Lead Accountant

We are hiring on behalf of our client, an international technology company operating across multiple markets. Its finance team supports a complex, cross-border business and works closely with local specialists to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting that complies with applicable regulations.

We are looking for a Lead Accountant to take full ownership of accounting and statutory reporting for the company’s German entity. You will lead the close process, prepare financial statements under German GAAP (HGB), and serve as the main contact for German auditors and tax advisors. You will also connect local statutory requirements with group reporting, explaining key accounting matters to senior finance stakeholders.

Key takeaways:

Core expertise: German GAAP (HGB), German statutory reporting, general ledger accounting, and audit coordination

Salary: 16 000 - 20 000 PLN gross per month on Employment Contract

Working model: Remote

Location: Poland

Languages: Fluent German and English are required

Recruitment process:

• A call with Motife recruiter (30 min)
• 1st Interview (1h)
• 2nd Interview (1h)

Responsibilities:

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for the German entity, including journal entries, intercompany transactions, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare annual statutory financial statements (Jahresabschluss) in accordance with HGB and reconcile HGB reporting with US GAAP for group consolidation.
• Lead the German statutory audit, coordinate deliverables with external auditors (Wirtschaftsprüfer), and support group audit requests.
• Work with external tax advisors (Steuerberater) on corporate income tax, trade tax (Gewerbesteuer), and VAT (Umsatzsteuer) matters.
• Review account balances and supporting documentation, resolve errors and aged items, and maintain records that are ready for audit.
• Present monthly balance sheet reviews and explain significant changes or accounting issues to senior finance stakeholders.
• Advise colleagues on German statutory and general ledger matters, guide junior accountants, and improve accounting processes and systems.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, and at least 8 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Direct experience owning German statutory reporting and preparing Jahresabschluss under German GAAP (HGB).
• Experience managing or supporting German statutory audits and working with a Wirtschaftsprüfer.
• Knowledge of German corporate tax matters, including VAT, trade tax, and corporate income tax.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP and experience reconciling differences between US GAAP and HGB.
• Experience with ERP systems and subledger accounting.
• Fluent German and English, written and spoken, with the ability to work independently with auditors and communicate clearly with senior stakeholders.
• Strong ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• A Wirtschaftsprüfer or Steuerberater qualification, public accounting background in Germany, or experience supporting international finance teams would be an advantage.

What we offer:

• Private medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Pension plan
• Flexible benefits platform, including access to a sports card
• Employee assistance and referral programs
• The option to work fully remotely from Poland

Apply now

If you have strong HGB expertise and enjoy taking full ownership of accounting for a German entity, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your CV in English.