, the successful candidate will be responsible for all finance and operations related matters across all European sales and services companies. Time management and people skills are imperative, as you will lead a finance team of European Sales companies situated across eight locations. The Head of Finance & Operations Europe at Polar will conduct regular analyses and reviews of monthly results, whilst also coordinating monthly, quarterly, and yearly closings.

Ensuring stable outsourced payroll processes, management of external audits, VAT reporting and VAT compliance will also be essential for this Head of Finance & Operations Europe role. The successful candidate will need to be confident in taking ownership of enhancement initiatives for Polar’s internal control system. They will also oversee statutory accounts, tax returns, and some limited Facility Management tasks such as rent and car lease renewals.

Keeping true to the accuracy of Polar’s product range, the Head of Finance & Operations Europe will have flawless skills in accounting, forecasting, planning and cash management. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to harmonize and streamline the company’s finance and accounting processes, and consolidate the Accounting teams into a European, multi-site team. This will be an integral role for Polar as they transition into a full-fledged international group.

The Head of Finance & Operations Europe will have the strategic thinking and empathy to develop fellow Accounting team members, whilst fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Enhancing ERP tools, managing various improvement projects, and managing European HR topics will also fall under this vital position as the Head of Finance & Operations Europe for Polar Electro.

Candidate profile*

• Several years of relevant experience in finance
• Strong background in accounting
• Required languages: English, Dutch, others will be an advantage
• Entrepreneurial, networked thinking, and analytical skills
• Excellent process knowledge with the ability to analyze, assess and redesign multi-level processes in an international environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skill
• Hands-on mentality and team player personality

* Research shows that while male candidates feel confident enough to apply when they meet about 60% of the requirements, female candidates only apply when they tick every box. So if this role has your name on it, but you’re not sure about the criteria, we still want to hear from you.

Interested?

You can apply for this position by using the link below. Polar Electro is working with Top of Minds to fill this vacancy.