Description
About Product
Our client is one of the largest software development companies in Gothenburg. We develop and implement innovative resource management and optimization solutions for the world’s leading airlines. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and delivering more value to our clients.
About the Role
Our client is redefining the future of aviation technology by equipping pilots, operators, and decision-makers with software tools to forge bold new digital paths that go beyond the expected. We stand with those who dream bigger, fly farther, and seek to explore the next frontier in the cockpit and operations center.
We are seeking a Lead Accountant to own all GL accounting matters for our German entity, including monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, statutory reporting under German GAAP (HGB), and coordination of the annual German statutory audit. This role is the primary point of accountability for ensuring that our German books are accurate, compliant with local law, and defensible to both German statutory auditors and our global finance leadership.
This is a senior, largely autonomous role. You will be expected to independently interpret German accounting and tax law, manage relationships with our external Wirtschaftsprüfer and Steuerberater, and mentor junior accountants supporting the entity.
#LI-MT3
Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including direct ownership of German statutory reporting.
- Fluency in German and English, both spoken and written, with the ability to independently manage statutory filings and auditor relationships.
- Strong working knowledge of German GAAP (HGB), including preparation of the Jahresabschluss.
- Direct experience managing or supporting German statutory audits (Wirtschaftsprüfung) and working with a Wirtschaftsprüfer.
- Solid understanding of German commercial and tax law relevant to corporate accounting, including VAT (Umsatzsteuer), trade tax (Gewerbesteuer), and corporate income tax.
- Working knowledge of US GAAP and experience reconciling reporting between US GAAP and HGB.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, NetSuite, SAP) and subledger accounting.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain accounting issues and solutions to senior management in both German and English.
Preferred
- Wirtschaftsprüfer or Steuerberater qualification, or an equivalent German accounting or tax credential.
- Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Big 4 or mid-tier public accounting experience in Germany.
- Experience supporting US or international accounting teams, ideally in a lead or team-lead capacity.
- Background in SaaS, technology, or subscription-based revenue models.
You’ll Thrive Here If You
- Are a “go-getter” who can take initiative and drive projects forward without explicit direction or detailed instructions.
- Want to understand the “why” behind processes and are not afraid to suggest or implement improvements when you see a better way.
- Are motivated to carry projects through to completion and do not get derailed by small obstacles.
- Can clearly articulate accounting concepts across languages and cultures, bridging German statutory requirements and global reporting standards.
- Are a team player who works well with others in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
- Can manage competing priorities while delivering accurate and timely information to stakeholders.
Job responsibilities
General Ledger Operations
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close for the German entity, including the preparation and review of standard journal entries (cash, payroll, accruals, and other items).
- Process intercompany transactions and ensure entries align with established elimination rules.
- Maintain documentation to a standard that allows an external auditor or reviewer with no prior context to evaluate the reasonableness of the supporting documentation.
- Review and approve supporting documentation (invoices, contracts, calculations) before transactions are recorded in the general ledger.
German Statutory Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare and own the annual statutory financial statements (Jahresabschluss) in accordance with the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch/HGB), including the notes (Anhang) and management report (Lagebericht), where applicable.
- Act as the primary internal contact for the German statutory audit (Wirtschaftsprüfung), managing the relationship and deliverables with the appointed Wirtschaftsprüfer from planning through sign-off.
- Partner with external tax advisors (Steuerberater) on corporate income tax, trade tax (Gewerbesteuer), and VAT (Umsatzsteuer) filings, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
- Monitor and interpret changes in German accounting standards, tax law, and relevant commercial and labor law, translating their implications into concrete actions for the Finance team.
- Reconcile differences between German GAAP (HGB) and US GAAP reporting for the entity and prepare supporting schedules for group consolidation.
Account Reconciliations
- Prepare and review reconciliations for balance sheet accounts, ensuring balances and reconciling items are clearly documented and easy to review and reperform.
- Monitor coding accuracy and resolve financial statement presentation issues in a timely manner.
- Critically review unsupported or significantly aged balances and drive their resolution.
Balance Sheet Reviews
- Prepare and present monthly balance sheet reviews for the German entity to the Chief Accounting Officer, VP – Financial Planning & Analysis, Director – Corporate Accounting, and Director – Technical Accounting.
- Clearly document variances and explain changes in account balances for monthly reporting.
- Ensure all account balances can be supported and evaluated for reasonableness at the individual transaction level.
- Address errors identified in the current month, propose action items, and resolve them in a timely manner (i.e., by the next month-end).
Audit Support & Remediation
- Lead responses to German statutory auditor requests, including gathering and validating supporting documentation.
- Act as the main point of contact for the US audit.
- Ensure deliverables are “audit-ready” by maintaining accurate documentation supported by third-party evidence or detailed calculations.Lead the remediation of audit findings, including ring-fencing identified errors and implementing process improvements to prevent recurrence.
Business Support & Leadership
- Serve as the subject matter expert on German statutory and GL matters for cross-functional teams and Company leadership.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior GL accountants supporting the German entity.
- Be an expert in the Company’s ERP system and identify missing capabilities or data fields to improve German statutory and management reporting.
What we offer
Empowering Projects: With 500+ clients spanning diverse industries and domains, we provide an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that leverage cutting-edge technologies. As a team, we engineer digital products that positively impact people’s lives.
Empowering Growth: We foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Our dedication is to provide timely and comprehensive assistance for every consultant through our dedicated Learning & Development team, ensuring their continuous growth and success.
DE&I Matters: At GlobalLogic, we deeply value and embrace diversity. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering an inclusive and empowering work environment.
Career Development: Our corporate culture places a strong emphasis on career development, offering abundant opportunities for growth. Regular interactions with our teams ensure their engagement, motivation, and recognition. We empower our team members to pursue their career goals with confidence and enthusiasm.
Comprehensive Benefits: In addition to equitable compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes the overall well-being of our consultants. We genuinely care about their health and strive to create a positive work environment.
Flexible Opportunities: At GlobalLogic, we prioritize work-life balance by offering flexible opportunities tailored to your lifestyle. Explore relocation and rotation options for diverse cultural and professional experiences in different countries with our company.
About GlobalLogic
GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group Company, is a trusted digital engineering partner to the world’s largest and most forward-thinking companies. Since 2000, we’ve been at the forefront of the digital revolution – helping create some of the most innovative and widely used digital products and experiences. Today we continue to collaborate with clients in transforming businesses and redefining industries through intelligent products, platforms, and services.
