Head of Accounting Shared Services (m/w/d)

Our Client

A globally operating engineering and construction enterprise with approximately 15,000 employees worldwide, specializing in complex large-scale projects across international markets. The company is strategically establishing a Shared Services organization in Chennai, India, to serve as a global support hub for operational accounting and other activities, supporting its international growth strategy in a highly project-driven environment.

Your Responsibilities

• •Build and lead the Accounting Shared Services team in Chennai from scratch, establishing structure and operational governance, as part of a multi-functional Shared Services organization
• •Setup and operative management of core accounting processes, including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and General Ledger (GL) in a greenfield environment
• •Plan and execute migration and consolidation of accounting processes from international entities into the new shared service center with minimal disruption
• •Establish standardized, scalable end-to-end processes including clearly defined service level agreements (SLAs) and KPI-based steering mechanisms
• •Implement internal controls, governance structures, and audit requirements in accordance with international standards
• •Drive automation, standardization, and ERP-based process transformation, particularly within SAP environment
• •Build and develop team structure below Head role across AP, AR, and GL functions
• •Collaborate closely with VP Finance & Accounting, Group Finance in Germany, and international local finance teams in the retained organization
• •Serve as interface to internal stakeholders on all Accounting Shared Services-related questions

Your Profile

• •Extensive hands-on experience in running Accounting Shared Services across all three core processes (AP, AR, GL) with proven execution track record
• •International experience beyond APAC region, particularly with European companies and ideally German corporate structures
• •Operations and execution mindset with proven track record in setting up greenfield shared services structures from inception
• •Demonstrated team-building capability managing large accounting teams, ideally in double to triple-digit headcount range
• •Professional experience in plant engineering, construction, EPC, or other large-project, project-driven industries
• •Knowledge of German local GAAP (HGB) requirements and IFRS accounting standards
• •Hands-on experience with SAP or comparable ERP systems in complex, international environments
• •Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build organizational structures from scratch and drive transformational change
• •Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills in international corporate environments
• •Business-fluent English; German language skills are advantageous
• •Openness to international work-related travel during build-up and transition phases

Our Client Offers

• •Key leadership role with significant scope to shape the build-up of a new, globally operating finance shared services team
• •Direct reporting line to Vice President Shared Services India
• •Responsibility for a core operational pillar of global finance setup with strategic impact
• •Attractive compensation package with performance-based components
• •Long-term career perspective within an international, established corporate environment
• •Dynamic, collaborative, and performance-driven working culture
• •Opportunity to establish best-practice accounting processes and governance frameworks
• •Access to modern SAP technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives