Chief Accountant – Hybrid – Overath

About the role

This senior, hands‑on accounting leadership role is based in Overath, Germany and reports directly to the Head of Finance & Accounting Germany. The Chief Accountant owns the general ledger, financial reporting and accounting operations, ensuring compliance with German GAAP (HGB) and group reporting standards while driving process improvement and automation. The position offers a hybrid working model.

Key responsibilities

• Full ownership of the general ledger and accounting operations for two legal entities.
• Ensure accurate financial records in line with HGB and IFRS standards.
• Lead month‑end and year‑end closing processes using Microsoft Dynamics and Tagetik.
• Manage IFRS 16 lease accounting and fixed‑assets processes.
• Maintain audit readiness and coordinate external audit activities.
• Perform financial controlling tasks such as variance analysis, cost control and performance monitoring.
• Design, implement and continuously improve accounting procedures, policies and internal‑control frameworks.
• Drive standardisation and automation initiatives across accounting processes.
• Support cash‑flow forecasting together with Treasury, Credit Control and Finance teams.
• Ensure tax compliance (VAT, corporate tax, sales tax) and assist with related reporting.
• Act as the primary accounting contact for operational finance topics.

Required profile

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5–7 years of experience in accounting, finance or audit (Big‑4 or manufacturing background strongly preferred).
• Strong hands‑on expertise in general‑ledger accounting and month‑end close processes.
• Solid knowledge of HGB and IFRS, including IFRS 16.
• Experience with fixed‑assets accounting in a process‑driven finance environment.
• Fluent German and English communication skills.
• Structured, detail‑oriented and comfortable in a highly operational role.

Required skills

• Microsoft Dynamics (ERP system).
• Tagetik reporting tool.
• Advanced Excel.
• SAP or similar ERP experience.
• Fixed‑assets accounting.
• IFRS 16 accounting.
• HGB compliance.