Cost Accounting Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Cost Accounting Manager based in Germany.

This role sits at the intersection of technical accounting, systems optimisation, and operational finance within a fast-scaling global technology environment. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate, scalable, and highly automated cost accounting processes across a complex, multi-country organisation. The position plays a key role in strengthening financial reporting speed, precision, and transparency, particularly around cost recognition and operational spend. You will collaborate closely with teams across Finance, Procurement, Legal, FP&A, and Systems to align accounting treatment and improve end-to-end financial workflows. The environment is highly analytical and systems-driven, with a strong emphasis on automation, data quality, and IFRS compliance. This is a leadership role where you will also mentor a growing team and help shape best-in-class cost accounting practices at scale.

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of scalable cost accounting, allocation, and reporting processes across a global organisation.
• Oversee accurate cost recognition, ensuring compliance with IFRS standards and internal financial policies.
• Partner with Procurement, FP&A, Legal, Operations, and Systems teams to align cost structures and improve end-to-end financial workflows.
• Drive automation and optimisation of cost accounting processes within ERP systems (such as NetSuite) and related financial tools.
• Manage month-end close activities related to cost accounting, including reconciliations, variance analysis, and reporting deliverables.
• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal controls over cost transactions and financial reporting accuracy.
• Act as key liaison with external auditors on cost-related matters and ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of cost accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare technical accounting memos and provide guidance on complex cost recognition and policy interpretation.
• Identify risks and opportunities to enhance reporting speed, transparency, and financial system efficiency through automation and best practices.

Requirements:

• Qualified accountant (CPA, ACCA, CA or equivalent) with strong academic and professional credentials.
• 7+ years of experience in cost accounting, operational finance, or technical accounting roles within complex or high-growth environments.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS standards, including IFRS 16 and other relevant accounting principles in SaaS or services-based businesses.
• Proven experience managing cost accounting processes in multi-country, multi-currency environments.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and financial process automation.
• Strong leadership experience, including managing or mentoring finance teams.
• Ability to design and scale accounting processes with a focus on automation, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and structured thinking skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.
• A proactive, results-oriented mindset with curiosity for technology, systems, and process improvement.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned with senior finance leadership roles
• Performance-based annual bonus
• Flexible remote or hybrid working model (UK / EMEA aligned)
• Annual leave allowance with additional company holidays
• Pension scheme and financial wellbeing support
• Private healthcare and wellness support programs
• Annual learning and development budget
• Opportunity to work in a global, distributed, high-growth technology environment
• Exposure to advanced financial systems, automation initiatives, and strategic finance transformation