Senior Financial Accounting Officer

Location

Heerlen, Netherlands

Working Hours

32–40 Hours per Week

Experience Required

8+ Years

Employment Type

Contract

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Financial Accounting Officer to support a finance department undergoing significant transformation. This role is ideal for a seasoned accounting professional who thrives in change environments, enjoys analyzing and optimizing financial processes, and can drive improvements while maintaining operational excellence.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in helping the finance function become more efficient, standardized, and future-ready. Working closely with finance colleagues and stakeholders, you will identify opportunities for process improvement, support automation initiatives, and contribute to the successful implementation of organizational changes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Support and enhance financial accounting and reporting activities.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance of financial records and reporting processes.
• Review existing accounting procedures and identify areas for improvement.
• Assist with financial reporting activities and month-end, quarter-end, and year-end processes.
• Ensure accounting practices align with internal controls and financial governance standards.

Process Analysis & Improvement

• Map and document existing financial processes and workflows.
• Analyze current accounting and reporting activities to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
• Develop recommendations for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Lead and support implementation of approved process optimization initiatives.
• Promote standardization and harmonization of financial processes across the department.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.

Automation & Transformation

• Support automation initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and reducing manual effort.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for digitization and workflow optimization.
• Contribute to the development of future-proof financial processes and systems.
• Support organizational transformation initiatives impacting the finance department.
• Help establish scalable and sustainable financial operations.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with finance colleagues, management, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor on accounting and reporting process improvements.
• Influence and guide colleagues through expertise, communication, and collaboration.
• Support knowledge sharing and best-practice implementation across the team.
• Help create buy-in for new processes and ways of working.

Continuous Improvement Culture

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Challenge existing ways of working and propose innovative solutions.
• Monitor implemented improvements and measure their effectiveness.
• Encourage proactive problem-solving and accountability within the team.

Required Skills & Experience

Accounting & Finance Expertise

• Minimum 8 years of experience in financial accounting, reporting, or related finance roles.
• Experience working across multiple organizations or industries.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial controls, and reporting processes.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and improve financial operations.

Process Optimization & Change Management

• Proven experience identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly identify inefficiencies.
• Experience working in transformation, change, or transition environments.
• Ability to balance operational responsibilities with improvement initiatives.

Systems & Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP and financial systems.
• Experience with AFAS is highly desirable.
• Affinity for automation, digitization, and process optimization.
• Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders through expertise and collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to various audiences.

Personal Competencies

• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Results-oriented and solution-driven.
• Analytical and detail-oriented.
• Confident and resilient under pressure.
• Strong team player with a collaborative mindset.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in changing environments.
• Practical and hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Language Requirements

• Strong command of Dutch (required).
• Good command of English (preferred).

Preferred Experience

• Experience in finance transformation or organizational change programs.
• Experience with process standardization initiatives.
• Experience implementing automation solutions within finance functions.
• Experience working within large, complex organizations.

Work Environment

• Hybrid working model with a combination of office and remote work.
• Onsite presence expected in Heerlen on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Collaborative team environment with an open culture, short communication lines, and a strong focus on continuous improvement.