Sr Specialist GBS Local Accounting

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

Provide hands-on operational support to accurate, compliant, and timely statutory accounting and reporting for assigned legal entities in line with local GAAP/IFRS and adidas group accounting policies.

Support the responsible Certified Accountants in day-to-day Accounting/Tax activities (including the two Portuguese legal entities: adidas Global Business Services (GBS) and adidas Portugal) by preparing reconciliations, supporting close activities, producing audit/tax evidence, and coordinating required submissions. The role does not hold statutory sign-off; legal responsibility remains with the Certified Accountant/GBS Local Accounting Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be accountable for the month-end/quarter-end/year-end close and statutory reporting by preparing journal entry support, accruals/provisions/deferrals, and account analysis.
• Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations (incl. payroll-related accounts), investigate variances, and drive the resolution of open items.

• Own the preparation of annual financial statements and disclosures by preparing supporting schedules/documentation and coordinating inputs (notes/annexes) under guidance of the Certified Accountant.
• Ensure operational tax/accounting activities (e.g., SAFT review/submission, and other local filings as required) for both Portugal entities.

• Support audits (statutory/group/tax) by coordinating requests and preparing evidence; execute and evidence internal controls in line with compliance requirements.
• Oversee operational topics such as supplier communication, purchase order management (where applicable), fixed assets recording/physical checks, and cash forecast inputs in collaboration with Treasury.
• Ensure statutory requirements are correctly reflected in SAP postings/master data; contribute to process documentation and continuous improvement together with GBS teams and local stakeholders.

• Responsible for suggesting process improvements, and suggest new working processes within systems area to ensure efficiency and excellence, as well as support their implementation;

Key Relationships:

Main stakeholders/customers to be dealt with:

• Internally

• • Managers in Local Accounting Iberia
  • Other members of South West Local Accounting team
  • Global Financial Shared Services (GBS Chennai)
  • Group Treasury
  • Group Accounting
  • Group Policies & Internal Controls
  • Legal & Compliance
  • Other local market partners

• Externally
  • Banks
  • Group Auditors
  • Local Authorities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• • Deep knowledge of accounting policies and principles under Portuguese GAAP and IFRS, with the ability to apply them under the guidance of the Certified Accountant
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Advanced user of Microsoft Excel and competent user of Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP)
  • Strong analytical capability, with a structured and methodical approach to problem solving and decision‑making.
  • Excellent planning, prioritization, and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet critical and competing deadlines.
  • Clear and confident communication and influencing skills;
  • Highly collaborative individual contributor, able to operate independently while taking full ownership of assigned responsibilities.
  • Proactive and continuous‑improvement mindset, identifying issues early and driving practical, sustainable solutions.
  • Ability to operate cross‑functionally, with strong awareness of external business drivers and their impact on accounting and reporting activities.

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in Economy, Accounting or Business Administration
• Minimum of 3 -5 years working experience in the respective area in a multinational environment
• Fluent English and Portuguese.