Company Description

Natixis in Portugal is a Centre of Expertise whose mission is to transform traditional banking by developing innovative solutions for the business, operations and work culture of Groupe BPCE worldwide.

As part of Groupe BPCE’s international division, Natixis in Portugal designs and delivers solutions for its two core areas — Corporate & Investment Banking and Asset & Wealth Management — as well as transversal services that support all entities across the Group.

With more than 3,000 employees representing 46 nationalities, the teams work across Information Technology, Banking Support Activities, and Compliance, in an integrated, inclusive, and cross-functional way, supporting all business lines and platforms of the Group.

A disruptive mindset and a culture of proximity and agility identify Natixis in Portugal Team and reflect the company’s mission to transform traditional banking at a global scale: a perfect match in the Portuguese dynamics and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Job Description

Team presentation and main goal:

The mission of Group Financial Control is to steer and promote, within the functions of the Group’s companies and through the internal control system, the production of reliable and high-quality accounting, financial, and extra-financial information.

The missions are structured around 3 concepts. In this context, Group Financial Control:

• STEERING:

  • Defines the strategy by drafting standards and procedures in the field of Financial Control, as well as overseeing the involvement of the Statutory Auditors within the Group.
  • Sets objectives for the Group’s entities (via the Annual Group Plan) to be incorporated into the objectives of each entity (Local Annual Plan).
  • Manages a functional network – the financial control network – attached to the permanent control network, by organizing meetings, sharing best practices, and developing training initiatives. Local functions in this control area are functionally reporting to Group Financial Control.

• MONITORING: Ensures the supervision and evaluation of the Financial Control network within the Group for the most material entities by organizing reporting to the entities and surveillance.

• CONTROLLING (Control): Organizes, like all other entities, its work around 2 main activities: the control of accounting processes and reporting processes (independent review of reports).

Main tasks and goals:

Analysis and validation of accounting, financial, and extra-financial information production processes

• Understand the controlled domain and the adequacy of the system/framework.
• Conduct interviews on the studied areas.
• Evaluate processes or systems/frameworks (by identifying their main risk areas, areas for improvement, and strengths) and participate in their assurance/reliability.
• Participate in the establishment of the Control Plan based on risk assessment, process analysis, and the analysis of published accounting, financial, and non-financial information.

2nd level continuous controls on accounting processes based on a risk-based approach within the framework of closing accounts and/or interim assignments

• Organize intervention schedule and participate in the development of the annual control plan.
• Implement control guides, update them, or identify new ones, by drawing upon, on the one hand, the processes/procedures/operating methods and work carried out and formalized at the first level, and on the other hand, audit/control techniques (plausibility and coherence checks, sample testing, tracing back to supporting documents, etc.).
• Control compliance with the normative framework (standards, reference system) and documentary framework (processes, procedures, and operating methods), and with decisions made by specialized committees or management and supervisory bodies.
• Report findings in a Summary Note and to the business units, and issue corrective action plans (or recommendations).
• Ensure the progress, by the relevant business units, of issued recommendations or proposals.
• Participate in the coordination of internal control actions and in the animation of the system, in liaison and in line with other control functions.
• Participate in the management or participation in cross-functional projects concerning control or improving the quality of financial and accounting information.
• Participate in the organization of the statutory audit system and ensure, on behalf of the Audit Committee, its oversight.

Participation in the supervision and animation of the internal control function/profession

• Contribute to and participate in the updating of the normative or operational framework (control guides) for the entities.
• Participate in ongoing initiatives in terms of automation development and the use of AI in the control process.

Participate in the independent review of reporting, based on assigned areas, using the same approach mentioned above, and contribute to the update of the Reporting Booklet.

(Additional information(schedule, possible travelling, internal and external interactions, etc.)

Qualifications

• Languages: Fluent in English and French.

• Education: Master’s Degree in Accounting, Audit, or equivalent.

• Experience:

  • Financial Audit: 3+ years required.
  • Production of banking accounting or banking accounting reporting: 1-3 years

• PRINCIPAL SOFT SKILLS:

  • Autonomy
  • Written Communication
  • Oral Communication
  • Numerical Proficiency / Handling Numbers
  • Persuasiveness
  • Ability to Switch Reasoning Approaches (Alternating Reasoning Modes)
  • Tenacity
  • Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills (Analyze & Solve)
  • Relationship Building / Maintaining Relationships
  • Curiosity

• DESIRED HARD SKILLS:

  • Ethical Rules / Code of Conduct
  • Accounting and Financial Audit Methods
  • Knowledge of Accounting and Prudential Regulations for Financial Companies
  • Banking Regulations
  • Risk Analysis Methods
  • Data, Process, and Procedure Analysis Techniques
  • Project Management Techniques
  • Financial Software

• Advanced Technical Knowledge : Banking accounting/ Accounting for financial and hedging activities

• Notions: Consolidation

Additional Information

Our workplace reflects the vibrant spirit of our locations, with initiatives such as a Green Transportation Budget, electric bikes and a flexible Hybrid Work Policy. We promote wellbeing through the Honolulu Wellness Club, a Prayer Room, a Lactation Room, and themed Villages that inspire creativity and collaboration. Through our ESG and DEI strategies, we are committed to being inclusive, caring, and fair, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.