Accounting Jr. Manager Mexico, Central America & Caribbean

Newell Brands is a leading $8.3B consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid® and Sharpie®, and 25,000 talented employees around the world. Our high-performance culture, unparalleled curiosity about the world around us, and talented people fuel our success. Our culture is enabled through our core values which guide all we do and how we win as One Newell. They are Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership & Leadership.

Job Title: Jr. Manager, Accounting Mexico, Central America and Caribbean (CAC)

Reports To: Sr. Manager, Acc. México and CAC

The Manager of Accounting is responsible for the comprehensive financial management of Mexico entities, overseeing all end-to-end General Ledger (G/L) activities in Mexico and Venezuela. This role requires leading both internal and external teams to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with international and local accounting standards. The manager will supervise accounting and tax matters of Venezuela entities, and Central America & Caribbean.

Key Responsibilities:

1. End-to-End General Ledger Activities in Mexico

• Financial Reporting and Analysis:
  • Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with statutory and US - GAAP.
  • Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Present financial reports to senior management, providing insights and recommendations.
• Accounting Operations Management:
  • Manage all G/L activities, including posting journal entries, maintaining ledgers, and reconciling accounts.
  • Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closing processes.
  • Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure financial data integrity.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Stay updated on changes in accounting regulations and ensure compliance with all legal requirements, including SOX compliance.
  • Coordinate with external auditors during audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
  • Prepare and file statutory financial statements and other regulatory filings as required.
• Process Improvement:
  • Identify inefficiencies in accounting processes and implement solutions for optimization.
  • Lead initiatives to automate manual processes using advanced accounting software and tools.
  • Develop and update accounting policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.

• 2. End-to-End General Ledger Activities in Venezuela:
  • Coordinate with external accounting firms to manage G/L activities for Venezuelan operations (Tax, Treasury, others G/L).
  • Establish performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to ensure service quality.
  • Provide guidance and support to external teams to align them with company standards and practices.
• Financial Oversight:
  • Review and approve all financial transactions and journal entries prepared by external / internal teams.
  • Ensure accurate currency conversion and accounting for hyperinflationary conditions, if applicable.
  • Monitor and mitigate financial risks associated with Venezuelan operations.

3. Bank Conciliation and Re-reconciliation (SAP transaction automated)

• Transaction Management:
  • Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly bank reconciliations to ensure all cash transactions are accurately recorded.
  • Identify discrepancies between bank statements and internal records, investigating and resolving issues promptly.
  • Ensure all reconciling items are documented and cleared in a timely manner.

4. Administration of Credit Card Program in Mexico

• Program Oversight:
  • Manage the corporate credit card program, including issuing new cards, setting credit limits, and monitoring usage.
  • Develop and enforce policies governing the use of corporate credit cards to prevent misuse.
• Policy Development and Training:
  • Update and communicate credit card policies and procedures to all cardholders.
  • Provide training sessions to educate employees on acceptable use and reporting requirements.
  • Handle inquiries and resolve issues related to the credit card program.

5. Review of Account Reconciliation as required for entities under scope:

• Financial Review and Approval:
  • Examine Account Reconciliation prepared by regional accounting teams for accuracy and compliance.
  • Validate supporting documentation and ensure proper account coding and classification.
  • Approve Account Reconciliation delegated authority limits.
• Collaboration with Regional Teams:
  • Work closely with accounting staff in the region to standardize accounting practices.
  • Provide guidance on complex accounting issues and support problem resolution.
  • Coordinate training and development initiatives to enhance regional accounting capabilities.
• Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
  • Ensure all financial transactions comply with statutory accounting standards.
  • Assist regional teams in preparing for audits and regulatory inspections.
  • Monitor changes in regional accounting regulations and update processes accordingly.

Competencies and Skills:

• Technical Proficiency:
  • Extensive knowledge of USGAAP, and local accounting regulations in Mexico and Venezuela.
  • Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials, and MS Excel).
  • Experience with multinational consolidations, foreign currency transactions, and hyperinflation accounting.
• Leadership and Team Management:
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing internal and external teams.
  • Ability to motivate and develop staff, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Excellent project management skills, capable of handling multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking:
  • Superior analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
  • Strategic mindset to align accounting operations with organizational goals.
  • Problem-solving abilities to address financial challenges proactively.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  • Fluent in English and Spanish, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders effectively.
  • Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution with various stakeholders.
• Ethics and Compliance Orientation:
  • High ethical standards with a commitment to integrity and transparency.
  • Thorough understanding of compliance requirements and the importance of internal controls.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Adaptability and Continuous Improvement:
  • Agile in adapting to changing business environments and regulatory landscapes.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of industry developments.
  • Innovative mindset to drive improvements and embrace new technologies.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification preferred.
  • Advanced degree (e.g., Master's in Accounting or MBA) is a plus.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including managerial roles.
  • Experience in a multinational corporation with exposure to Latin American markets.
  • Proven track record in managing complex financial transactions.
• Technical Skills:
  • Expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for financial modeling.
  • Familiarity with tax regulations and compliance in Mexico and Venezuela.
• Other Requirements:
  • Willingness to travel within the region as needed.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity and regulatory compliance of the company's operations across Mexico, Venezuela, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Jr. Manager of Accounting serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership, providing insights that drive informed business decisions. By leading and enhancing accounting practices, this role supports the organization's commitment to excellence, accountability, and sustainable growth.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments.