Group Accounting Lead

Data4; Paris; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Data4 in Paris is seeking an Accounting and Finance Process Lead to oversee the redesign and implementation of financial processes, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across the group. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance along with CPA or equivalent certification and at least 15 years of experience in a dynamic environment. This role involves mentoring local teams, implementing standard operating procedures, and driving transformation initiatives within the finance department.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in high-growth, private equity-backed or technology-driven environment is preferred.
• Fluency in English; additional European languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the redesign and operational implementation of the Data4 Center of Finance and Accounting Excellence.
• Contribute to building local finance teams' capabilities, reducing reliance on external CPAs.
• Ensure Fast Close processes align with Consolidation Team workflows.
• Contribute to implementation of a comprehensive Group Accounting Manual.
• Train local finance teams on new processes.

Skills

Leadership

Change Management

Project Management

Communication

Rigor and listening

Education

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA, ACCA, or equivalent certification

Tools

ERP systems

Consolidation tools

Job description

Accounting and Finance Process Lead

Department: Finance - Group

Position type: Permanent

Location: Paris, France

Travel required: in Europe, occasionally

About the Role

• Lead the redesign and operational implementation of the Data4 Center of Finance and Accounting Excellence.
• This role is pivotal in ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and operational excellence across the group.
• Created to contribute to transformation of the Finance Department and deploy a Core Model supporting the fast-growing business in all functions and geographies.

Responsibilities

Lead Accounting Process

• Contribute to build the capability and autonomy of local finance teams, reducing reliance on external CPAs.
• Contribute to a better understanding of financial data.
• Lead the redesign and operational implementation of new accelerated close (Fast Close) processes across all entities.
• Ensure Fast Close processes are fully aligned with Consolidation Team workflows.

Group-wide Standardization

• Contribute to implementation of a comprehensive Group Accounting Manual (e.g., IP delivery).
• Produce process maps, SOPs, and checklists.
• Deploy and maintain the Accounting / Consolidation Core Model.
• Harmonize practices across entities.
• Support definition of new roles, processes and responsibilities.
• Pilot and test the new processes in selected entities for Finance Tools.
• Oversee test cycles / UAT related to R2R activities on new tool deployment (RPA, AI, ect..).
• Support subsidiaries during roll-outs.
• Train local finance teams on new process.
• Monitor closing KPIs (D+1, D+2, D+3, etc.) and dailies, Group calendar preparations.
• Operational Financial Deployment.
• Support Preparation of the future Group’s developments (new entities, new geographies, new scopes).
• Audit Support.
• Act as PMO of the annual audit process.
• Continuous improvement & Center of Excellence.
• Establish an escalation mechanism of monthly close/process issues.
• Track recurring bottlenecks and issues and propose solutions to tackle them.
• Adjust process based on feedback from entities (Monthly REX).
• Contribute to deployment of Finance Tools.

Responsibilities in Terms of IMS Certifications

• Respect and enforce health and safety rules.
• Respect and enforce environmental policies.
• Respect and enforce information security policies.
• Respect and enforce the policy of reducing energy consumption.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA, ACCA, or equivalent certification.
• 15-year+ experience in a high-growth, private equity-backed or technology-driven environment is a plus.
• Fluency in English; additional European languages are a plus.

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in group accounting and consolidation in an international, multi-entity environment.
• Deep knowledge of IFRS and SOX compliance.
• Strong understanding of digital finance transformation, including ERP and consolidation tools.
• Expertise in complex accounting transactions and audit processes.

Soft Skills

• Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional, cross-border teams with influence and clarity; team player.
• Change Management: Skilled in driving transformation in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Project Management: Strong planning, execution, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Communication: Clear, structured communicator with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Rigor and listening; problem-solving oriented.