Head of Accounting (mfd)

We say HI*

Thales in Germany is part of an internationally leading technology group in the defence and security aerospace as well ascyber security and digital identity markets.

Say HI* to your career as

Head of Accounting (m/f/d) in Ditzingen #LI-HYBRID (Ref. Nr. R0336319)

As the Head of Accounting you will lead a team responsible for the full spectrum of accounting: ensuring accurate compliant and timely financial accounting and statutory closing processes. Driving operational excellence and ensuring compliance with best-in-class regulatory standards and reporting directly to the Director Shared Services of Thales Germany.

Working closely with internal and external stakeholders you will act as a key business partner and interface to Reporting Tax Financial Governance Controlling Treasury and other Finance functions ensuring alignment across the organization and supporting high-quality financial information for statutory and group purposes.

Your missionas Head of Accounting (m/f/d):

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Accounting function covering General Ledger Sub-ledgers and Financial Accounting.

• Own the quarterly and annual closing process in accordance with HGB and IFRS ensuring accuracy compliance and timely execution.

• Ensure the preparation of statutory financial statements in compliance with applicable accounting standards legal requirements and corporate policies.

• Oversee internal and external financial reporting ensuring transparency for stakeholders (e.g. executives auditors regulators) and act as the key accounting interface to the Reporting team

• Implement robust accounting policies and controls to safeguard financial integrity.

• Collaborate closely with the Tax function ensuring accounting implications of tax matters are appropriately reflected in the financial statements while coordinating cross-functional activities.

• Continuously improve accounting to enhance efficiency and quality by overseeing daily operations and ensuring robust finance compliance.

• Drive effective delivery and continuous improvement initiatives in Finance and Controlling.

• Serve as key contact for internal and external auditors statutory authorities and internal stakeholders on accounting-related matters by fostering transparency accuracy and compliance.

• Provide expert support for accounting related to M&A and corporate transactions.

• Strengthen governance and risk management frameworks in finance.

• Foster collaboration and stakeholder engagement across functions domains and global business units maintaining regular partnership with Thales entities across Europe.

• Implement strategic workforce planning talent development and succession management.

• Champion automation and digital transformation through the integration of business intelligence tools.

Stakeholder Management:

You will serve as the main interface for internal stakeholders and foster strong relationships with external authorities consultants auditors tax advisors authorities banks and pension funds.

Innovation & Complexity:

• Navigate complexity in an international matrix organization balancing legal and management responsibilities while meeting corporate requirements.

• Apply advanced analytical and theoretical expertise to deliver practical high-impact solutions in dynamic business development and restructuring contexts.

• Operate independently to solve problems consulting with senior finance leaders for solutions that go beyond established frameworks.

• Continuously improve methodologies tools and processes to comply with evolving accounting standards increase productivity and optimize management reporting.

• Drive process harmonization and automation unlocking efficiency potential by collaborating across national and international stakeholders.

Team Leadership:

Provide effective disciplinary and functional leadership to a team of six direct reports.

Enable integrated decision-making cross-functional collaboration and serve as the principal contact for regulatory authorities and auditors.

We are looking forward to:

• Masters degree or equivalent in Accounting Finance Business Administration or a related field.

• Extensive experience with IFRS and local GAAP accounting audit and taxation.

• Minimum 5 years in a finance leadership role within an international group or Big Four audit firm.

• Professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or German Certified Tax Advisor (Steuerberater) are considered a strong advantage.

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office SAP and business intelligence tools.

• Exceptional communication stakeholder management and analytical abilities; able to synthesize and present insights for strategic planning and executive decision-making.

• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional matrix teams; strong problem-solving and entrepreneurial mindset.

• Proven ability to influence and persuade stakeholders.

• Expertise in conflict resolution and strategic conceptual thinking.

• Strong service orientation and emotional intelligence for building positive client and internal relationships.

• Superior communication and collaboration skills across various domains and business units.

• Fluent in both German and English ensuring effective cross-cultural and international communication.

The Group invests more than 45billion per year in Research & Development in key areas particularly for critical environments such as Artificial Intelligence cybersecurityquantumand cloud technologies.

In 2025 the Group generatedsales of 22.1billion.

For our more than85000 employeesin 65countries weopen upvisionary perspectives realise individual careerpathsand enable creative freedom. This is achieved with courageversatilityand the firm intention to make the demanding challenges of our time safer and more inclusive.With our sustainable value-focused management we support diversity actively.

Say HI* Your journey to us

At times of change our international teams are ready to meet the complexity of today with the industry-leading technologies of tomorrow. Will you be part of it YourTalent Acquisitioncontact Maria Gaissertis looking forward to your online application.

Maria Gaissert Talent Acquisition Partnerin#LI-MG1

*Human Intelligence