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.


At adidas, we strongly believe that embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into our culture and talent processes gives our employees a sense of belonging and our brand a real competitive advantage.

– Culture Starts With People, It Starts With You –

By recruiting talent and developing our people to reflect the rich diversity of our consumers and communities, we foster a culture of inclusion that engages our employees and authentically connects our brand with our consumers.

Job Title:  Sr Specialist GBS Local Accounting

Brand: 
Location:  Porto
TEAM:  Finance
State:  13
Country/Region:  PT
Contract Type:  Full time
Number:  543751
Date:  Apr 24, 2026