Principal Accountant
The Exploration Company · Tramoyes, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- On site
- Full-time
- €95,000 / year
- Tramoyes, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Job highlights
- Oversee accounting for multiple international entities.
- Manage financial reporting and compliance.
- Coordinate with global finance teams.
- Improve accounting processes and systems.
- Requires strong IFRS/US GAAP and audit experience.
About the role
Principal Accountant
The Exploration Company is developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle. We are seeking an experienced Principal Accountant to oversee accounting activities across multiple entities within the group, including operations in Germany, the United States, Italy, and other European jurisdictions. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and coordination with regional finance teams.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Manage and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
- Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with IFRS, US GAAP, or local GAAP.
- Ensure accurate multi-currency accounting and consolidation inputs.
- Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and support schedules.
International Entity Oversight
- Coordinate accounting activities for entities in the US, Italy, and other European locations.
- Ensure compliance with local statutory reporting and regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with local accountants, finance teams, and external service providers.
Compliance & Controls
- Ensure adherence to group accounting policies and internal controls.
- Support external audits, statutory audits, and tax filings.
- Assist with the implementation and monitoring of financial controls and process improvements.
Intercompany & Group Processes
- Manage and reconcile intercompany transactions and balances.
- Support group consolidation and reporting requirements.
- Ensure proper documentation and elimination of intercompany balances.
Process Improvement & Systems
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows, systems, and controls.
- Support ERP improvements and automation initiatives.
- Ensure consistent accounting practices across entities.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Partner with Finance, leadership, HR, procurement, and external stakeholders.
- Act as a key accounting contact for international subsidiaries.
- Provide guidance on technical accounting matters and complex transactions.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
Experience
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
- Experience in multi-entity international organizations.
- Strong knowledge of IFRS and/or US GAAP.
- Experience managing European statutory reporting (Italian experience a plus).
- Experience within an external audit role is required.
Skills
- Strong understanding of international accounting and compliance.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Odoo, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Excellent analytical and reconciliation skills.
- Ability to work with cross-border teams and external advisors.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Fluent English and German required; additional European languages are an advantage.
Additional Information
The role is based in Munich, requiring 3 days a week in the office. Travel within Europe will be required. This is an opportunity to play a key role in strengthening accounting operations across a growing international group.
Why you should join us!
We’re Agile, Open, Collaborative, and have Fun democratising space. Join us for a wonderful and rare opportunity!
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.
Key skills/competency
- Principal Accountant
- Financial Reporting
- IFRS
- US GAAP
- Multi-currency Accounting
- ERP Systems
- International Accounting
- Statutory Reporting
- Audit
- Compliance
Skills & topics
- Principal Accountant
- Accounting
- Finance
- IFRS
- US GAAP
- ERP
- Audit
- Compliance
- International Accounting
- Financial Reporting
- Munich
- Germany
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with multi-entity international organizations, IFRS/US GAAP, and audit roles.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize proficiency in ERP systems and international accounting compliance.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Provide examples of working with cross-border teams and external advisors.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss complex accounting scenarios and process improvements.
- Address language requirements: Confirm your fluency in English and German for the Principal Accountant role.
Technical preparation
Master IFRS and US GAAP standards.,Practice multi-currency consolidation.,Familiarize with Odoo or similar ERPs.,Review European statutory reporting.
Behavioral questions
Describe managing international accounting teams.,How do you ensure compliance with multiple regulations?,Share an experience improving accounting processes.,How do you handle complex intercompany reconciliations?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key accounting standards for the Principal Accountant role at The Exploration Company?
- The Principal Accountant role at The Exploration Company requires strong knowledge of IFRS and/or US GAAP. You'll also need to ensure compliance with local GAAP in various European jurisdictions and the United States.
- Is experience with specific ERP systems necessary for this Principal Accountant position?
- Yes, experience with ERP systems such as Odoo, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar is expected for the Principal Accountant role. Proficiency in these systems is crucial for managing accounting workflows and automation initiatives.
- What is the expected level of international experience for the Principal Accountant?
- The Principal Accountant role specifically requires experience working in multi-entity international organizations and managing European statutory reporting. Experience with Italian statutory reporting is a plus.
- Does The Exploration Company offer relocation assistance for the Principal Accountant role?
- Yes, The Exploration Company provides relocation assistance and visa sponsorship where applicable for candidates willing to relocate for the Principal Accountant position.
- What is the work arrangement for the Principal Accountant position in Munich?
- The Principal Accountant position in Munich requires a hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days a week presence in the office. Travel within Europe will also be required.
- What languages are required for the Principal Accountant job?
- Fluency in English and German is required for the Principal Accountant position. Additional European languages are considered an advantage.
- Is external audit experience a mandatory qualification for this Principal Accountant role?
- Yes, experience within an external audit role is a required qualification for the Principal Accountant position at The Exploration Company.