Head Accounting Manager

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EBA CLEARING is a provider of pan-European payment infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1998, the company is owned by 48 of the major banks operating in Europe and based on a country-neutral governance model. The payment systems of EBA CLEARING are pan-European by design and desire: they are developed in close co-operation with the Company’s multinational user community and best-of-breed technology partners.

The position is based in Paris (France) or Brussels (Belgium). Please ensure that you are authorized to work in the European Union before applying using your CV in English.

Overview

The Head Accounting is responsible for the full accounting and tax functions of EBA CLEARING, PRETA, and the EBA Association, covering French entities (EBA CLEARING S.A.S., PRETA S.A.S. EBA Association) and international operations. This senior role manages a team of four accountants, oversees multi‑entity and cross‑border accounting processes, ensures the integrity and quality of financial reporting, and drives internal control excellence. The position is hands‑on, highly visible, and central to delivering accurate and compliant financial information across the Group.

Responsibilities

• Accounting Leadership for All Entities: Supervise and review the accounting operations of EBA CLEARING, PRETA, and the EBA Association. Ensure high‑quality bookkeeping, reconciliations, and timely month‑end closings.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation across France and Belgium.
• Oversee intercompany transactions, cross‑border flows, and reconciliation of balances.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements under French GAAP.
• Prepare statutory accounts, notes, and management reports. Manage Group consolidation reporting.
• Coordinate with external providers for the preparation of subsidiaries’ statutory accounts.
• Routine Tax Compliance (France): Oversee French tax filings, including Monthly VAT (CA3); DEB/DES; CVAE and CFE; Payroll‑related taxes (in coordination with HR/payroll provider); Corporate tax instalments and standard submissions.
• Work with external tax advisors for annual closings and complex French or international tax issues.
• Supervise international accounting providers responsible for Corporate tax submissions; VAT; Statutory accounts; Withholding tax.
• Ensure alignment with Group policies and consistent accounting treatment across jurisdictions.
• Audit & External Stakeholder Management: Act as primary contact for statutory auditors in France and Belgium.
• Manage annual audit processes, including preparation of audit files and explanations.
• Coordinate with tax advisors, banking partners, and legal teams as needed.
• Internal Controls & Procedures: Maintain sound accounting processes and ensure effective internal controls.
• Strengthen and document procedures, ensuring consistent application across entities.
• Treasury & Banking: Oversee cash management and perform/review bank reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate and timely vendor payments, collections, direct debits, and payroll‑related entries. Maintain strong relationships with the Group’s banking partners.
• Systems & Tools: Oversee the accounting system (Sage 1000). Ensure appropriate system controls, account structures, and data integration.
• Support e‑invoicing mandate, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
• Leadership & Team Management: Manage, coach, and develop a team of 4 accountants across Paris and Brussels.
• Allocate responsibilities effectively to ensure business continuity.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing skill development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Audit. Professional accounting certification is a strong asset (DEC).
• 10 years of proven experience in French accounting, financial reporting, or audit. Experience in multi‑entity and/or international environments preferred.
• Experience in financial services or regulated industries is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of French GAAP (PCG) and statutory reporting.
• Experience with month‑end and year‑end closing; VAT and routine tax obligations; Intercompany operations; Accruals, cut‑off, provisions; Vendor, customer, and GL workflows.
• Ability to produce high‑quality, audit‑ready financial statements.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (Sage 1000 is an advantage).
• Good command of Excel and standard reporting tools.
• Knowledge of e‑invoicing and digital accounting workflows is a plus.
• Ability to implement and maintain well‑structured accounting processes.
• Good under