Head of Accounting & Control

Direct message the job poster from Centre People Appointments

Lead Recruitment Consultant, supporting Japanese companies around the UK and Europe

Ref: CC46956

A Japanese manufacturer is seeking a Dutch speaking Head of Accounting & Control to oversee financial reporting, accounting operations, and internal controls across nine European branches. Based in Amsterdam, this position will play a key leadership role in ensuring compliance, governance, and consistency of accounting standards across the region.

A strong expertise in IFRS and Dutch GAAP, with proven experience managing bookkeepers, consolidating finances across European entities. We are looking for someone who is hands on, detail oriented, and able to deliver highly accurate work.

Contract Type: Full time, initially 1 year contract (intended to be extended)

Salary: €80k €90k including holiday allowance, +€8k discretionary bonus

Working Hours: from 08:45 until 17:30, with a 45 minute lunch break

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (2 days working from home allowed after probation)

Head of Accounting & Control Main Responsibilities

• Lead and develop regional accounting teams across nine countries
• Provide guidance, coaching, and performance management to accounting staff
• Ensure alignment of local accounting functions with group finance policies and objectives
• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing cycles
• Ensure accurate and timely consolidated reporting to Group
• Review and approve ledger entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements
• Maintain strong accounting documentation, controls, and reporting standards
• Work with the Accounting & Finance Director, as well as CFO, to ensure reports are clear and concise

Statutory & Audit Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IFRS and local GAAP requirements
• Coordinate annual statutory audits and external audit processes
• Oversee preparation and filing of statutory financial statements in all jurisdictions

Internal Controls & Governance

• Maintain a strong internal control framework and financial governance structure
• Monitor and enforce internal accounting policies and procedures
• Evaluate and enhance internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risks

Process & Systems

• Drive standardisation and improvement of accounting processes and tools
• Support accounting system enhancements, digitalisation, and automation initiatives
• Collaborate with Group Finance, FP&A, Tax, and Business Operations on cross functional initiatives

Head of Accounting & Control IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Minimum 10 years of experience in accounting or financial control roles, including at least 5 years in a leadership position
• Professional qualification is advantageous (e.g., CPA, ACCA, RA, RC)
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• Proven experience managing multi-country accounting teams and consolidated financial reporting
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and European statutory requirements
• Solid ERP expertise (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
• Fluency in English and Dutch is required
• Demonstrated hands on approach with strong attention to detail and a proven ability to deliver highly accurate results

All applicants for the Head of Accounting & Control must have the right to work in the country as the Company is not able to offer visa support.

If your application is successful, you will be contacted within two business days. We regret that due to the high volume of applications we receive we cannot provide feedback on individual CVs.