Accountant - Benelux Region

Location: Hemel Hempstead
Hybrid Working: 3 days in the office, 2 days from home
Travel Required: 0 - 5%

Position Overview

A global manufacturing concern is seeking an Accountant for the Netherlands and Belgium to be a key member of the finance team, responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with local accounting standards. This position reports directly to the Benelux Local Controller and requires strong knowledge of Belgium and Dutch GAAP and familiarity with Belgian and Dutch accounting regulations. This is a perfect role for anyone with prior experience of accounting for the Benelux region.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare, review, and submit accurate and timely financial information in accordance with US GAAP, Dutch and Belgian GAAP, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Prepare and analyse monthly accounts to Trial Balance for Benelux entities.

Local Compliance:

• Stay abreast of changes in Dutch and Belgian accounting standards, tax laws, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare Monthly VAT and Intrastat Returns for the Netherlands and Belgium.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of statutory returns to local authorities.

Month-end and Year-end Closing:

• Lead month-end processes for the Benelux entities, including journal entries, cashbooks, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.

General Ledger Management:

• Maintain integrity of general ledgers, ensuring accurate coding and documentation.
• Oversee maintenance of Benelux fixed asset registers.

Audit Support:

• Collaborate with internal and external auditors, providing documentation to ensure smooth audit trails for Benelux operations.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work with Shared Services Centres and local teams to resolve queries and ensure seamless financial operations.
• Provide supplementary schedules and analysis for quarterly reporting.

Process Improvement:

• Identify process optimisation opportunities and implement improvements for efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure financial operations comply with Sarbanes-Oxley control framework standards.

Requirements

Essential

• Benelux accounting experiencewith a minimum of 5 years PQE and 3 years in a similar role.
• Strong Dutch language skills (fluency required).
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Capability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality results.

Desirable

• Qualified or part-qualified professional certification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent).
• Experience working in a US multinational environment.
• Familiarity with Oracle ERP.
• In-depth knowledge of Dutch and Belgian GAAP and local compliance regulations.
• Experience supporting finance operations for a Shared Services Centre.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-year degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.