Accounting Manager

The Accounting Manager, Germany is a key member of the EMEA region accounting team and is responsible for the accounting and compliance function for multiple German legal entities.  The role will oversee a team of professional staff, possibly located in multiple European locations.  This team performs the day-to-day financial accounting and compliance efforts. 

This role will prepare legal entity financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, by performing and reviewing proper operational accounting and maintaining SOX compliance.   The role will assist in supporting the external audit effort for the Company's European operations as needed.  This role will prepare statutory financial statements for multiple legal entities in accordance with HGB and coordinate statutory audits where required.

The role will develop and contribute to the culture of continuous improvement and execution.

The position is based in Neu-Isenburg, Germany and reports to the EMEA Director of Accounting and Reporting.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee general ledger accounting functions, account reconciliations, income statement and balance sheet management.

• Lead month-end close deliverables and timeline.

• Manage financial reporting; ensure all reporting is accurate and timely.

• Assist in completing and providing corporate accounting department deliverables.

• Perform and review accounting and internal controls (SOX) activities.

• Support the execution of US GAAP internal and external audits including the implementation of audit recommendations.

• Prepare and file statutory financial statements complying with HGB.

• Monitor and track variances between HGB and US GAAP.

• Develop and contribute to a continuous improvement culture, focusing on automation of manual processes and controls and standardization of accounting/business processes.

• Ensure policies and procedures are being followed, including all SOX requirements.

• Manage responsibilities of accounting staff; performance reviews and professional development/coaching

• Motivate, mentor, develop, and manage accounting team members.

• Support acquisition activity within region as needed.

• Assist with ad-hoc requests or special projects as necessary or assigned.

• Travel within the region as necessary

Job Requirements:

Experience / Education

• University degree in Accounting or Business Economics added with a German Wirtschaftsprufer degree or equivalent

• Minimum of 4 years of public audit experience, Big 4 experience preferred

• 8+ years of progressive related experience that includes previously managing an accounting team 

• Relevant experience with U.S multinational company

• Excellent knowledge of US GAAP, HGB, technical accounting, accounting policies, and internal controls

• Demonstrable experience in process changes and systems improvements

• Strong managerial skills; capable of effectively developing an accounting team

Skills/Knowledge

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (any other major European languages are a plus)

• Experience with large, complex global ERP systems (experience with Oracle is a plus)

• Intermediate/Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel in financial and data analysis

Other Key Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and being capable of engaging effectively with operational stakeholders.

• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Operate with a high sense of urgency. Flexibility to meet deadlines.

• Demonstrate sound work ethic, respect and cultural sensitivity and awareness.

• Effective time management, organizational and prioritization skills.

• Results-oriented with focus on achieving overall business objectives.

• Ability to effectively manage through change and embrace challenges.

• Ability to think strategically.

• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.