Regional Head of Finance
Location: Son en Breugel, The Netherlands (Hybrid)
Lead the Finance Transformation of an International Organisation
Robert Half is partnering with OQEMA to recruit a Regional Head of Finance.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance leader to play a key role in building OQEMA's new regional finance organisation and leading its finance transformation across 13 legal entities in eight countries.
As Regional Head of Finance, you will play a leading role in building and leading a centralised finance organisation serving 13 legal entities across eight countries. Reporting directly to the Regional CFO, you will drive finance transformation, develop high-performing international teams and help shape the future of finance across the region.
If you enjoy building organisations, leading change and partnering with senior business leaders in an international environment, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact.
About OQEMA
OQEMA is one of Europe's leading chemical distribution companies, with more than 100 years of experience and operations in more than 20 countries. Headquartered in Germany, the Group supplies industrial and specialty chemicals to customers across a broad range of industries.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, OQEMA is investing significantly in digitalisation, finance transformation and process optimisation. A key strategic initiative is the creation of a regional finance hub in the Netherlands, bringing together finance activities from multiple European entities into one high-performing organisation supported by SAP S/4HANA.
Joining OQEMA means becoming part of an ambitious international organisation where finance plays a strategic role in supporting business performance and future growth.
The Role
The Regional Head of Finance is a senior finance leader responsible for the financial stewardship, governance, controllership and performance of 13 legal entities across eight countries.
Reporting directly to the Regional CFO, you will lead Finance Managers, Team Leaders and the central finance function, ensuring each entity operates in accordance with Group policies, financial control standards and strategic objectives.
You will provide expert guidance, constructive challenge and support to the regional finance teams while partnering closely with senior leadership to deliver finance transformation programmes, growth initiatives and Group strategic priorities.
As the regional finance organisation continues to evolve, you will play a key role in building a scalable, high-performing finance function that acts as a true business partner to the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop and inspire the regional finance organisation.
- Manage Finance Managers, Team Leaders and transactional finance teams.
- Provide expert guidance on accounting, tax, treasury, reporting and compliance matters.
- Maintain oversight of financial reporting, governance, statutory compliance and internal controls.
- Ensure effective management of cash flow, working capital, foreign exchange exposure and banking relationships.
- Partner closely with the Regional CFO and local Managing Directors to support business growth and profitability.
- Drive finance transformation and support the implementation of Group finance strategies.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, standardisation, digitalisation and operational excellence.
- Oversee statutory audits and maintain effective relationships with auditors and external stakeholders.
- Develop finance capability through coaching, mentoring and succession planning.
Candidate Profile
You are an experienced finance leader who enjoys building organisations, driving transformation and leading international teams through change.
You will ideally bring:
- A recognised professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, RA, CPA or equivalent).
- At least 10 years of progressive finance leadership experience.
- Experience as a Head of Finance, Finance Director, Group Financial Controller or Regional Financial Controller.
- Proven experience leading finance transformation, organisational change or shared service environments.
- Strong leadership experience managing international finance teams.
- Experience operating successfully within multinational and matrix organisations.
- A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently and take ownership.
- Strong financial governance, reporting and compliance expertise.
- Experience with SAP S/4HANA would be considered a strong advantage.
- Experience with international VAT and cross-border finance operations is advantageous.
- Fluent English is essential.
Why Join OQEMA?
This is considerably more than a traditional Head of Finance position.
It offers the opportunity to:
- Build and shape a regional finance organisation.
- Lead a major international finance transformation.
- Work directly with the Regional CFO and senior executive leadership.
- Influence the future finance operating model across eight countries.
- Drive organisational change within an international business.
- Develop high-performing finance teams.
- Contribute to digitalisation, automation and operational excellence.
- Make a lasting impact within a growing international organisation.
Interested?
If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please feel free to contact me for a confidential conversation.
Justin Dorst
Director | Senior & Executive Placements
Robert Half | The Netherlands
