Head of Group Accounting (m/w/d)

SystemsAccountants Inc.; Berlin; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SystemsAccountants Inc. is partnering with a Berlin-based technology-driven property group to recruit a Head of Group Accounting. You will build the group accounting function from the ground up, lead monthly close, and produce German GAAP financial statements.

The role combines hands-on accounting with process automation, system implementation and team development. You will own consolidation processes, standardise policies and controls, and manage external auditors and tax advisers as the

Qualifications

• Significant experience in group accounting, financial reporting and consolidation.
• Strong knowledge of German GAAP (HGB) and financial statement preparation.
• Practical experience with LucaNet and DATEV.
• Proven ability to build, develop or transform an accounting function and processes.
• Experience managing accounting across multiple legal entities, growing/acquisition-driven.
• Track record of improving month-end close, intercompany reconciliations, controls and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop the group accounting function, establishing structure, processes and team responsibilities.
• Own monthly closing processes and ensure timely, reliable group reporting.
• Prepare and oversee individual and consolidated financial statements under HGB.
• Implement and optimise group consolidation using LucaNet and DATEV.
• Standardise group COA, policies, reporting procedures and controls.
• Improve intercompany reconciliations and overall accounting quality.
• Establish internal controls and readiness for external audits.
• Develop scalable processes for newly acquired businesses.
• Lead transition of activities from external providers to internal team.
• Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisers and service providers.
• Collaborate with CFO on reporting, financing needs and finance function development.
• Drive continuous improvement via standardisation, automation and systems.

Skills

Leadership

Group accounting

Financial reporting

Multi-entity experience

Process improvement

Stakeholder management

Tools

LucaNet

DATEV

Job description

My Berlin-based client in the property technology industry is looking to hire a Head of Group Accounting to build and lead its group accounting function as the business continues to grow through acquisitions.

The company operates a technology-enabled property management platform, acquiring established property management businesses across Germany and transforming their operations through proprietary software, automation and standardised processes.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will take ownership of building the group accounting infrastructure from the ground up. This is a hands-on leadership role combining technical accounting expertise with process optimisation, systems implementation and team development. You will play a key role in bringing accounting activities in-house, reducing reliance on external service providers and establishing scalable processes to support continued growth and future acquisitions.

Your Responsibilities

• Build and develop the group accounting function, establishing the necessary structure, processes and team responsibilities.
• Take ownership of monthly closing processes and ensure accurate, timely and reliable financial reporting across the group.
• Prepare and oversee individual and consolidated financial statements in accordance with German GAAP (HGB).
• Implement and optimise group consolidation processes using LucaNet and DATEV.
• Standardise the group chart of accounts, accounting policies, reporting procedures and financial controls.
• Improve intercompany reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations and overall accounting quality.
• Establish robust internal controls and ensure the group is fully prepared for external audits.
• Develop scalable accounting processes that can be rolled out efficiently across newly acquired businesses.
• Lead the transition of appropriate accounting activities from external service providers to the internal team.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisers and other accounting service providers.
• Work closely with the CFO on financial reporting, financing-related requirements and the continued development of the finance function.
• Drive continuous improvement through process standardisation, automation and effective use of financial systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Significant experience in group accounting, financial reporting and consolidation, ideally within a multi-entity organisation.
• Strong knowledge of German GAAP (HGB), including experience preparing or overseeing individual and consolidated financial statements.
• Practical experience with LucaNet and DATEV.
• Proven ability to build, develop or transform an accounting function, including establishing processes and implementing systems.
• Experience managing accounting across multiple legal entities, ideally in a growing or acquisition-driven business.
• A track record of improving month-end close processes, intercompany reconciliations, financial controls and audit readiness.
• Experience working with external auditors, tax advisers and outsourced accounting providers.
• A hands-on, structured and solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to balance technical accounting requirements with operational priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work closely with the CFO and other senior leaders.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Real estate or property management industry experience is advantageous but not essential.

The salary range for this position is €80,000–€100,000 per annum. My client may be open to slightly higher salary expectations based on the candidate’s experience.