Finance Controller & Head of Bookkeeping

Short Description

On behalf of our client, a company that specializes in the manufacturing of highly precision metal partss, Manpower Serbia is seeking motivated candidates for the  Finance Controller / Head of Bookkeeping.The Controller / Head of Bookkeeping will be responsible for end-to-end financial accounting, statutory compliance, and financial control of the Serbian subsidiary, while also providing bookkeeping and reporting services to other group subsidiaries. The role combines hands-on bookkeeping, people management, and financial controlling, operating under group policies and in close coordination with headquarters.

Description

• Full responsibility for day-to-day bookkeeping in accordance with Serbian GAAP and group accounting policies
• Recording and controlling: General ledger transactions, Accounts payable and receivable, Credit cards and employee expenses, Bank transactions and bank reconciliations, Fixed assets and depreciation
• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial records across all entities under responsibility
• Ensure full compliance with local accounting laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements
• Preparation and submission of:, VAT returns, Corporate tax calculations and filings, Payroll-related accounting coordination (with HR/payroll providers if applicable)
• Act as primary contact for tax authorities, auditors, and external advisors
• Prepare and deliver: Monthly management reports, Quarterly financial statements, Year-end financial statements and audit support
• Ensure consistency between local statutory reporting and group reporting standards
• Provide explanations and analysis of variances, trends, and unusual items
• Perform or oversee bookkeeping and reporting for additional group subsidiaries, following the same standards and timelines
• Ensure harmonization of accounting practices across entities
• Support group-wide initiatives such as system implementations or process standardization
• Monitor and control budgets versus actuals
• Analyze budget deviations, surpluses, and cost overruns
• Review budget surplus requests and: Approve within delegated authority, or recommend adjustments or escalation to HQ
• Provide financial insights to support operational and management decisions
• Manage and develop a small local bookkeeping/finance team
• Ensure task allocation, training, and performance management
• Maintain high professional standards, internal controls, and documentation

Requirements

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field
• Significant hands-on experience in bookkeeping and accounting (preferably in manufacturing or industrial environment)
• Strong expertise in Serbian accounting standards, tax laws, and statutory requirements
• Experience working with multinational companies or group reporting structures – strong advantage
• Fluent English (written and spoken) – mandatory
• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to see the “big picture”
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Ability to work independently while aligning closely with headquarters
• Experience with ERP and accounting systems
• Strong Excel skills
• Experience with reporting tools and financial consolidation systems – advantage