Finance Director (France)

Dijon, France, onsite with flexibility (Full-time)

Note: This position is with Accell Group, but you will be working at the Lapierre headquarters factory offices in Dijon, France. 

At Accell Group, we’re not just building bikes— we’re creating experiences that move the world forward. Our mission? To craft the joy of cycling. Our ambition? Riding together to win. We’re a team that believes in:

• Take ownership: We deliver on our promises, continuously learn and improve, and take initiative with follow-through.
• One Team: We value transparent feedback, respect everyone’s input, and celebrate success together.
• Passion and Quality: We put our customers first, never compromise on quality or safety, and always go the extra mile.

With the dynamic growth path and changes that Accell Group is experiencing, the position of Finance Director in France is crucial. This role is vital in driving and supporting the growth and performance agenda of Accell in the French region. The ideal candidate will thrive in an international, collaborative, matrix environment and be eager to contribute to our global strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities 

Financial Management and Controls

• Oversee P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Ensure tight cash management and accurate cash forecasting.
• Drive productivity savings and OPEX initiatives.
• Manage both commercial and manufacturing activities.
• Oversee financial and business controls.
• Build a forward-looking financial support function, improving current capabilities and setting up necessary policies, processes, and tools.

Strategic Planning and Performance Management

• Contribute to developing a more integrated company operating in a matrix organization.
• Increase productivity and efficiency within the French organization
• Performance management in sales, margin, and expenses, driving productivity incl. marketing ROI.
• Co-define the commercial and pricing strategy with the global management team.

Collaboration, Support, and Leadership

• Work closely with local and global (matrix) organizations to align S&OP with the factory and NPI with R&D.
• Support the Group Finance team with global finance projects and product portfolios as needed.
• Act as a trusted advisor and business partner within the management team, supporting them in achieving financial objectives.
• Lead and develop the finance team in France.
• Build a strong team and nurture finance talent.
• Assess and create a development plan for the French finance team.

Reporting Lines

• Reports to: Finance Director - Business & Commerce
• Direct Reports: a team 7 direct reports in business controlling and accounting

Candidate Profile 

We are looking for a proactive, high-energy individual who thrives in a fast-paced, global environment. The ideal candidate will have:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, or a similar discipline.
  • Possibly combined with an MBA or similar higher education.

• Experience:
  • At least 15 years of experience in Financial Management and Controls.
  • Experience as a country and/or regional/commerce FD, with P&L responsibility in a mid-size to large multinational environment.
  • Ideal experience in consumer goods or product manufacturing businesses.
  • Capable of navigating a global matrix organization.
  • Excellent people management skills with international teams of professionals.
  • Background in various finance roles with increasing levels of responsibility (expertise in accounting, internal controls, budgeting, reporting, etc. is crucial. Experience in tax, external auditing, and treasury is a plus).

• Skills:
  • Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data warehouse systems.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Leading People: The future Finance Director will be a superior leader, helping to transform the team to the next level. They will have a strong personality with the ability to get things done through people.
  • Driving Results: The ideal candidate is hands-on, action-oriented, and results-driven with excellent analytical skills. They will be well-organized and structured.
  • Fluent in French and business proficiency in English

What will be the benefits if you join us?

At Accell, we aim to support our employees both professionally and personally 💼. Our benefits package is designed to meet local standards and may vary depending on your role, responsibilities, and country of employment 🌍. Specific details will be provided during the recruitment process

About Us

At Accell Group, we believe in creating innovative solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of our valued customers. As a leading player in the e-bikes and the second-largest provider of bicycle parts and accessories, our commitment to excellence is reflected in everything we do.

We foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where talent from all backgrounds is valued and supported. Our global team of approximately 3,000 employees across 18 countries works together to deliver premier products and services to clients in more than 80 countries worldwide.

At Accell Group, our culture is driven by innovation, teamwork, and respect, offering challenging and rewarding opportunities for everyone who joins us.