Head of Accounts

Job Description : Head of Accounts

Location : Essen, Germany

Employment Type : Full-Time, Permanent

Position Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Accounting and Financial Reporting
• Lead month-end and year-end processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare financial statements in compliance with IFRS and HGB.
• Manage revenue recognition processes, including unbilled receivables and deferred revenue.
• Oversee reconciliations for balance sheets, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Support management reporting, group consolidation, and year-end audits.
• Accounts Payable, Receivable, and Expense Management
• Supervise AP and AR teams, ensuring invoice accuracy, compliance with VAT regulations, and adherence to approval protocols.
• Monitor and improve travel expense reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Drive automation initiatives to optimise workflows and systems.
• Treasury Management
• Oversee petty cash management, bank account reconciliations, and statutory financial reporting.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and ensure accurate treasury reporting to stakeholders.
• Intercompany Operations
• Manage intercompany transactions, ensuring accurate matching, reconciliations, and reporting within the group.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align intercompany balances and P&L.
• Tax and VAT Compliance
• Prepare and submit VAT returns, deferred tax accounts, and other statutory filings.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations and internal reporting requirements.
• Asset Management
• Maintain and review the fixed asset register, ensuring accurate accounting for asset creation, disposal, and depreciation.
• Ensure compliance with lease accounting under IFRS16.
• Audit and Compliance
• Lead local statutory audits and support internal and external audits.
• Conduct self-assessments to ensure compliance with internal controls and policies.
• Support tax audits and address audit findings effectively.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Professional Experience and Skills
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, including managing a team of 10+ members.
• Expertise in corporate accounting systems, with a preference for experience in SAP.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, HGB, VAT, and tax regulations.
• Advanced MS Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Demonstrated success in process optimisation and team management.
• Educational Background
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Tax, or Auditing, or an equivalent qualification (e.g., Certified Accountant).
• Personal Attributes
• Results-driven, quality-focused, and proactive approach.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and lead teams.
• Fluency in German and English.
• Flexible and adaptable to evolving business requirements.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead a dynamic finance team in a global organisation.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

How to Apply

If you meet the above qualifications and are ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding leadership role, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to