Director Accounting Operations (m/f/d)

Sereact

WHO WE ARE We build the intelligence that lets robots sense, reason, and act in the real world—moving beyond the lab and into everyday industrial settings like warehouses and factories. Our technology closes the automation gaps that traditional systems can’t solve. We are on a mission to redefine how physical work gets done, and we’re looking for curious, bold thinkers to help shape the future of robotics with us. OVERVIEW Having closed our 110m$ Series B and scaling manufacturing operations across Germany and the US, we are now building the internal financial infrastructure that matches our ambition. This role sits at the center of that build. We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager based in Stuttgart who can effectively bridge strategic financial planning with hands-on operational tasks. This role is essential for delivering accurate financial reporting for board meetings with our investors, establishing robust financial processes, and managing daily transactional activities. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: Accounting & Finance Operations * Support the establishment of accounting structures for new manufacturing operations in Germany, including inventory accounting, cost centre frameworks, and financial controls. * Manage the month-end close process in Germany and the United States, ensuring timely and accurate journal entries, reconciliations, and accounting assessments for customer contracts. * Prepare and review local GAAP financial statements, including support on management reports. * Establish and monitor inventory accounting and control procedures, overseeing valuation, movement tracking, and physical inventory counts across German facilities. * Build collaborative relationships with local authorities (customs, fiscal, and statistics offices) and support financial statement and regulatory audits. * Contribute to global consolidation, cross-border reporting, and financial harmonization, combining attention to detail with a strategic perspective on international operations. Transformation & Continuous Improvement * Lead the in-sourcing of key accounting activities currently handled by external providers, driving the transition to internal ownership. * Spearhead the implementation of statutory ledger reporting in a global ERP system, including chart of accounts mapping, reconciliations, and tax reporting setup. * Drive continuous optimization of processes, systems, and internal controls, collaborating closely with internal teams across borders and external partners to enhance efficiency and compliance. Strategic Support * Serve as a trusted advisor to management on financial and investment decisions. * Identify and implement opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements across the organization. QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience * Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or a certified accountant qualification * Strong technical expertise in HGB and knowledge of US GAAP. * Proven track record in monthly/annual closing, audit preparation, and Accounts Payable management * Full professional proficiency in German (C1 or above) and English, both required Soft Skills * A hands-on, proactive mindset with a high degree of ownership and attention to detail. * Excellent time management, structured working style, and strong communication skills. * A strategic thinker with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving in a technology-driven environment. OUR INTERVIEW PLAN: * Application * Take‑home assignment: You’ll complete a short, role‑relevant task with clear instructions and a deadline. * Cultural fit interview (40 min): A conversation about how you work, what motivates you, and what you’re looking for. Expect CV highlights, your “why,” and time for your questions. * Interview with our Finance Director (60 min): A discussion on vision, impact, and how the role connects to company priorities. * On‑site visit: Meet the team and one of the Founders at our office and collaborate on a real challenge similar to the work you’d do here. You’ll get a clear feel for the environment and ways of working. WHAT WE OFFER: * Wellpass (gym membership) * Flexible working hours * A key role in an innovative AI-robotics startup * Wide-ranging scope for shaping and developing our Finance department * A motivated team and an open corporate culture * Competitive compensation and excellent opportunities for development

Knowunity

Knowunity is building the future of learning, and our Finance function needs to scale just as fast. We're looking for a Working Student to join our Director Finance & People as a right hand in the making: part finance assistant, part builder, fully embedded in how we run the business. You'll work directly alongside our Director Finance & People and get exposure to our founders, supporting everything from financial close and reporting to process automation and cross-functional projects. Think of this as a mini-strategy seat inside Finance: high ownership for a working student role, direct leadership access, and the chance to shape how we work from the ground up while you're still in university. YOUR IMPACT * Support to the Director: Be the Director's day-to-day support, help organize meetings and follow-ups, prepare materials, and keep cross-functional topics moving so nothing falls through the cracks. * Finance Operations & Accounting: Support key financial processes including monthly/quarterly/annual close and coordination with external auditors. Help ensure smooth and accurate financial reporting across jurisdictions. * Controlling Support: Support the team on operational controlling tasks, help prepare monthly reports, maintain trackers, and assist with ad hoc data pulls and analyses. * AI & Automation: Spot and pilot opportunities to automate manual finance workflows using AI tools, low-code platforms, and smart integrations. Be a driver of our shift from static reporting to dynamic, AI-enhanced financial intelligence. * Cross-Functional Bridge: Support coordination with tax advisors, auditors, and legal providers. Help connect Finance & People with the wider org (Growth, Engineering, etc.). * Future-Ready Finance: Help lay the foundations for a digital finance backbone, contribute to building intelligent dashboards and KPI trackers as Knowunity grows. YOUR BACKGROUND * Studies: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program at a top-tier university in business, finance, economics, or a related field. Available for 20 hours per week, ideally for at least 6–12 months. * First Experience: First internship or working student experience in finance, consulting, or a high-growth startup is a strong plus, not a hard requirement. What matters more is hunger and a clear eye for what good looks like. * Analytical Chops: Strong analytical mindset with solid Excel skills. You enjoy turning messy data into clear answers. * Tech-Forward Mindset: Comfortable using AI tools in your day-to-day. Always looking for ways to automate and improve. Familiarity with low-code platforms is a plus. * Accounting Knowledge: Basic understanding of German accounting practices is a plus; curiosity about international standards (IFRS) is welcome. * Languages: Fluent in German and English, written and spoken. * Mindset: A builder and operator at heart, proactive, self-driven, pragmatic, and energized by working directly with leadership to shape something from the ground up.

DataGuard

YOUR JOB Are you someone who thrives in fast-paced environments where accuracy, structure, and ownership truly matter? Your main goal will be to help build and scale our financial operations for the next stage of growth and take ownership of key accounting processes. If improving workflows, driving automation, and ensuring reliable financial reporting excites you - then this role could be the perfect next step. LET'S PROTECT THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE DATA We are a fast-growing security and compliance tech company with a clear purpose: we protect the people behind the data. With over 200 team members worldwide and with offices in Munich, Berlin, London, Vienna and Stockholm we help more than 4,000 global customers get certified fast and build a strong and scalable risk posture. With AI-powered automation, self-serve capabilities and additional tailored expert advice, we offer our customers a seamless security and compliance experience to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving security landscape and challenges like the surge in cyber-attacks. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING * You take ownership of key accounting processes including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, monthly accruals, fixed asset management and payment runs, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at scale. * You take full ownership of month-end and year-end closing activities, delivering reliable, compliant financial reporting aligned with HGB requirements. * You lead the preparation of annual financial statements (HGB) and act as a key contact during internal and external audits. * You challenge existing workflows, proactively driving improvements and automation in collaboration with Finance and DataOps. * You take ownership of project-based financial initiatives and operational improvements together with our Director of Financial Controlling to strengthen our finance infrastructure as we grow. WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN * The freedom, trust, and tools (we work with DATEV) to do what you love and make an impact in a purpose-driven company, committed to doing genuine good in the digital world. * Enjoy a high degree of flexibility with tailored working hours, choice of work location, and benefits that support your lifestyle, health, and family needs. * Join a secure, future-focused role in a dynamic scale-up positioned to make a major impact in the rapidly expanding Security & Compliance market. * Grow along expert or leadership paths with support from employee accelerator programs, bi-annual feedback cycles, and a personal training budget. * Work in an environment that values autonomy, rapid decision-making, a flat hierarchy, and collaborative, eye-level communication to keep things moving forward. THE QUALITIES YOU'LL NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AT DATAGUARD * German GAAP & Tax Law: You possess excellent knowledge of HGB and German tax regulations * You bring 3+ years of experience in financial accounting with end to end closing responsibility, including 1+ years experience in a high growth tech or SaaS company * Detail-Oriented & Reliable: You are detail-oriented, structured, and reliable - You have a proactive, adaptable, and ownership driven mindset with the ability to thrive in changing environments and successfully deliver projects from start to finish. * Communication Skills: You have excellent German skills and communicate clearly and confidently in English * Educational Background: Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field, and certified training as Bilanzbuchalter * Strong proficiency in DATEV, Chargebee, and Excel, combined with a modern, tech driven mindset, solid AI literacy, and experience with systems such as Yokoy/Perk, Xero, Salesforce, or Adyen being a strong plus. * Nice to have: Experience with complex accounting topics such as VAT, transfer pricing, intercompany accounting, or experience in an international environment. LAST BUT NOT LEAST. FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS: No matter your origin, ethnicity, gender identity, religion or individual requirements; at DataGuard, all that counts is the person you are. As Guards and Guardettes, we are united not only by our dedication, but also by our shared belief in our purpose: Protect the people behind the data. Convince us with your personality and your skills – and together we will make great things happen. We are looking forward to meeting you! #LI-DNI