Financial Control Officer ( French Speaker) | SG

Company Description

Natixis in Portugal is a Centre of Expertise whose mission is to transform traditional banking by developing innovative solutions for the business, operations and work culture of Groupe BPCE worldwide.

As part of Groupe BPCE's international division, Natixis in Portugal designs and delivers solutions for its two core areas - Corporate & Investment Banking and Asset & Wealth Management - as well as transversal services that support all entities across the Group.
With more than 3,000 employees representing 46 nationalities, the teams work across Information Technology, Banking Support Activities, and Compliance, in an integrated, inclusive, and cross-functional way, supporting all business lines and platforms of the Group.

A disruptive mindset and a culture of proximity and agility identify Natixis in Portugal Team and reflect the company's mission to transform traditional banking at a global scale: a perfect match in the Portuguese dynamics and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Job Description

The mission of Group Financial Control is to steer and promote, within the functions of the Group's companies and through the internal control system, the production of reliable and high-quality accounting, financial, and extra-financial information.

The missions are structured around 3 concepts. In this context, Group Financial Control:

• STEERING:
  • Defines the strategy by drafting standards and procedures in the field of Financial Control, as well as overseeing the involvement of the Statutory Auditors within the Group.
  • Sets objectives for the Group's entities (via the Annual Group Plan) to be incorporated into the objectives of each entity (Local Annual Plan).
  • Manages a functional network - the financial control network - attached to the permanent control network, by organizing meetings, sharing best practices, and developing training initiatives. Local functions in this control area are functionally reporting to Group Financial Control.
• MONITORING : Ensures the supervision and evaluation of the Financial Control network within the Group for the most material entities by organizing reporting to the entities and surveillance.
• CONTROLLING (Control): Organizes, like all other entities, its work around 2 main activities: the control of accounting processes and reporting processes (independent review of reports).

Main tasks and goals:

Analysis and validation of accounting, financial, and extra-financial information production processes

• Understand the controlled domain and the adequacy of the system/framework.
• Conduct interviews on the studied areas.
• Evaluate processes or systems/frameworks (by identifying their main risk areas, areas for improvement, and strengths) and participate in their assurance/reliability.
• Participate in the establishment of the Control Plan based on risk assessment, process analysis, and the analysis of published accounting, financial, and non-financial information.

Independent Review of Reporting Based on a Risk-Based Approach

• Organize the intervention schedule and define the control strategy before launching control campaigns.
• Implement work programs, update them, or identify new ones, relying in particular on (i) the processes/procedures/operating methods and work carried out and formalized at the first level, and (ii) audit/control techniques (analytical reviews, plausibility and consistency checks, sample testing, etc.).
• Verify adherence to the normative framework (standards, benchmarks) and documentation (processes, procedures, and operating methods), as well as decisions made by specialized committees or management and supervisory bodies.
• Communicate conclusions to the business units and issue action plans for correction (or recommendations).
• Ensure the progress, by the relevant business units, of issued recommendations or suggestions.

Participation in the Supervision and Animation of the Function/Department

• Update the normative or operational framework (control guides) for the financial control function/department.
• Participate in or organize training sessions for the function/department.
• Organize monitoring of developments and, if applicable, report findings to the function/department.
• Evaluate the results of the Group's entities.

Update reporting processes and participate in the updating of the Reporting Manual.

(Travel within France is to be expected: for function/department global meetings, and participation in training activities in Paris.)

Qualifications

• Languages: Fluent in English and French.
• Education: Master's Degree in Accounting, Audit, or equivalent, including knowledge in bank accounting and Prudential Regulations for Financial Companies.
• Experience:
  • Financial Audit: 3+ years required.
  • Regulatory Reporting production: 3+ years required.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Advanced Knowledge: Market / Liquidity; Solvency; Consolidation.
  • Knowledge in: Ethical Rules / Code of Conduct; Banking Regulations; Risk Analysis Methods; Data, Process, and Procedure Analysis Techniques; Project Management Techniques.
• Soft Skills:
  • Autonomy
  • Written Communication
  • Oral Communication
  • Numerical Proficiency / Handling Numbers
  • Persuasiveness
  • Ability to Switch Reasoning Approaches (Alternating Reasoning Modes)
  • Tenacity
  • Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills (Analyze & Solve)
  • Relationship Building / Maintaining Relationships

Additional Information

Our workplace reflects the vibrant spirit of our locations, with initiatives such as a Green Transportation Budget, electric bikes and a flexible Hybrid Work Policy. We promote wellbeing through the Honolulu Wellness Club, a Prayer Room, a Lactation Room, and themed Villages that inspire creativity and collaboration. Through our ESG and DEI strategies, we are committed to being inclusive, caring, and fair, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.