Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating clean electrical energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply. We are seeking a Senior Accounting Manager to oversee the month-end close process, optimize our accounts payable (AP) function, and maintain strong financial controls and compliance. This role will be instrumental in managing vendor payments, improving AP processes, conducting financial analysis, ensuring tax compliance, and supporting broader accounting and financial operations. You will work closely with teams across Science, Technology, Procurement, Finance, and Business Operations to ensure seamless payment processing and financial reporting. Additionally, you will play a key role in building the internal accounting team and collaborating with external accounting partners. If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and are eager to shape the financial foundation of a growing company, we encourage you to apply. What you’ll do: Month-End Close & Accounting Operations Oversee the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, including journal entries, reconciliations, and account balances. Lead and manage the end-to-end accounts payable (AP) function, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and payments. Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance within AP operations. Ensure adherence to internal controls, company policies, and regulatory requirements related to AP and financial reporting. Tax Compliance & Financial Systems Ensure timely and accurate filing of VAT and income taxes, coordinating with external auditors during the annual audit process. Support procurement request approvals, invoice workflows, vendor onboarding, and payment term management. Assist with the implementation and optimization of ERP and financial systems to improve AP automation and reporting. Monitor and analyze key AP metrics, identifying opportunities for cost savings, efficiency gains, and risk mitigation. Financial Analysis & Reporting Prepare reports and analysis related to AP trends, cash flow forecasting, and working capital management. Provide insights into financial data to support decision-making and operational improvements. Team Leadership & Development Build and mentor an internal accounting operations team, providing training and development to enhance expertise in AP and financial operations. Who you are: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Proven experience in accounts payable, accounting, or financial operations, preferably in a manufacturing, hardware, or high-tech environment. Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, and compliance related to AP processes. Hands-on experience with ERP systems and financial software (e.g., DATEV, NetSuite, RAMP, CertifyAP). Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to streamline and Finance Operation processes. Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and present financial data to various stakeholders. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Google Spreadsheets, including financial modeling and analysis. Familiarity with German financial reporting standards and regulations. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a fast-paced startup environment. Proficient in German language. Preferred: CPA 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.