Senior Accountant (German Speaker)

This exciting opportunity is with Saasgroup, a dynamic player in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) landscape, dedicated to nurturing and expanding promising B2B software companies. Established in 2017, Saasgroup acts as a strategic force, acquiring and optimising smaller software ventures to help them achieve their full potential. As a growing global organisation with 18 international entities, Saasgroup is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Accountant to join its Finance team. This role is pivotal in managing the accounting, controlling, and legal functions across its diverse international operations.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Director of Accounting and Tax, the Senior Accountant will be instrumental in overseeing all facets of operational accounting for a designated portfolio of entities. This position offers a unique chance to elevate your accounting career within a rapidly expanding startup environment. You will frequently collaborate with senior leadership, including the CFO and the Group Controlling Lead, as well as managing directors of various portfolio brands. The role provides significant exposure to areas such as consolidation and group accounting, international Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and mergers and acquisitions, offering ample opportunities for professional development and growth.

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for a comprehensive range of accounting duties, ensuring accuracy and compliance across multiple entities. Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing all aspects of an entity’s accounting functions, including billing, general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenue recognition, and tax.
• Performing and maintaining detailed reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts, supported by robust documentation.
• Contributing to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary for your assigned portfolio.
• Supporting monthly group reporting and consolidation processes.
• Leading the preparation and execution of annual financial statements and audits.
• Preparing and filing various tax returns, such as VAT, sales tax, and GST.
• Assisting the Leadership Team with tax-related matters and international billing strategies.
• Monitoring and preparing intercompany transactions.
• Liaising with external accountants, tax advisors, auditors, and other service providers.
• Playing a crucial part in the company's overall financial management, encompassing all account reconciliations and reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Overseeing and optimising the company’s accounting principles, practices, procedures, and strategic initiatives.

What they're looking for

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a strong foundation in accounting principles and practical experience within a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive and detail-oriented approach to their work. Essential qualifications and experience include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in accountancy or a similar relevant qualification.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience as an accountant.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience with NetSuite.
• Previous experience working within a SaaS or software company is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience with billing or revenue recognition tools such as Stripe or Chargebee.
• Comprehensive experience across all-round accounting functions (AR, AP, Payroll, GL, tax, audit).
• A good understanding of US GAAP and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Proven experience supporting annual financial audits.
• The ability to work independently, with a structured, solution-oriented, and analytical mindset.
• Excellent time management skills and a strong capacity for organisation, with the ability to meet financial deadlines.
• Professional fluency in both German and English is a mandatory requirement.

For a Senior Accountant with this skillset and experience, particularly with international exposure and SaaS background, typical remuneration in South Africa can range significantly, often from R500,000 to R800,000 per annum, depending on the specific responsibilities and the scale of the employing organisation. Major financial hubs and growing tech sectors are common places to find such roles. Career progression often leads to positions in financial controlling, group accounting management, or finance leadership roles within multinational corporations.

• Bachelor’s degree in accountancy or similar qualification and at least 5 years experience as an accountant.
• Minimum 3 years hands-on experience with NetSuite.
• Prior work experience at a SaaS or Software company.
• Experience with Billing or Revenue Recognition tool (Stripe, Chargebee).
• Experience with all-round accounting (AR, AP, Payroll, GL, tax, audit).
• Good knowledge of US GAAP and/or IFRS.
• Experience in supporting annual audits.
• Independent, structured, solution-oriented and analytical way of working.
• Great time management skills and strong ability to stay organized and deliver closer to financial deadlines.
• Professional fluency in German and English.