Senior Accountant

**About Focused Energy**

Focused Energy is an international deep-tech company based in Germany and the US, working on the commercialization of laser-driven nuclear fusion. Our mission: provide clean, safe, and virtually unlimited energy to the world. We are scaling quickly and need experienced people who thrive in building clarity and structure in fast-growing environments.

The **Senior Accountant** plays a key role in building Focused Energy’s in-house accounting capabilities and ensuring financial accuracy as we expand globally.
This position combines **hands-on ownership of the German entity’s accounting (GmbH)** with **global responsibility for the Accounts Payable (AP) process**, supporting our shift from external providers to an internal accounting structure.

The role is based in **Darmstadt/Frankfurt area (preferred)**, with the option to work from **Berlin** and travel monthly to Darmstadt. **Fluency in both German and English is required.**

**What You’ll Do**

At Focused Energy, you won’t just manage numbers — you’ll help build the financial backbone of a company working to unlock a new era of clean, limitless energy.
As our Senior Accountant, you will connect global entities, strengthen internal controls, and turn complexity into clarity.

In this role, you will:

- ** Own the German GmbH books** — manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closings under **HGB**, with working knowledge of **IFRS** for group reporting.
- ** Lead the global Accounts Payable (AP) function**: vendor onboarding, 3-way match, invoice validation, approvals, payment accuracy, and end-to-end documentation.
- ** Reduce reliance on external accounting firms** (Torque in Germany, Escalon in the US) by bringing key processes in-house.
- Partner with **auditors and tax advisors** (including Big Four) to ensure **audit readiness**, compliance, and timely submissions.
- ** Design and implement standardized global AP procedures**, improving efficiency and transparency across all Focused Energy entities.
- ** Collaborate with U.S. and German Finance teams** on intercompany transactions, reconciliations, and consolidation efforts.
- Support the upcoming **ERP migration to NetSuite (go-live planned for Jan 2026)** — mapping workflows, migrating data, and testing new integrations.
- Build clear, scalable **process documentation and internal controls** that enable growth and ensure consistency across the company.
- Provide financial visibility by preparing reports, reconciliations, and insights for management and auditors.

This is a hands-on, high-impact position where your expertise will shape not only our books — but how Focused Energy grows, scales, and earns the trust of a global community.

**Who You Are**

**Must-Haves**
- Degree in **Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration**, or a **certified accountant qualification**.
- ** 7+ years of professional accounting experience**, ideally including in-house roles in international environments (startup, scale-up, or industry).
- Strong technical expertise in **HGB** and working knowledge of **IFRS**.
- Proven track record in **monthly/annual closing, audit preparation, and Accounts Payable management**.
- Hands-on experience with **ERP systems** such as **SAP, NetSuite, or Oracle**.
- Demonstrated ability to **design, document, and improve accounting workflows** with attention to accuracy and control.
- ** Fluency in both German and English** (required for daily collaboration).
- A **hands-on, detail-oriented, and proactive** working style, with comfort operating in fast-growing, evolving environments.

**Nice-to-Haves**
- Experience in a **startup or small-to-medium-sized company** where you built processes from scratch.
- Prior exposure to **group reporting, consolidation, or intercompany transactions**.
- Background in both **public accounting (Big Four)** and **industry roles**.
- Familiarity with **audit readiness** and **VAT topics** in Germany.
- Participation in an **ERP implementation project** (especially NetSuite).
- Ability to work across **time zones** and collaborate effectively with U.S. finance counterparts.

**What We Offer**
- A chance to join a groundbreaking company shaping the future of clean energy.
- High responsibility and ownership in a core finance role.
- Opportunity to build and professionalize processes in a scaling environment.
- A diverse, international and highly motivated team.
- Flexible work arrangements (hybrid).
- Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
- Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
- Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.