Senior Accountant Germany

Vistra · Frankfurt am Main

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It’s never been a more exciting time to join Vistra.  

At Vistra our purpose is progress. We believe that our clients have the power to change the world and to do great things for global progress, and we exist to remove the friction that comes from the complexity of global business – to help our clients achieve progress without friction. 

But progress only happens when people come together and take action. And we’re absolutely committed to building a culture where our people can do just that.  

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as Senior Accountant – Germany, reporting to the Finance Manager in Budapest. This is a remote working, fixed-term position (maternity cover, approximately 12 months).  The role is central to the day-to-day accounting and local technical compliance for Vistra’s German business.

Purpose of Role:

We are looking for a Senior Accountant to join the Finance Team, taking responsibility for the hands-on accounting and local financial compliance of Vistra’s German business. Vistra is a leading global fund administration, trust and corporate services provider. The candidate will report to the Finance Manager (based in Budapest) and work closely with an Accountant in Budapest and with Shared Services.
This is a maternity cover role for an existing incumbent. A structured handover period will be provided at the start and end of the assignment to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.
The role holder will be the primary on-the-ground accounting expert for Germany, with particular ownership of local technical matters. Core areas of responsibility include:

• Routine accounting operations under HGB
• VAT and other indirect tax compliance
• Local statutory and regulatory reporting
• German tax and compliance matters
• Support of the month-end and year-end close
• Liaison with German tax advisers, auditors, and authorities

This position offers excellent exposure to the full accounting cycle of a German entity within a global group, and the opportunity to work across borders with European and Group Finance colleagues.

Key responsibilities:

• German accounting operations: Perform and take ownership of the day-to-day accounting for the German entity in accordance with HGB, including general ledger postings, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank and cash accounting, intercompany transactions, expense accruals, and payroll accounting.

• Local tax and compliance: Act as the in-house expert on German tax and regulatory matters including VAT returns, corporate tax provisions, trade tax, and other statutory obligations. Liaise with external tax advisers and authorities as required to ensure full and timely compliance.

• Month-end and year-end close: Support the Finance Manager in delivering the month-end and year-end close for the German entity – preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules to established deadlines.

• Balance sheet reconciliations: Perform reconciliations of assigned balance sheet accounts, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely resolution of reconciling items.

• Statutory reporting: Prepare and support the preparation of German statutory financial statements and local regulatory filings under HGB.

• External audit support: Support the German statutory audit process, including preparation of audit files, responding to auditor queries, and assisting in the resolution of findings. Prior experience of audit processes is strongly preferred.

• Handover and continuity: Participate in a structured handover with the incumbent at the start of the assignment and with the returning incumbent (or successor) at the end, ensuring full documentation of processes, key contacts, and outstanding items.

• Shared Services liaison: Work with Vistra Shared Services teams on operational accounting tasks, ensuring outputs meet local requirements and quality standards.

• Systems: Maintain accounting records in DATEV and other relevant systems. Contribute to any system developments, including SAP S/4HANA implementation as applicable.
  Ad-hoc support: Provide support to the Finance Manager on financial analysis, projects, and other ad-hoc requests as required.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Chartered Accountant or equivalent professional accounting qualification (mandatory)
• 3+ years in an accounting or financial control role with a focus on German accounting
• Native or business-fluent German – written and spoken (mandatory)
• Fluent English – written and spoken (mandatory)
• Strong working knowledge of HGB, German tax law, VAT, and local regulatory requirements
• Deep understanding of the German business and compliance environment
• Strong reconciliation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• High proficiency with Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); advanced Excel skills required
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work independently as the primary on-site accounting resource in Germany
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality

Preferred:

• Strong familiarity with DATEV accounting software (strongly preferred)
• Experience supporting or participating in external audit processes
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA
• Experience in the financial services, fund administration, or corporate services industry

Company Benefits:

At our Vistra Frankfurt office, we believe in putting our employees’ well-being first! We offer a hybrid working arrangement.

Additionally, we provide:

• Attractive insurance benefits
• Excellent job exposure and career prospects

If you are excited about working with us, we encourage you to apply or have a confidential chat with one of our Talent Acquisition team members. Our goal is to make this a great place to work where all our people can thrive. We hope you join us on this exciting journey!

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