China FAO Manager

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This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we've announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing.  By joining us now, you'll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position reports to:

Job Overview

We are establishing a dedicated Financial Accounting Office (FAO) in China to support our new independent entity. This role is pivotal in building a best-in-class finance function that seamlessly integrates with our global FAO framework while fully addressing China's specific regulatory and operational landscape. The FAO Manager will be the key architect in bridging global standards with local requirements, ensuring our financial operations are compliant, efficient, and strategically aligned with both group objectives and local business goals

Key Responsibilities

1. China Accounting Operations & Compliance

• Process Design & Execution:​ Lead the end-to-end design and management of Record-to-Report (R2R), Order-to-Cash (O2C), and Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes. Ensure they adhere to the global FAO framework while being fully adapted to local mandates, including China GAAP, tax regulations, and foreign exchange controls.
• Local Compliance & Risk Management:​ Establish and maintain robust internal controls and operational guidelines to guarantee compliance with all Chinese regulatory requirements and group-wide policies. Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks specific to the China market.
• System Localization:​ Partner with global and local IT teams to configure and implement ERP systems for China operations, ensuring seamless localization and integration with the group's global financial systems.

2. Financial Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Financial Reporting:​ Oversee the accurate and timely preparation of all financial statements for the China entity,.
• Audit & Compliance Coordination:​ Act as the primary liaison for external auditors in China, addressing local audit issues effectively. Collaborate with group Legal and Investor Relations teams to prepare necessary disclosures for prospectuses and related-party transactions.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Partnering

• Global-Local Alignment:​ Work in partnership with the Global FAO Head to implement global best practices while effectively advocating for China-specific operational needs.
• Stakeholder Management:​ Serve as a strategic finance partner to China finance functions (tax, Treasury, company controllers & business controllers) to optimize financial workflows and drive operational efficiency.

4. Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Team Development:​ Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing China FAO team. Foster expertise in both global FAO standards and local finance practices.
• Performance & Culture:​ Set clear performance indicators (KPIs) for process efficiency and accuracy, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
• Talent Development:​ Implement upskilling initiatives to build a future-ready team capable of supporting the entity's growth post-listing.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:​ Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Certification:​ Professional certification such as CPA (China), ACCA, or CPA (International) is highly preferred. CMA or CIA is a plus.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 8 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in an FAO or Shared Service Center environment within a multinational corporation (MNC) or Foreign-Invested Enterprise (FIE) in China.
  • Proven track record in managing end-to-end R2R, O2C, and P2P cycles within a cross-border context.
  • Deep familiarity with China's financial regulatory landscape and experience supporting an independent legal entity.
  • Demonstrated experience in team leadership within a matrixed organization, effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams (IT, Legal, Business Units).

Required Competencies

• Technical Expertise:​ In-depth knowledge of financial accounting, compliance, and internal controls; proficiency in both Chinese GAAP and IFRS/US GAAP.
• Communication Skills:​ Fluency in English (verbal and written) for global collaboration and strong Mandarin skills for local stakeholder engagement.
• Problem-Solving:​ Adept at navigating complex regulatory and operational challenges with practical, balanced solutions.
• Strategic Mindset:​ Ability to build a scalable finance function that supports both immediate listing objectives and long-term strategic growth.

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