The Company

Venator is a leading, global, chemical company, whose products improve the quality of life for consumers everywhere. It has one of the broadest product portfolios in its sector and has built up its leading position in high-value specialty titanium dioxide pigments and differentiated performance additives over many years by satisfying the exacting standards of its customers.

Venator generates $2bn annually in revenues resulting in an EBITDA of $250m which is underpinned by a strong balance sheet. The company is currently delivering an extensive business improvement program to further improve EBITDA. This will be achieved through cost reduction programmes as well as improving efficiencies across the organisation.  

Underpinning Venator’s strategic plan is the need for high performing, efficient functions which support the development of the business. This includes the development of the Global Accounting Shared Services (60 people) and requires a leader with strong people management skills. 

The Role

The Global Accounting Shared Services Director will be responsible for leading and developing the Accounting Shared Services function globally. They will work with the business, and its leadership team, to understand the business’s requirements and set direction, creating a shared service centre which is efficient, accurate, timely and truly supports the business.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Working with the ELT to shape the Accounting Shared Service function, ensuring it delivers a service with meets the needs of the business.
• Creation of a collaborative, positive, culture, which brings together talented colleagues from different nationalities to create a cohesive, high performing team motivated to deliver exceptional service to the business.
• Lead the Global Accounting Shared Services team in the delivery of defined, high quality accounting services to meet the Group reporting standard and timetable, including support to company filings.
• Instil a culture of continuous improvement and deliver significant progress in process efficiency, application of technology and cost reduction.  

The Candidate

Venator are looking for an experienced financial and people leader, who understands “what good looks like” with accounting shared services and can lead a large team through transformation: This role demands a strong leader with a broad range of technical, operational & accounting experience.

Key attributes will include:

• Experienced people leader, capable of leading an international team constituting qualified, part qualified, and transactional levels, to create a first class shared service centre. Applicants should demonstrate experience in management accounting, financial reporting, and month-end processes.
• Experience of managing transformation projects, process improvement programmes and system integrations in large, ideally international, organisations.
• The communication skills to influence stakeholders at the most senior levels across the global business and able to remain effective in a multi-cultural / multi discipline environment. Proficiency in a European language such as German, French or Italian would be an advantage. Proven management and interpersonal skills are also necessary to develop and lead a large diverse team with many qualified accountants.  
• Must possess a highly developed customer service orientation and be able to develop strong relationships with colleagues at various levels in the organisation.