We are Pernod Ricard, a leading company in the spirits industry with over 19,000 employees globally. We own 16 of the world’s top 100 Spirits Brands and hold one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry with 240 premium brands available in over 160 countries, including: Absolut vodka, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater, Malfy and Monkey 47 gins, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate and Campo Viejo wines.
Pernod Ricard Benelux is the combination of two affiliates, Pernod Ricard Belgium and Pernod Ricard Nederland.
HEAD OF ACCOUNTING BENELUX
Contract: Full time
Line Manager: Benelux CFO
Location: Brussels
Travel: Occasional travel to Amsterdam
Purpose of the role
The Head of Accounting Benelux is the guardian of high accounting standards across the Belgian and Dutch entities, meeting both local and Group requirements.
Managing a team of 2 senior accountants, 1 credit controller and external consultants (incl. 2 accounts payable), this person will drive the harmonisation of systems and processes within Benelux to achieve more efficient ways-of-working and ensure business continuity.
KEY STAKEHOLDERS
The Head of Accounting will be a strong right arm for the Benelux CFO and will be part of the Benelux leadership team.
He/she will closely collaborate with all other local functions, in particular with finance and back-office peers. Strong relationships required as well with partners within the Pernod Ricard Group (in regional and headquarters’ finance teams and regional TECH hub).
External stakeholders: local authorities, banks, insurance companies, auditors, tax and legal experts
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Deliver core accounting responsibilities to a high standard for Pernod Ricard Belgium, Pernod Ricard Nederland and 6 Dutch holding entities
Financial accounting & reporting
Oversee general ledgers, monthly closing processes and financial statements
Ensure accuracy and compliance with local GAAP and IFRS
Prepare statutory reporting and IFRS adjustments for Group reporting
Manage the relationship with external auditors, coordinate audits internally and ensure compliance with audit requirements
Treasury & cash management
Monitor cash flows, banking relationships, and treasury operations
Support cash forecasting and liquidity management
Be responsible for accurate cash actuals & forecast reporting to the Group
Identify and implement levers to optimise cash management
Tax management
Oversee corporate tax, VAT, and other tax filings
Work with advisors to optimize tax position and ensure compliance
Internal control & compliance
Ensure compliance with tax, legal, and regulatory requirements
Maintain and strengthen internal control procedures
Drive the annual LSF (‘Loi de sécurité financière’) process, by reviewing compliance with key internal control requirements with each department
Coordinate internal audits with the HQ and ensure the implementation of the action plan
Oversee the relationship with financial and operational insurance partners
Business partnering & projects
Provide financial insights to support decision-making
Collaborate with FP&A on reporting & forecasting
Work closely with HQ teams on Group projects and local implications (CSRD reporting, quarterly closing optimisation, etc.)
Drive the Benelux accounting transformation roadmap
Work closely with the TECH team to implement JD Edwards, the new ERP system (project phase 2 starting end of January 2026, with go live target in July 2026)
Finalise gap analyses with the team, ensuring that local constraints will be well captured and taken into account
Ensure sufficient testing before go-live
Minimise business disruption during go-live and hypercare phases
Drive the integration of Belgian and Dutch accounting teams into one Benelux team:
Harmonise processes and identify synergies
Align people’s roles and responsibilities
Identify necessary system evolutions & work closely with IT on their implementation
Ensure seamless change management
Drive the simplification of the 6 Dutch holding entities structure, together with HQ teams. Implement the externalisation of Dutch holdings’ accounting (opportunity tbc).
Look for continuous improvement and automation of accounting processes
Manage and develop people in the team – structure still tbc
Manage 2 local senior accountants, 1 credit controller (account receivables) and temporary external consultants (incl. 2 accounts payable)
Complete recruitments when needed and develop people in their role
Be the backup of senior accountants in case of absence
Support and coach the team through transition periods, watching over people’s wellbeing
PROFILE
Strong technical expertise and experience
Accounting degree or business management master with accounting specialisation
10+ years professional experience in the field of accounting/ audit, with strong skills in:
Financial and analytical accounting
Local (Belgian and/or Dutch) and international accounting standards (IFRS)
Tax, compliance and internal control
Cash management
Financial reporting
Accounting software, ERP (Navision and/or JD Ewards is a plus), advanced Excel
Experience in managing an accounting team
Experience in an international or multi-entity environment is an advantage
Key qualities and soft skills
Strong self-drive and capacity to lead others
Curious, eager to learn and willing to grow
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
High attention to detail and reliability
Analytical and problem-solving mindset
Process led, able to identify and address improvement areas
Ability to communicate clearly with financial and non-financial stakeholders
Integrity and confidentiality
Sounds good?
Then join our convivial team at Pernod Ricard Belgium. Your recruiter for this position is Cindy.
We welcome applications from qualified individuals – regardless of gender, sexual identity, age, background, or nationality. People with migration backgrounds, people of color, people with disabilities, returnees, parents, and LGBTQ+ individuals are equally welcome. Diversity enriches our team!
For data protection reasons, please submit your application exclusively via our online portal. Applications via other channels cannot be processed.
Job Posting End Date:
Target Hire Date:
2025-12-01Target End Date: