Finance & Accounting Manager

Location: Düsseldorf, Germany The Finance & Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting activities across 18 European countries, ensuring compliance with local GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), tax regulations, and group standards. The role is critical in driving financial transparency, ensuring accurate reporting, and guaranteeing timely payroll execution across all entities. The position acts as a key interface between the European operations and headquarters in Japan, ensuring alignment with global financial policies and reporting requirements. Key Responsibilities Financial Management & Reporting Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with local GAAP and group reporting requirements Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial reports to HQ in Japan Manage budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making Submitting monthly country-level financial reports (P/L) in a timely manner Accounting & Compliance Oversee general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, and payroll accounting Ensure compliance with local tax, legal, and regulatory requirements Coordinate external audits and act as the main point of contact for auditors and tax advisors Maintain and improve internal controls and financial processes Payroll Management (Multi-country) Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and salary payments across all 18 countries Oversee coordination with local payroll providers and ensure compliance with country-specific labor and tax regulations Manage payroll-related reporting, controls, and audits Identify and mitigate payroll risks in a multi-country environment Team Leadership Lead, develop, and mentor a team of 5 finance professionals Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment Business Partnering Act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team Support operational departments with financial analysis and cost management Drive financial transparency across the organization HQ Coordination (Tokyo, Japan) Serve as the key liaison with HQ finance teams in Japan Align local financial practices with global policies and standards Support cross-border projects, reporting requirements, and process harmonization Manage communication across time zones and cultural contexts Success Measures Timely and accurate financial reporting Compliance with all regulatory and group requirements Reliable and punctual payroll execution in all countries Effective collaboration with HQ and local leadership Development and retention of a high-performing finance team Continuous improvement of financial processes Requirements Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent preferred) Minimum of 10 years of experience in finance/accounting, including leadership responsibility Strong knowledge of local GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and tax regulations; HGB and IFRS knowledge is a plus Experience managing finance operations across multiple European countries Solid understanding of payroll processes in an international environment Experience working in an international environment, ideally with HQ structures Proven track record in financial reporting, budgeting, and team leadership Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills High level of accuracy and attention to detail Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact across cultures Fluency in English required; German/Japanese is a plus Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP) and advanced level of MS Excel Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities