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Godiva Chocolatier

Controller, North America

Godiva Chocolatier, White Plains, New York, United States

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Controller, North America

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Godiva Chocolatier

Base pay range $175,000.00/yr - $215,000.00/yr

Additional compensation types Annual Bonus

Senior HR Business Partner | Performance Management, Organizational Effectiveness PURPOSE:

pladis globally is one of the world’s fastest-growing snacking companies with sales in over 110 countries. Headquartered in the UK, we operate >30 factories and employ > 17,000 people across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the US, and Asia Pacific. Our diverse portfolio includes beloved brands in sweet and savory biscuits, cakes, wafers, chocolates, gums, and candies – enjoyed by millions worldwide. As we continue to scale and transform, our finance team plays a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, optimizing operations, and unlocking new opportunities. If you are ready to shape the future of a global consumer brand, pladis offers the scale, agility, and ambition to match your career goals. Headquartered in White Plains, the North America operations markets brands such as Godiva, Flipz, Turtles and McVitie’s. The business currently operates across two legal entities and leverages two ERP platforms (SAP S4 and Microsoft Dynamics 365). In North America, we are seeking a strategic and hands‑on Controller to lead our accounting operations, AR, AP, and tax teams and collaborate to harmonise systems and processes. This position reports to the regional CFO and will be a senior member of the Americas Finance leadership team. This is a critical position as the Controller will play a key role in continuing the journey to fully integrate the people, processes and systems of two legal entities, Godiva and pladis, while maintaining and strengthening the overall control environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in CPG business/commercial finance and controllership and have the ambition to achieve the level of CFO in 3‑5 years.

Key Accountabilities and Deliverables

Lead and manage all day‑to‑day operational accounting activities and functions of the company including timely and accurate monthly financial reporting, consolidation and closing processes, reconciliation of various financial statement accounts and deep dive analysis as appropriate.

Meet group reporting requirements of both the pladis Group and the Yildiz Group

Maintain and ensure the integrity of the general ledger, payroll, and taxes.

Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with IFRS and US GAAP (dependent on legal entity)

Manage and optimise two ERP systems with a strategic eye towards harmonisation.

Leverage OneStream for global consolidation, reporting, and performance management.

Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce risk.

Drive transparency in performance against key KPI’s.

Compliance and Controls

Maintain robust internal processes and controls and overall governance of regional DOA.

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Proactively assess processes and controls that have a material financial impact; recommend course correcting action as needed.

Ensure clean and timely year end audits conducted by outside CPA firm and audits conducted internally. Prioritise and implement solutions to address internal audit findings.

As needed, manage audits conducted by the CRA.

Cash Supervise cash management activities with a focus on continuous improvement of working capital year over year. Provide management oversight and direction for the company’s accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, fixed asset, and tax activities. A focus on strong AP management is required.

Strategic Leadership

Proactively identify opportunities to simplify legal structures where appropriate.

Partner with the CFO and cross‑functional teams to support strategic initiatives as needed.

Provide actionable insights and analysis to support decision making within area of remit.

Relationships with External Stakeholders

Develop and cultivate strong relationships with all stakeholders including home office teams, global partners, internal and external auditors, and others as appropriate.

Actively participate in corporate governance process of the company

Leadership

Create the environment for a highly engaged team that works well and are seen as valued partners by the business.

Develop talent and maintain succession plans for key roles

Qualifications Required

Essential to have experience in Snacking, Food or overall CPG industry.

Proven experience as a senior finance leader in both Commercial Finance and Controllership

Successful record of leading high performing teams, delivering streamlined process and leveraging technology

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Expert‑level knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting standards

Advanced proficiency in SAP S4, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is preferred

Proficiency in OneStream for consolidation and performance management

Strong command of internal controls, compliance and audit readiness

Demonstrated ability to drive efficiency, reduce manual work and optimise workflows

Transformation experience covering process and ERP

Experience coaching and developing finance professionals

Excellent communication and people skills

Ability to stand alone and influence both up and down within and outside the organization

A drive, commitment and sense of urgency that inspires others to be their best and achieve results

Personal Attributes Required

Able to position themselves and drive followership as a leader and trusted advisor to stakeholders and build strong working relationships both vertically and horizontally.

Accountable for results and how they are achieved.

Thrives in an environment that is fast‑paced and able to adapt to changing situations.

Detail oriented with strong organisational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Proven record of developing talent

Genuine in desire to build a positive and productive high‑performance team culture.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Finance and Accounting / Auditing

Industries: Food and Beverage Services and Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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