Head of EMEA Statutory Centre of Expertise

Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2019 revenues were $21.4 billion, and we sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. We have approximately 92,000 employees.

The strategy for the EMEA Statutory COE (centre of expertise) covers all statutory and audit activities, tax relating to statutory activities, and technical accounting. The COE is part of an overall EMEA finance transformation project and is a key enabler for delivering statutory and audit activity across the region. The COE covers Eaton EMEA Electrical and Corporate sectors (9 zones, 50 countries).

As Head of EMEA Statutory Centre of Expertise, your primarily responsible for the implementation of the EMEA Statutory COE to deliver all statutory and audit activities in the most cost efficient and standardized manner possible within compliance deadlines.
 

In the immediate term, your focus is on an accelerated transition of the current activity to the COE model and building up the organization structure to deliver it. In the medium to long term, the focus will be on implementing standardization and centralization opportunities.
 

Much of this role is managing people directly involved in the delivery of the activity and interested stakeholders including tax, legal, business finance, controllership and entity directors. The relationship with EY is key and developing it to achieve better value for money on audits is central to this role.

• implementation of the EMEA Statutory COE including the organizational structure to deliver the activity.
• defining the roles and skillset of statutory accountants in the region and aligning them to the COE.
• identifying and managing the Controllership (Eaton support service provider) location(s) that support the COE to provide a professional, reliable and consistent service.
• leading the transition of activity to the COE at an accelerated pace including the roll out of a software financial statement tool, developing metrics and tools to measure performance and reporting packs.
• identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities to centralize, standardize and digitize the delivery of statutory and audit activity including standardized workbooks, 'Gaap to Stat' walks and centralized audits.
• managing and developing the relationship with EY to drive value for money and to identify audit synergies across EMEA.
• managing other stakeholders including Finance, Tax, Treasury, Legal and Signing Directors.
• building a COE that delivers statutory activity in the most cost efficient way, meets compliance deadlines and achieves clean audit reports.
• building a COE model that is scalable and can take on future activity and entities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related business discipline; advanced or professional qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CPA) are a strong advantage.
• 15+ years of finance experience, including extensive statutory reporting responsibilities and a proven track record in audit management within an international SSC/BSC environment.
• Solid knowledge of IFRS or US GAAP; strong technical accounting expertise is highly preferred.
• Prior experience with Workiva, SAP, and/or Oracle ERP systems is an advantage.
• Fluency in English (business level) is required; proficiency in an additional European language is beneficial.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with external auditors across the EMEA region and managing transitions to outsourced or third‑party service providers.
   

Your Leadership, Strategy & Process Skills
 

• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop teams, including driving organizational growth and capability building.
• Experience managing change initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement; exposure to Lean or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Strong strategic mindset, with the ability to identify and implement process improvements and drive operational excellence.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• A proactive, solution-oriented, and agile working style.

• Wide range of Employee Benefits: Company Car (for this role), Hybrid work model, Annual bonus, Cafeteria, Private Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Eye-glass refund, AYCM partnership, Internal reward system (E-Stars).
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Access comprehensive support programs designed to enhance your overall wellbeing.
• Family Friendly: Enjoy a family-friendly environment with policies that support work-life balance.
• Talent Management and Career Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth, with a strong focus on internal mobility, continuous learning, and peer coaching.
• Dog-Friendly: Bring your furry friend to work in our dog-friendly office.
• Dedicated Spaces: Utilize our family room, multi-prayer room, stretching room, and chill room for your comfort and convenience.
• Company Yoga Sessions: Participate in regular yoga sessions to stay fit and relaxed.
• Social Responsibility: Join a socially responsible organization committed to making a positive impact.
• Employee Appreciation Day: Celebrate with us on Employee Appreciation Day, recognizing your hard work and contributions.