Chêne-Bougeries, Geneva, CH
COFCO International is a global agri-business with a clear vision, strong values and a positive culture, focused on being a leader in the global grains, oilseeds and sugar supply chains. We provide the food the world needs in a responsible way. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, we are ambitious, with the right structures and culture to meet the world's increasing and changing needs. With 12,000+ people in 35 countries, our global portfolio includes assets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. We trade with over 50 nations, while providing farmers unique direct access to the growing Chinese market.
COFCO International is a leading global agri-business with integrated operations across origination, trading, processing and distribution of agricultural commodities. We are looking for an experienced G&O Controller to join our global headquarters in Geneva and play a crucial role in supporting and overseeing the financial and business performance, governance, and control environment of our Grains & Oilseeds international and global desks. This position requires a strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and strong business acumen, capable of partnering closely with commercial, operational, and risk management teams in a complex and fast-paced trading environment, while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
Responsibilities
Stay connected and informed to support leadership and the global organization
Follow business developments, market trends, news, pricing levels, and execution activities, ensuring continuous feedback is provided to the Head of Business Control and other senior finance stakeholders.
Maintain a high level of collaboration across all departments, particularly Trading, Operations, Legal, and Risk, developing a detailed understanding of market activity, trading strategies, and business performance.
Day-to-day activities (preparation, reporting, and validation)
Lead a team responsible for all aspects of the Geneva Grains & Oilseeds business from a middle office and financial controlling perspective:
Preparing and reporting daily positions and P&L for 13 international desks, ensuring full alignment with the respective trading desks.
Preparing and reporting monthly accounting P&L up to Gross Margin level, as well as balance sheet reconciliations for the desks.
Be capable of preparing and reporting selected desks as a backup when required.
Ensure accurate and timely recognition of revenues, costs, accruals, and provisions related to Global G&O activities, as well as appropriate balance sheet presentation of Gross Margin-related accounts.
Prepare and maintain reporting for the Group in China, particularly financial analyses, supporting information, and ad hoc requests.
Analysis and presentation
Review and challenge daily P&L and position variances, ensuring appropriate explanations and escalation where necessary, while connecting results with relevant market developments.
Analyze trading results, operational costs, and financial performance indicators (KPIs) to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement, and provide insights and recommendations to support business performance and decision-making.
Own International Product Line volume reporting, requiring coordination with local controllers across origin and destination locations.
Serve as the bridge between IFRS and economic P&L, ensuring both measures are clearly understood and explaining the drivers of any differences. This role acts as the link between commercial teams and corporate accounting, with Business Control serving as the intermediary.
Prepare and present detailed financial reports, forecasts, and business performance analyses to senior management.
Provide information and support to the Risk Management team dedicated to Global G&O activities.
Compliance and audit
Work with Trading and other departments on new business flows and initiatives, ensuring policies are adhered to and appropriate controls are implemented.
Act as the main point of contact for internal and external auditors reviewing Geneva G&O activities.
Continuous improvement and control focus
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across processes, systems, and controls.
Ensure proper documentation of processes and systems.
Support team development, succession planning, and backup coverage.
Stay up to date with IFRS developments and key industry matters.
Requirements
Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in commodity trading finance, trading control, product control, business controlling, or commodity accounting, preferably within the agricultural commodities industry.
Strong experience in Grains & Oilseeds and a solid understanding of agricultural commodity market dynamics.
Strong understanding of physical commodity trading, including pricing mechanisms, inventory valuation, mark-to-market concepts, accrual management, trading positions, exposures, and key P&L drivers.
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to challenge trading results, position movements, and valuation methodologies.
Self-motivated and energetic, with the ability to share knowledge and foster a collaborative, high-trust team environment.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
Experience partnering directly with commercial, trading, and risk teams in a fast-paced trading environment.
Experience working with trading systems, ERP platforms, and SAP.
Proficiency in financial analysis tools and data analytics.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Good knowledge of IFRS requirements applicable to commodity trading activities.
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree or CPA preferred).
COFCO International is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice to know how COFCO collects and processes your personal data during your job application.
