Luvent Consulting GmbH
Luvent Consulting GmbH, a Chemonics company, is a leading international development consultancy specializing in private sector development, climate change, and digitalization. Our clients include major international donor organizations such as the European Union, the German development agencies GIZ and KfW, as well as the African and Asian Development Banks. These organizations trust Luvent to deliver valuable and impactful solutions to complex societal, economic, and environmental challenges. Building on our continuous growth and a successful record of accomplishment of implementing more than 130 projects in over 80 countries, we have rapidly established ourselves as one of the leading development consultancies in Germany and beyond.
Chemonics
Chemonics International is a major international development consultancy, with a 50-year history and for delivering integrated solutions across multiple sectors and geographies to support the achievement of sustainable development goals. With experience in over 150 countries and a global network of over 5,000 technical specialists, Chemonics is recognized as one of the world’s leading partners for international development. Chemonics Europe is the management structure for Chemonics Group UK Ltd and Luvent Consulting GmbH. Following its presence in the UK over the last 6 years, Chemonics International is expanding its presence in Europe and Chemonics Europe will manage this group of entities on a day-to-day basis.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Accountant to join our team at Luvent Consulting, a Chemonics International Company, on a full or part-time basis (30 hours a week). The Senior Accountant will serve as a crucial liaison between our Berlin team, Chemonics Europe and the Chemonics International corporate team, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.
Key Responsibilities:
Management information and controls
* Manage the month-end and quarter-end closing processes.
* Prepare accurate management accounts for the Company and report to Chemonics Europe to agreed deadlines.
* Post entries timely and accurately to the general ledger, including revenue recognition, accruals, prepayments, and other adjustments.
* Perform intercompany reconciliations and manage intercompany activities between the company and other group entities.
* Prepare monthly cash flow forecast and provide regular cash management reports to Chemonics Europe.
* Manage the company’s bank accounts and payment approvals/procedures.
* Perform monthly reconciliations of key balance sheet and profit and loss accounts.
* Analyze budget vs. actual variances and provide detailed explanations.
* Conduct analytical reviews and analyze data to identify and correct discrepancies.
* Ensure internal controls are in place and identify opportunities for process improvements.
* Ensure compliance with EU government accounting standards.
* Ensure that accounting policies and practices are consistent with those of the US where accounting convention allows.
* Critically think and problem-solve to address accounting issues.
* Maintain organization and attention to detail while managing multiple projects.
Audit and accounts preparation
* Prepare year-end statutory accounts.
* Lead the Company’s audit, ensuring appropriate documentation and files are maintained.
* Prepare budgets and forecasts for the company and its projects.
* Fulfill audit requests by providing necessary documentation and explanations.
* Assist in the preparation and coordination of internal and external audits, both domestically and internationally.
Policies and processes
* Interpret accounting guidance and provide technical accounting assistance for specific transactions.
* Serve as the primary financial point of contact between the company, Chemonics Europe and Chemonics US facilitating regular check-ins and updates.
* Collaborate with various departments at the company and Chemonics Europe, including HR, benefits, payroll, operations, treasury, and accounting.
Systems
* Ensure all company policies, procedures and best practices are applied in the efficient running of the department.
* Participate in ERP system implementation, including mapping of the chart of accounts.
* Ensure data integrity and controls within the ERP system.
* Participate in corporate and ad hoc projects to improve processes and ways of working e.g., reporting projects, finance transformation projects.
Team Management
* Oversee and manage any future additional accounting staff, providing guidance, answering questions, and training on new processes and new hires.
* Assist with the costing of new project bids.
Person Specification:
* Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience.
* Strong understanding German GAAP.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Experience in overseeing and managing accounting staff.
* Ability to train and onboard new staff.
* Experience in preparing and reviewing financial statements.
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Knowledge of government accounting.
* Experience in managing project finances funded by international donors (e.g., the EU, GIZ, KfW) is an advantage.
Essential Skills
Foreign language – German/and English at business proficiency
Education / Professional Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Preferred CPA or equivalent certification.
Other - German work authorisation or the ability to obtain it is required.