Company Overview
American Eagle Outfitters is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the American Eagle and Aerie brands. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Local Controller to lead the finance and accounting functions for our growing Mexican subsidiary. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the financial health and integrity of our operations in Mexico, providing strategic insights to both local management and our US headquarters.
Position Summary
As the senior finance leader in Mexico, the Local Controller will be responsible for all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, and compliance. You'll ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with both Mexican and US GAAP, manage local tax and regulatory requirements, and provide strategic financial insights to support the growth of our retail operations. This role will report directly to the VP Finance International / Mexico and have a dotted-line reporting relationship with the US Corporate Finance team, ensuring seamless communication and alignment with our global financial policies.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Oversee the full accounting cycle, from general ledger management to the preparation of timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Ensure all financial reporting is compliant with both Mexican Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (MX GAAP) and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).
- Manage the consolidation of financial data from the Mexican subsidiary for the US parent company, including the preparation of reporting packages and detailed variance analyses.
- Accounting & Operations :
- Manage all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
- Ensure proper maintenance of the general ledger and all financial records.
- Develop and enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial data.
Tax & Compliance
Lead all tax-related matters, ensuring the accurate and timely filing of all Mexican federal and state tax returns (e.g., IVA, ISR).Oversee Tax compliance for Payroll and Social Security and reporting activities managed through federal and state tax authorities, as well as the IMSS and INFONAVITServe as the primary point of contact for external audits, regulatory bodies, and internal audit teams.Stay informed of changes in Mexican tax law and financial regulations to ensure continuous and proactive compliance.Operational & Strategic Finance
Provide strategic financial guidance and recommendations to the local leadership team to drive profitability and operational efficiency for our retail stores.Oversee the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes for the Mexican market.Identify and implement efficiencies in accounting and financial processes, utilizing technology and best practices.Collaborate with other departments to optimize interdepartmental workflows.Oversee Payroll process according to Mexican regulations.Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of all financial data.Leadership & Team Management
Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of finance and accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accuracy and accountability.Provide strategic financial guidance and recommendations to the local management team to improve operational performance and profitability.Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including store operations, human resources, and merchandising, to provide financial support and insights.Qualifications
Education : Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. A CPA (Mexican certification) is strongly preferred.Experience : Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with at least 3-5 years in a Controller or senior financial management role. Experience in the retail industry is a significant advantage.Knowledge : Expert knowledge of both MX GAAP and US GAAP is essential. Strong understanding of Mexican tax laws and statutory reporting requirements. Mexico Tax regulatory experience. (Federal Taxes, Social Security, Payroll Tax).Skills :Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory.Advanced skills with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) and a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel.Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.Proven ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization and a cross-cultural environment.Location & Reporting
Location : Mexico City, MexicoReports to : General Manager, Mexico (local) and SVP of Finance, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (dotted line)