Accounting Manager - EMEA

We're partnering with a global organisation that supports some of the world's most recognised brands and enterprises. This position is being represented to the market on a fixed term basis for a period of 6 months and therefore requires someone who is immediately available or able to start at short notice.

This is a highly visible role with a specific focus on revenue recognition across the EMEA region. The successful candidate will take ownership of a key revenue recognition project, reviewing existing accounting treatments, investigating historic and current reporting issues and ensuring revenue is recognised accurately, consistently and in accordance with the relevant accounting standards.

The role will suit an experienced accounting professional who enjoys getting beneath the numbers and is comfortable working through complex contracts, revenue streams and accounting treatments. You will be expected to identify inconsistencies, challenge existing processes and work with stakeholders across the business to establish robust and sustainable revenue recognition practices.

Alongside the revenue project, you will support the wider EMEA accounting function through month-end reporting, P&L investigation, process improvement and strengthening financial controls.

Accounting Manager EMEA - Benefits

• Hybrid working pattern
• Private Healthcare
• Pension scheme

Accounting Manager EMEA - About The Role

The primary focus of this position will be to lead a detailed review of revenue recognition across multiple EMEA entities, ensuring that revenue is accounted for appropriately under both IFRS and US GAAP.

You will need strong technical accounting knowledge combined with an investigative and hands-on approach. This will involve reviewing contracts and existing accounting treatments, understanding how revenue is currently recorded and identifying areas where recognition, cut-off, accruals or deferrals require correction or improvement.

A key element of the assignment will involve Percentage of Completion (POC) accounting, making previous experience within project-based, contract-led or long-term revenue environments particularly valuable.

You will work closely with Finance and operational stakeholders to understand the commercial substance of customer arrangements and ensure this is accurately reflected within the financial accounts. Where historic processes or treatments require improvement, you will be expected to identify the root cause, recommend the appropriate accounting treatment and implement stronger controls going forward.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical accountant who enjoys solving complex accounting issues and wants to make a tangible impact within a sophisticated international finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a significant EMEA revenue recognition project, reviewing existing processes and accounting treatments across multiple entities.
• Review customer contracts and commercial arrangements to determine the appropriate timing and method of revenue recognition.
• Ensure revenue is recognised accurately and consistently in accordance with IFRS and US GAAP, including the relevant principles of IFRS 15 and ASC 606.
• Review and challenge Percentage of Completion (POC) accounting, ensuring appropriate recognition of revenue and associated costs across long-term projects.
• Investigate revenue-related P&L discrepancies, accounting anomalies and historic reporting issues.
• Review accrued income, deferred revenue, contract assets and contract liabilities, ensuring balances are fully supported and reconciled.
• Assess revenue cut-off and ensure transactions are recorded within the appropriate accounting period.
• Identify weaknesses or inconsistencies within current revenue recognition processes and implement improved controls and procedures.
• Work closely with commercial and operational stakeholders to understand contractual terms, project delivery milestones and other factors impacting revenue recognition.
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations and supporting schedules relating to revenue.
• Support the month-end close process across multiple EMEA entities, ensuring revenue-related reporting is accurate and delivered within agreed deadlines.
• Strengthen the quality, consistency and audit trail of revenue reporting across the region.
• Produce clear documentation of revenue recognition methodologies, accounting judgements and supporting controls.
• Support internal and external audit queries relating to revenue and associated balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with wider P&L investigations, balance sheet reconciliations and accounting improvement initiatives where required.
• Work collaboratively with Finance, Operations and other senior stakeholders across an international organisation.

The Successful Accounting Manager EMEA Will Have

• Significant revenue recognition experience gained within a complex business environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of IFRS 15 and US GAAP / ASC 606 revenue recognition principles.
• Previous experience of Percentage of Completion (POC) accounting or accounting for long-term projects and contracts.
• Experience reviewing complex customer contracts and translating commercial terms into appropriate accounting treatment.
• Strong understanding of accrued revenue, deferred revenue, contract assets, contract liabilities and revenue cut-off.
• Experience investigating and resolving revenue-related P&L and balance sheet discrepancies.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP.
• Experience working within a complex, multi-entity and international environment.
• Excellent analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills.
• The confidence to challenge existing accounting treatments and processes where appropriate.
• ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent qualification.
• Significant accounting experience with ownership of month-end reporting processes.
• A track record of strengthening controls, improving reporting quality and implementing change within finance functions.
• The ability to quickly understand complex processes and make an impact within a fixed-term assignment.

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful.

Refer a Friend

If this role is not of interest to you, but you know a friend or colleague who may be suitable, recommend them to us and receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we assist them in securing a permanent role and a minimum of £25 in vouchers if we place them in a temporary assignment (terms and conditions apply).