Director Accounting Operations (m/f/d)

AutoScout24 is seeking a seasoned professional to lead their accounting operations, offering a dynamic opportunity within a market-leading organisation. This role is pivotal in ensuring the accuracy and compliance of financial reporting for all German entities, while also driving significant improvements in efficiency and scalability across accounting processes. It's an ideal position for an ambitious leader who thrives in a fast-paced, international environment and is eager to make a tangible impact.

About the Role

The Director of Accounting Operations will oversee critical functions including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and the General Ledger for AutoScout24's operations in Germany. This is a senior leadership position with a broad scope of responsibility, requiring a strategic approach to financial management and operational excellence. You will be instrumental in shaping the accounting function, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of a growing and innovative company. The role demands a proactive leader who can not only manage day-to-day operations but also champion transformative initiatives.

Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of activities designed to optimise the accounting function and ensure robust financial governance. Key duties include:

• **Leading Accounting Operations:** Directing and managing all aspects of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and General Ledger processes across AutoScout24’s German entities.
• **Ensuring Financial Compliance:** Guaranteeing the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of financial statements according to both German (HGB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• **Driving Process Improvement:** Spearheading initiatives to standardise, enhance efficiency, and ensure the scalability of accounting processes. This involves identifying bottlenecks, implementing best practices, and leveraging technology.
• **Stakeholder Management:** Serving as a senior liaison and point of contact for Group Accounting, Group Reporting, and external auditors, fostering strong working relationships and ensuring clear communication.
• **Team Development:** Building, managing, and mentoring the accounting organisation and team, cultivating a high-performing and engaged workforce.

What They're Looking For

AutoScout24 is searching for an experienced accounting leader with a proven history of success in complex, multi-entity environments. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of financial accounting principles and a demonstrable ability to transform and build accounting functions. Essential qualifications and attributes include:

• **Extensive Accounting Leadership Experience:** Proven track record in managing accounting operations within organisations with multiple entities.
• **Financial Accounting Expertise:** In-depth knowledge of German (HGB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• **Transformation and Development Skills:** A history of successfully building or significantly transforming accounting departments and processes.
• **Strong Leadership Capabilities:** Excellent leadership, people management, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and drive change.
• **Language Proficiency:** Fluency in both German and English is a requirement for effective communication within the international team and with various stakeholders.

This role offers a significant opportunity within the burgeoning digital automotive marketplace. In South Africa, a director-level accounting role with such broad responsibilities, particularly in a tech-driven or international company, can command a competitive salary, often ranging from R800,000 to R1,500,000 per annum or more, depending on experience and the specific company's financial standing and scale. Typical employers for such positions include multinational corporations with a local presence, large listed companies, and rapidly growing tech firms. Career progression from this role often leads to broader financial leadership positions, such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Head of Finance, especially within international organisations.

• Proven experience in accounting leadership in complex, multi-entity environments.
• Deep knowledge of financial accounting standards (HGB / IFRS).
• Track record of building or transforming accounting organizations.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in German and English.