ALFA LAVAL is a Swedish multinational company operating in Italy for over 100 years with several sales offices, manufacturing and research and development.  

At Alfa Laval, we always go that extra mile to overcome the toughest challenges. Our driving force is to accelerate success for our customers, people and planet. You can only achieve that by having dedicated people with a curious mind. Curiosity is the spark behind great ideas. And great ideas drive progress. 

As a member of our team, you thrive in a truly diverse workplace based on empowerment. You are here to make a difference. Constantly building bridges to the future with sustainable solutions that have an impact on our planet’s most urgent problems. Making the world a better place. Every day. 

We are seeking a dynamic and highly analytical Financial Analyst to support our global manufacturing operations, with a focus on cost analysis, R&D financial activities, tax refund processes, and externally financed projects. This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in an international, multi-disciplinary environment. You will contribute to financial strategies that optimize cost management and maximize funding opportunities from various sources, including government grants and R&D tax incentives.

Key Responsibilities:

Core Financial & Manufacturing Responsibilities:

• Accurately record and analyze revenues, production costs, overheads, and variances across international manufacturing operations.
• Monitor inventory, raw materials, and work-in-progress accounts; resolve discrepancies and ensure alignment with actual production data across global plants.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements including P&L, cost center reports, and KPI dashboards for international stakeholders.
• Support monthly and year-end financial closing activities and ensure accurate maintenance of general ledger accounts across multiple regions.
• Implement and oversee internal controls for cost accounting, procurement, and inventory processes that align with international standards.

R&D Financial Management:

• Track and allocate R&D expenses by project, department, and funding source, including cross-border R&D activities.
• Partner with global R&D teams to ensure proper cost classification and documentation of research-related expenditures.
• Maintain records required to support R&D tax credit claims and ensure audit-readiness for R&D financial data, complying with international regulations.

Tax Refunds and Incentives:

• Identify and coordinate applications for eligible R&D tax credits and other incentives across various international tax regimes.
• Collaborate with tax advisors, auditors, and internal teams to prepare supporting documentation for tax refund claims in multiple jurisdictions.
• Monitor compliance with fiscal requirements and maintain detailed documentation for audits or government reviews, ensuring adherence to global standards.

Externally Financed Projects (Grants & Innovation Funding):

• Manage the financial tracking and reporting for externally funded projects (e.g., government grants, EU-funded innovation programs) across multiple countries.
• Ensure accurate cost allocation and compliance with funding guidelines, deadlines, and international financial regulations.
• Prepare periodic financial reports, forecasts, and reconciliations required by grantor institutions in various regions.
• Liaise with project managers, grant coordinators, and regulatory bodies from different countries to ensure smooth project execution from a financial perspective.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Management Engineering
• 3–6 years of financial experience in manufacturing, with exposure to R&D financial tracking, funded project reporting, and international financial practices.
• Experience with R&D tax credit processes, including documentation and filing, across different countries is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with managing international projects and grants (e.g., Horizon Europe, government R&D grants, etc.) is a strong advantage.
• Solid knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing-related financial principles.
• Very good knowledge of English (B2 level or higher) – sufficient for effective communication in an international setting, including written reports, meetings, and correspondence with global teams, auditors, and funding bodies.
• Proficiency in ERP systems used in manufacturing (e.g., AS400, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics) and advanced Excel and Power BI.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, production, tax, and project teams in a multinational environment.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position (hybrid).
• Occasional extended hours during financial closing, tax deadlines, or grant reporting periods.
• Regular collaboration with international teams, including R&D, project management, production, and external advisors from various countries.