Accounting Lead - Germany

About Focused Energy

Focused Energy is an international deep-tech company based in Germany and the US, working on the commercialization of laser-driven nuclear fusion. Our mission: provide clean, safe, and virtually unlimited energy to the world. We are scaling quickly and need experienced people who thrive in building clarity and structure in fast-growing environments.

This role plays a key role in building Focused Energy’s in-house accounting capabilities and ensuring financial accuracy as we expand globally.
This position combines hands-on ownership of the German entity’s accounting (GmbH) with global responsibility for the Accounts Payable (AP) process, supporting our shift from external providers to an internal accounting structure.

The role is based in Darmstadt/Frankfurt area (preferred), with the option to work from Berlin and travel monthly to Darmstadt. Fluency in both German and English is required.

What You’ll Do

At Focused Energy, you won’t just manage numbers — you’ll help build the financial backbone of a company working to unlock a new era of clean, limitless energy.
As our Senior Accountant, you will connect global entities, strengthen internal controls, and turn complexity into clarity.

In this role, you will:

• Own the German GmbH books — manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closings under HGB, with working knowledge of IFRS for group reporting.

• Lead the global Accounts Payable (AP) function: vendor onboarding, 3-way match, invoice validation, approvals, payment accuracy, and end-to-end documentation.

• Reduce reliance on external accounting firms (Torque in Germany, Escalon in the US) by bringing key processes in-house.

• Partner with auditors and tax advisors (including Big Four) to ensure audit readiness, compliance, and timely submissions.

• Design and implement standardized global AP procedures, improving efficiency and transparency across all Focused Energy entities.

• Collaborate with U.S. and German Finance teams on intercompany transactions, reconciliations, and consolidation efforts.

• Support the upcoming ERP migration to NetSuite (go-live planned for Jan 2026) — mapping workflows, migrating data, and testing new integrations.

• Build clear, scalable process documentation and internal controls that enable growth and ensure consistency across the company.

• Provide financial visibility by preparing reports, reconciliations, and insights for management and auditors.

This is a hands-on, high-impact position where your expertise will shape not only our books — but how Focused Energy grows, scales, and earns the trust of a global community.

Who You Are

Must-Haves

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or a certified accountant qualification.

• 7+ years of professional accounting experience, ideally including in-house roles in international environments (startup, scale-up, or industry).

• Bilanzbuchhalter (IHK) qualification required

• Strong technical expertise in HGB and working knowledge of IFRS.

• Proven track record in monthly/annual closing, audit preparation, and Accounts Payable management.

• Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as SAP, NetSuite, or Oracle.

• Demonstrated ability to design, document, and improve accounting workflows with attention to accuracy and control.

• Fluency in both German and English (required for daily collaboration).

• A hands-on, detail-oriented, and proactive working style, with comfort operating in fast-growing, evolving environments.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience in a startup or small-to-medium-sized company where you built processes from scratch.

• Prior exposure to group reporting, consolidation, or intercompany transactions.

• Background in both public accounting (Big Four) and industry roles.

• Familiarity with audit readiness and VAT topics in Germany.

• Participation in an ERP implementation project (especially NetSuite).

• Ability to work across time zones and collaborate effectively with U.S. finance counterparts.

What We Offer

• A chance to join a groundbreaking company shaping the future of clean energy.

• High responsibility and ownership in a core finance role.

• Opportunity to build and professionalize processes in a scaling environment.

• A diverse, international and highly motivated team.

• Flexible work arrangements (hybrid).

• Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.

• Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.

• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.

• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.

• Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.

• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.

• Flexibility: We believe work should adapt to your life—not the other way around. That’s why we offer a hybrid setup, giving you the freedom to work from our office while also enjoying the flexibility to work from home when it suits you.

• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen with delicious lunch options daily.

• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions.

• Equipment: Choose between a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.

• Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.

• Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.

• Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.