GL Accounting and Audit Lead

Cotecna is a leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services. Founded in Switzerland in 1974, Cotecna started off as a family business and has now grown to become a world-class international player with over 7000 employees in more than 140 offices across 50 countries.Mission of the RoleThis role is responsible for leading overall accounting process, ensuring seamless execution of General Ledger (GL) accounting and audit processes, including period‑end closes, balance‑sheet reconciliations, statutory and group financial reporting, end to end payroll accounting, statutory compliance, and employee cost provisioning, including actuarial valuations, reconciliations, and audit management, to ensure financial statements are accurate, compliant, auditable, and aligned across statutory, management, and group reporting.The role requires strong leadership and in-depth knowledge of Accounting Standards, and group policy and strong collaboration with different Finance leads for a smooth financial close.Key ResponsibilitiesStatutory Audit & Financial StatementsLead the statutory audit end‑to‑end, acting as the single point of contact for auditors.Prepare standalone and consolidated financial statements, including schedules, notes, and disclosures.Coordinate audit testing, sample selection, data extraction, and explanation of transactions.Review, post, and document audit adjustment entries with appropriate approvals.Statutory, Corporate & Management ComplianceMaintain reconciliation between statutory financials and management reporting used for internal performance reviews.Support the Company Secretarial (CS) team with financial inputs for Annual returns, Statutory filings, Board and shareholder documentationEnsure compliance with internal accounting policies, approval matrices, and group accounting guidelines.Period‑End Close & GL Accounting OwnershipOwn month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close, ensuring all accounting entries are posted accurately and on time based on validated inputs.Review and post accruals, provisions, reclassifications, impairments, and adjustment entries.Complete and sign off the monthly controller checklist with full documentation and audit trail.Ensure submission of all monthly schedules as per Group requirements in the Group consolidation tool.Group Reporting & ConsolidationSupport group consolidation activities for half‑yearly and full‑year reporting cycles.Prepare and submit group reporting packs, reconciliations, and variance explanations within timelines.Ensure consistency and reconciliation between statutory books, management accounts, and group consolidation numbers.Monthly Payroll Accounting & ControlsPost monthly salary journal entries accurately based on approved payroll inputs.Ensure accurate headcount validation and submission in management and reporting systems.Reconcile salary registers with GL postings and ensure correct cost centre allocation.Calculate, validate, and post monthly provisions for Bonus, Gratuity, Leave encashment and Other employee‑related statutory liabilitiesCoordinate for actuarial valuation exercises for India year‑end (March) statutory reporting & Group year‑end reporting requirements, review and ensure correct accountingQualifications, Experience And Technical SkillsQualified CA with relevant experience in Finance, Audit or FAS2-4 years’ experience in GL accounting, consolidation, statutory reporting, and audit managementStrong exposure to financial statement, MIS preparation and handling auditsExperience with group reporting and consolidation processes will be preferredERP experience (SAP / Navision / Oracle / NetSuite / MS Dynamics) APPLY FOR THE JOB