Job Description

MISSION

The mission of the General Accountant is to ensure operational excellence and the accuracy of financial processes for the French subsidiary. You will be responsible for performing complex accounting operations, contributing to month-end closing procedures, and preparing financial reports for local management and the Western Europe Finance Director, in full compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal control requirements.

This role is dedicated to supporting financial operations and plays a key role in ensuring compliance and reliability across the following responsibilities:

• Supervision of suppliers and customers:
  Review of accounts, provisioning, follow-ups, and declaration of uninsured outstanding receivables (Coface).
• Technical accounting management:
  Support across various accounting areas including purchasing, inventory management, and fixed assets management; ensuring compliance with depreciation policies; monitoring and controlling expense reports; integration and control of payroll journal entries; preparation of bank journal entries, etc.
• Preparation of social and tax declarations:
  DAS2, TVS, DEB, DES, training balance sheet, CVAE, etc.
• Monthly and annual closing:
  Support the Finance Manager during local monthly and annual closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate submission of financial data to the Group. This includes preparing accruals and provisions, managing accrued expenses and deferred income, revenue recognition entries, reviewing balance sheet accounts, etc.
• Budgeting and budget control:
  Assist the Finance Manager in the budgeting process; monitor expenses and revenues against the approved budget; prepare marketing expense reporting for the Western Europe perimeter; analyze and explain key drivers of financial performance.
• Compliance and audit coordination:
  Support the Western Europe Finance Manager during internal and external audits; prepare required documentation and supporting schedules.
• Process efficiency:
  Identify and support improvements to existing financial processes and internal controls to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with Group policies. Support the Finance Manager in drafting and updating procedures.

After an onboarding phase, the role will evolve toward greater autonomy in the preparation of documents (analyses, budgets, decision support), under the supervision of the Western Europe Finance Director, including contributions to other countries and cross-functional projects.

EDUCATION / REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

BTS in Accounting, DECF, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial accounting, preferably within an international or multinational environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong technical accounting expertise with solid knowledge of French accounting and tax standards; IFRS knowledge is a plus.
• Proven experience contributing to full monthly and annual closing processes.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables).
• Significant hands-on experience with a major ERP system (e.g. SAP FICO).
• Analytical mindset: strong ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and present financial results clearly and concisely.
• Compliance focus: meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to financial integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Communication skills: ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing within the Group and with external stakeholders (clients, suppliers, auditors, advisors).
• Autonomy: proven ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks independently.
• Languages: fluency in French; strong command of English; German is a plus.

Ready for your next career move?

We look forward to receiving your application!

Interested in this position but don’t meet every requirement? We’d still love to hear from you – please send us your cover letter and resume!

Your recruiting contact:

Ann Van der Voort | ​SMA France S.A.S.​

∗ SMA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity – regardless of gender, age, origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.