Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.
With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Purpose of role:
In this role, you’ll take ownership of financial accounting and local compliance for your entities, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timely delivery. You’ll also play a key role in our S4 Hana system migration and support a range of exciting finance projects.
Financial Excellence & Reporting:
Producing monthly management accounts and financial reports aligned with company standards
Preparing and posting accruals, prepayments, and other key accounting entries
Completing timely, accurate balance sheet reconciliations in Blackline
Ensuring intercompany accounts are fully reconciled and discrepancies resolved
Preparing and filing statutory accounts for your legal entities
Operational Leadership
Managing asset accounting, depreciation runs, and project capitalisation
Supporting VAT and tax compliance alongside internal and external specialists
Leading external audit requests and partnering with internal audit to resolve findings
Managing GRIR accounts and ensuring no aged balances remain
Preparing and reviewing weekly cashflow forecasts
Leading the annual balance sheet budget and supporting P&L budgeting
Approving weekly payment runs
Partnering with HR and payroll providers to ensure accurate, timely payroll
People & Process Leadership
Managing and developing one or more accountants, ensuring strong performance and growth
Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business
Driving continuous improvement, documenting and enhancing processes
Supporting the Finance Manager/Senior Accounting Manager with ad‑hoc projects
🚀 Project & Transformation Work
You’ll be a key contributor to Synthomer’s Finance Transformation Programme, collaborating with colleagues across Finance and the wider business to deliver our vision for a modern, efficient, and future‑ready finance function.
🎯 What You Bring
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
Confidence working independently and collaboratively
Sharp analytical thinking and exceptional Excel capability
Experience in large, complex financial environments (manufacturing preferred)
Hands‑on experience with SAP and S4 Hana
ACA/ACCA/CIMA, part or fully qualified essential
European language skills are a bonus (not essential)
🌍 Global Benefits Overview
💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
💙 Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, 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
📍 Location & Working Pattern
This role is based at our European Shared Service Centre in Harlow, where collaboration and team synergy are at the heart of how we work. We ask team members to be on-site at least four days per week to support this dynamic environment.
Synthomer Strategy Video: Michael Willome Synthomer Strategy
“At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business”