Record-to-Report (GL) Accounting Specialist with German

**Introduction** A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences. **Your role and responsibilities** Record-to-Report Accountant Responsible for delivering accurate financial reporting and maintaining the integrity of the general ledger in line with accounting standards and company policies. Key Responsibilities: * Prepare and post journal entries, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation * Perform balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate variances * Review general ledger balances and follow up on open or aged items * Execute month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities * Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with deadlines * Identify and resolve general ledger and accounting issues * Support internal and external audit processes by providing required documentation * Maintain compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and policies * Analyze financial data and support continuous improvement initiatives * Ensure delivery of agreed scope of work within SLA timelines * Collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to maintain strong relationships * Provide support for process improvements, automation, and standardization initiatives **Required technical and professional expertise** * Fluent German (min. B2/C1) and Intermediate English skills * Month-End Close Ownership * Proven experience in leading or coordinating month-end close activities * Ability to ensure timely and accurate close under tight deadlines * Strong focus on journal entry quality, variance analysis, and balance sheet integrity * Reconciliation & Control * Advanced experience in balance sheet reconciliations and review * Ability to investigate and resolve aged/open items and discrepancies * Strong understanding of internal controls and audit requirements (SOX is a plus) * Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills * Strong analytical mindset with ability to interpret financial data and trends * Ability to perform variance analysis and explain financial movements * Proactive identification of risks, inconsistencies, and improvement areas * Ability to cooperate with controllers, auditors, and business stakeholders * Strong communication in explaining financial results to non-finance audience * Confidence in handling queries from auditors and client finance teams * Process Ownership & Improvement * Ownership of end-to-end R2R sub-processes * Experience in process improvements, standardization, and optimization * Ability to document processes and ensure knowledge retention in a new/transitioned environment * Systems & Tools * Strong ERP experience (Oracle preferred) * Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) * Experience with reporting tools or dashboards is a plus **Preferred technical and professional experience** * Ability to quickly absorb knowledge during a short KT period * High level of independence due to limited client-side ownership (single Process Owner) * Capability to act as a go-to expert within the team * Support less experienced team members * Strong ownership and accountability for financial accuracy * Detail-oriented but also able to see the big picture * High credibility and confidence when interacting with stakeholders * Proactive, structured, and solution-driven mindset * Resilient in a high-pressure, demanding client environment IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.