Accounting Supervisor

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to accurately manage the financial accounting process, ensuring timely and accurate month-end close process and reporting while adhering to policies and procedures. Provide leadership and direction for the team and ensure stakeholders’ expectations are continuously met.

Position is part of the Americas Shared Service Centre team in Beachwood Ohio. Some travel expected to other Synthomer locations for the purpose of collaboration and training.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in an accounting role
• Minimum one year of managerial or supervisory experience leading a team
• Experience of operating/managing within a Global/SSC organization.
• Ideally with supervisory experience.
• Prior experience of working in a large, complex corporate environment (preferable manufacturing) & managing stakeholders.
• Experience of working with SAP is required.
• CPA or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

• Lead, develop, mentor, and train the accounting team to drive performance, engagement, and career growth.
• Oversee timely completion and review of balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and resolution of aged items.
• Partner with Tax Manager/Consultants to ensure full tax compliance.
• Support interim and year end external audits, providing required information on schedule.
• Work with Internal Audit to remediate identified issues by assigned deadlines.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and build strong cross functional relationships.
• Identify and implement process improvements and standardization opportunities.
• Assist the Head of Accounting with finance projects and ad hoc initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and accounting standards.
• Maintain and update process documentation and policies.
• Support preparation and reporting of Accounting KPIs.
• Manage team level job descriptions, performance objectives, reviews, and development plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Pathway Project: Actively participate in and provide oversight of finance transactions within the business transformation from SAP R/3 to S/4 Hana
• Participation in other process and business improvement initiatives related to either directly to Accounting Operations or the wider business
• Participation in M&A activity as required – including but not limited to providing or analysing data for due diligence activity, preparing processes and systems for transition, validating and testing data, ensuring resources are in place and trained

• Ability to create a culture that fosters process improvement, high performing teams, and excellence in customer service.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, written and verbal.
• Ability to lead and manage change effectively.
• Extensive experience and judgment in planning and accomplishing goals.
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to lead a Team to achieve best in class results, ensure employee engagement, development and succession planning
• Experience in working cross-functionally and in a matrix environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and IFRS, with the ability to apply and interpret accounting standards.

🌍 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)

• 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs

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

• 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), 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