Overview
An internationally operating Japanese non-life insurance company is looking for an Accounting Manager (f/m/d) in Cologne.
Responsibilities
- Qualified accountant with overall responsibility for the German branch accounting function
- Representing the branch accounting function in front of the German tax authorities
- Preparation of annual German GAAP statutory accounts and submission to the German authorities
- Advisory regarding Germany specific accounting regulations, identification of any discrepancies between local and group regulations and ensuring that local branch accounts are kept in line with the German rules
- Act as a liaison person locally with underwriting, operations and claims to assist credit control team in London
- Management of the treasury function in the branch, including making payments, identification of surplus cash and arranging fund transfers with related companies
- Review of K4, Z4 and Z5 reporting to the Bundesbank
- Provision of all necessary calculations and overviews for the preparation of German taxable result and German tax returns, working with the tax advisors and Group Tax team in London
- Responsible for timely and accurate submissions of German VAT returns
- Act as a liaison person locally to assist the Group Tax team in London with the filing of IPT and firebrigade tax returns for the German branch
- Overseeing general bookkeeping activities (e.g. salaries, other expenses, bank etc.)
- Independent preparation of monthly bank reconciliations
- Preparation of any ‘ad hoc’ reports for the Branch manager and the Financial Controller
- Contact person for tax advisor, external and internal auditors
Requirements
- Fully qualified accountant with at least 7 years experience
- Excellent knowledge of accounting according to German law
- German and English Business fluent
- SAP general ledger system experience necessary
- Insurance sector experience would be advantageous
- Excellent and effective time-management and organizational skills
- Advanced spreadsheet skills, strong practical knowledge of Excel
- Careful consideration of financial accuracy
- Proven ability to learn quickly