Financial Accountant - French Speaking

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Financial Accountant to support the accounting, statutory compliance, and financial reporting activities for Cognizant's legal entities in France and Tunisia.

Based in Budapest you will play a key role in supporting month-end close activities, statutory compliance requirements, financial reconciliations, and reporting processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to build expertise in international accounting within a global organisation.

Key Responsibilities

As a Financial Accountant, you will:

• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities for French and Tunisian entities.
• Prepare journal entries, prepayments, payroll accounting entries, and accrual schedules.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation.
• Assist with variance analysis across profit and loss and balance sheet accounts.
• Support French statutory accounting requirements and local compliance obligations.
• Prepare and coordinate data required for French VAT filings.
• Maintain accounting records and support FEC (Fichier des Écritures Comptables) readiness.
• Partner with Accounts Payable, operational finance teams, and shared service functions.
• Assist with external audits, tax reviews, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements and ad hoc finance projects.

Required Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of accounting experience within a multinational organisation or shared services environment.
• Fluent in French
• Experience supporting French legal entities.
• Working knowledge of:
  • French GAAP / PCG (Plan Comptable Général)
  • VAT processes
  • Financial close activities
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial analysis.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Preferred

• Experience working within dual-GAAP environments (French GAAP and US GAAP and/or IFRS).
• Experience with enterprise finance systems such as SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, or Hyperion.
• French language skills are highly advantageous.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• A proactive and collaborative approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced international environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A continuous improvement mindset.

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