LET’S TALK ABOUT THE JOB!

You report to the Accounting Manager and will assist the Accounting Manager by performing accounting and clerical tasks related to the efficient maintenance and processing of accounting transactions. These accounting activities include mainly allocation of accounts, preparation of recharging/inter-company activities, cash related activities and support in the implementation of new systems, always in line with Shurgard’s policies and values.

Furthermore, you will analyze account fluctuations, support budget and forecast activities, support the integration of newly opened/acquired stores in cash/trade receivables processes. 

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES!

About your Accounting and Finance responsibilities:

• You act as the contact person for all stakeholders of your accounts (suppliers, procurement staff, budget owner, Finance colleagues; etc.) in case of issues or questions.
• You liaise with external service providers to ensure the smooth execution of your daily duties (e.g. Accounting firms, domiciliation agents, etc.)
• You ensure accurate and appropriate recording and analysis of revenues and expenses.
• You ensure the expense tracking, invoice processing and delivery of management reporting of the group’s real estate taxes, leasing, housekeeping, payroll and travel related expenses verify and register your accounts timely and errorless.
• You ensure all financial reporting deadlines are met.
• You ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year end close.
• You ensure accurate inter-company accounts and recharges.
• You ensure the preparation of the reconciliation files (e.g. accrual accounts, prepaid accounts, suspense accounts)
• You ensure the reconciliation of payroll data in close collaboration with the Payroll Manager.
• You ensure smooth group payroll, travel and general housekeeping accounting processes.
• You ensure strict compliance with IFRS and local GAAPs.
• You ensure the preparation of financial statements and management reports.
• You resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities.
• You control the group's Real Estate Tax processes.
• You prepare the group's VAT processes.
• You prepare monthly closings (e.g. accruals, prepaids, inter-company recharges in trading entities)
• You assist with the preparation of the internal and external audit process.
• You participate in the preparations of budgets.
• You participate in ESG reporting preparation.
• You assist the accounts payables team (e.g. advice on coding of invoices).
• You support the execution of mergers, acquisitions, and the integration as necessary.
• You offer administrative assistance in various ad-hoc projects.

About your process and systems responsibilities:

• You implement procedures and systems necessary to maintain proper records and to afford adequate accounting controls and procedures for all business cycles in accordance with Shurgard’s standards.
• You implement the roll out of various control systems in your market(s).
• You contribute to European projects: systems, integration of new entities, IFRS migration, maintenance of policies and procedures.
• You support the Accounting Manager with special projects and workflow process improvements.
• You ensure the application of and compliance with control processes.

About your people responsibilities:

• You collaborate with the other finance department colleagues to support overall department goals and objectives.
• You provide training to new and existing staff as needed.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR SKILLS!

• You understand the company strategy and the strategic context of own work.
• You show flexibility and are open to change.
• You have a problem-solver attitude.
• You actively seek opportunities for self-development and learning.
• You recognize commercial opportunities in own work as they arise.
• You are aware of the customer’s needs (internal or external), put them first in own work.
• You show awareness of and commitment to business performance targets in own job.
• You show market and business awareness in own work/own immediate area.
• You express yourself clearly and professionally, can influence customers using the available tools.
• You prioritize own tasks, complete work to deadlines and work independently.
• You work effectively as a team member.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROFILE!

• You have a bachelor/master’s degree in accounting, finance or economics, or similar through experience.
• You have 5 to 8 years of General Ledger accounting experience.
• You are familiar with your market’s VAT and GAAP processes.
• Experience in the Services or Retail sector is required.
• You are fluent in English and French. Good Dutch or German language skills are considered a strong asset. Any other market’s language is considered a plus.
• Exposure to a multi-country environment is considered a plus.
• Experience with IFRS and local GAAP is considered a plus.
• You have a working knowledge of Microsoft applications and an advanced level in Excel.
• Knowledge Sap S/4HANA is a plus.
• You have a general interest in obtaining a deep knowledge of (financial) IT systems.
• You are open and flexible to occasional travel.  

And colleagues? Well, they are very important to you too. You like sharing and collaborating. You want to contribute to a fun and constructive work climate. And needless to say, you love to learn and to develop your knowledge and skills.