Key Skills

Job Description

Company: Lagardère Travel Retail, one of the two divisions of the Lagardère group is a pioneering global leader in the travel retail industry. It is also the only operator to have established a comprehensive and worldrecognized leadership across multiple business activities. Cumulating more than 170 years of experience in travel retail since the opening of the first bookstore in 1852 at Paris Gare de Lyon, we deliver new experiences for travelers every day. Operating over 5,000 stores across Travel Essentials, Duty Free & Fashion and Dining in airports, railway stations and other concessions in 42 countries worldwide, we generated €8 bn sales in 2024. In the Netherlands the company operates in Perfume, Cosmetics, Tabacco, Liquor and Confectionary at Schiphol. We also operate fashion, travel essential and food service activities since several years. The company employs approx. 800-900 FTE and it’s offices are based in Lijnden, near Schiphol Position: Reports to CFO As a key member of the Finance leadership team, the Director Accounting & Control is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial reporting and administrative operations within the organization. This role serves as the guardian of compliance, governance, and financial control—ensuring that all accounting activities meet IFRS standards, Group (Lagardère Travel Retail) policies, and local statutory requirements. The Director Accounting & Control oversees the full spectrum of accounting, tax, treasury, payroll, and administrative functions, ensuring efficient and compliant operations across the business. Acting as a strategic business partner, this role collaborates closely with the FP&A Director, Executive Team, and Head Office in Paris to support sound financial decision-making and operational excellence. Leading a team of accounting and administrative professionals, the Director will foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and compliance—driving efficiency through process optimization and digital transformation. Profile: Masters degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline, professional qualification such as RA, CPA, CA, or equivalent required. Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Solid experience in financial reporting, compliance, audit management, and treasury operations. Familiarity with IFRS and listed-company reporting standards. Prior experience within a retail, travel, or multinational environment strongly preferred. Proven ability to lead accounting and administrative teams in a dynamic, fast-paced setting. Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/4Hana + legacy SAP system) and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Knowledge of consolidation tools (e.g., TM1, Newport (reporting system), Magnitude (consolidation system) or similar) preferred. Fluency in Dutch and English required. Some international travel required

Core Responsibilities

Oversee accounting, tax, treasury, payroll, administrative operations, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with IFRS, group policies, and local statutory requirements. Lead the accounting and administrative team, partner with finance and executive leaders on decision-making, and improve efficiency through process optimization and digital transformation.

Requirements

Requires a master's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field, plus a professional qualification such as RA, CPA, or CA. Candidates need 10–15 years of progressive finance experience, including at least five years in senior leadership, along with expertise in reporting, compliance, audit, treasury, IFRS, ERP and consolidation tools, and fluency in Dutch and English.