Head of Accounting – R2R

Our client, a leading global organization in the pharmaceutical sector, offers a unique opportunity for a Head of Accounting. Renowned for their passion for innovation and positive impact on patients' lives, this firm invites you to contribute within a newly established European Service Centre, shaping international operations in an inspiring environment.

Benefits

• Be part of a global company that fosters career growth in a collaborative, forward-thinking setting.
• Attractive health and wellness offerings that enhance work-life balance and personal well-being.
• A company culture that values mutual respect, inclusion, and diversity, creating an inspiring workspace.

Role Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounting activities across general ledger, sub-ledgers, payments, and bank accounting, ensuring full compliance with accounting standards and VAT regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely booking of accruals, provisions, and the complete fixed asset lifecycle from an accounting perspective.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Internal Centre Lead, R2R Service Line Lead, and Global Process Owner, contributing to the design, rollout, and continuous improvement of end-to-end Record-to-Report processes.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close cycles and prepare financial statements in line with IFRS, local GAAP, and tax requirements.
• Prepare subgroup financial statements in close collaboration with the Centres of Excellence (Accounting, Tax & Treasury), including reconciliation of general ledger and sub-ledger accounts.
• Drive operational performance of the service line by managing KPIs and SLAs, ensuring high service quality, timely issue resolution, and acting as the second level of escalation within GBS.
• Partner closely with European finance leaders and business units, sharing expertise and coordinating cross-functional and cross-regional initiatives.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal and external audits, maintaining a strong control environment and ensuring compliance with J-SOX documentation requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team, managing capacity, resolving operational challenges, and promoting continuous learning in IFRS and accounting standards.
• Initiate and lead projects to streamline, standardise, and optimise accounting processes, contributing to the ongoing development of the internal organisation.

Requirements

• Strong background in accounting or finance, with hands-on experience in closing, general ledger, and complex asset accounting, ideally gained in agile, data-driven environments such as Global Business Services or shared service centres.
• A bachelor's or master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience, including at least two years in an international environment.
• Demonstrated international and cross-cultural experience, with a track record of two to three years in leadership roles and customer-facing positions.
• Deep understanding of IFRS, HGB, local GAAP and indirect tax (VAT); experience in audit or financial consulting is considered a strong advantage.
• Proven success in project delivery, with solid skills in process improvement, change management, and operational optimisation.
• Strong systems expertise in SAP (FI, CO, and Asset Accounting) and MS Office, combined with a data-driven mindset and experience in financial analysis and reporting tools.
• Full working proficiency in German is a must.

If you're ready to elevate your career and join a global team that values innovation and respect, apply now to become a Head of Accounting. Embrace the chance to make a significant impact on global healthcare operations.