Head of Finance

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs.

Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting.  From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold.

Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.

Role purpose/Accountabilities

• Ownership of statutory and fiscal representation by managing and overseeing the preparation of statutory, tax and management reports in accordance with local GAAP, Tax regulations and Group Reporting standards
• Lead country Business Facing Finance team with ownership of all Commercial, Production and Supply, Research and Development and Corporate Functions finance responsibilities that includes Statutory and Tax Compliance, Financial Planning and Analysis, Monthly Business Review and Business Decision Support
• Provide financial leadership and guidance to Country Leadership Team, Build and manage effective relationships with key business partners to better influence and shape business priorities
• Identify clearly business opportunities and set ambitious targets accordingly that translates into areas for business focus, resources allocation and high-quality business planning input.
• Contribute through excellent analysis and controlling process to the operational and strategic performance and growth of both Crop Protection and Seeds business. Through detailed financial analysis of key financial information, provide management with fact based impartial financial advice
• Provide business with sound risk-based analysis on potential impacts, implications and propose potential ways to improve risk management on key economic exposures; in partnership with the business define, implement and monitor key performance metrics
• For all key investment decisions, provide accurate and informative appraisals that drive trade-off discussion and appropriate resource allocation
• Lead the annual Budget process and rolling forecasts
• Provide the linkage between the Country and Regional Finance organizations, ensuring timely, accurate, effective and transparent flow of information and data
• Support and partner with Finance Operation Team in Pune, India in the implementation and delivery of best-in-class accounting and financial support to the country
• Drive Compliance Culture in the organization
• Develop, coach, guide Finance team and inspire to be an agile and high performing team

Critical knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of Financial Reporting Standard and GAAP
• Understanding of Business Financial planning cycles
• Strong Business Case Analysis and Ability to analyse trade off decisions
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and local statutory and tax regulations

Critical experience

• Proven capability to communicate and manage complex issues
• Minimum 10 years experience all facets of accounting and business partnering role in an MNC environment
• Involvement in strategic options development and implementation
• Familiarity with a computerized business environment (e.g. ERP software, Enterprise Data Warehouse)

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Certified Public Accountant, MBA preferred
• An aptitude for detailed, inquisitiveness as to the drivers of production and financial performance
• Advanced financial analysis tools and techniques
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong Analytical skills

Critical leadership capabilities

• Develop goals and prioritize actions
• Understand well supply chain processes
• Communicate effectively
• Step beyond comfort zones
• Take ownership for the change
• Achieve goals and standards
• Manage performance to ensure high results
• Coach to release creativity and innovation
• Promote and develop teamwork across functions

In Syngenta we recognize that diversity and inclusion is important to our business.  We embrace the unique perspective and capabilities of our employees, which will help us continue to drive innovation and achieve our business goals. Our culture enables us to create an environment of involvement, respect and connection with the communities where we operate - benefitting individual employees and the company.