Technical accounting expert (US GAAP)

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

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© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Senior Technical Accounting Expert (US GAAP)
Amsterdam, Netherlands (Hybrid - 3 days per week in Amsterdam office)
Competitive salary + benefits

We welcome applications from experienced professionals with relevant expertise — even if you don’t meet every requirement. If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you.
At AkzoNobel, we’ve been pioneering colour, protection and performance for more than 200 years. Our Finance teams play a critical role in supporting global operations, ensuring accurate reporting, compliance, and continuous improvement across our business.

We’re committed to building diverse, inclusive teams that reflect the customers and communities we serve.

About the Role

As a Senior Technical Accounting Expert (US GAAP), you will be the key US GAAP specialist within Corporate Technical Accounting (CTA), providing technical accounting leadership across AkzoNobel's global organisation.

You will lead the interpretation and implementation of US GAAP requirements, advise on complex accounting matters, and help ensure the consistent application of accounting policies across the business. Working closely with finance teams, senior stakeholders and external auditors, you will influence accounting decisions on significant transactions while supporting high-quality financial reporting.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical accounting professional who enjoys solving complex accounting challenges and shaping accounting practices within a global organisation.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
•    Lead US GAAP application: Interpret complex US GAAP requirements and translate technical guidance into practical accounting solutions across the organisation.
•    Provide technical leadership: Act as the primary subject matter expert for US GAAP, advising finance teams and senior stakeholders on complex accounting issues and transactions.
•    Support complex transactions: Determine accounting treatments for significant and non-routine transactions, including restructurings, business combinations, purchase price allocations, leases, revenue recognition and other specialised accounting topics.
•    Drive implementation of new standards: Monitor developments in US GAAP, assess their business impact and lead the implementation of new accounting requirements across the organisation.
•    Support high-quality financial reporting: Contribute to monthly, quarterly and annual closing and reporting activities, ensuring accounting positions are robust, consistent and well documented.
•    Collaborate across the business: Work closely with Corporate Accounting, regional finance teams, business stakeholders and external auditors to resolve technical accounting matters and support consistent reporting.

Other Responsibilities
•    Develop and maintain US GAAP accounting policies, guidance and technical documentation.
•    Contribute to improvements in accounting processes, controls and governance.
•    Deliver training and guidance to finance teams on US GAAP requirements and emerging accounting developments.
•    Support accounting assessments for strategic projects, acquisitions and other business initiatives.
•    Represent Corporate Technical Accounting in discussions with senior leadership, auditors and external advisers where required.

What We're Looking For
You don't have to tick every box — we value expertise, curiosity and a collaborative mindset.
Ideal candidates will bring:
•    Extensive experience in technical accounting, with deep expertise in US GAAP.
•    Experience within a multinational corporate environment and/or Big Four audit or accounting advisory.
•    Strong knowledge of complex accounting topics and financial reporting requirements.
•    Proven ability to interpret technical accounting standards and apply them to complex business transactions.
•    Experience developing accounting policies, guidance and implementation plans.
•    Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters clearly.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
•    Ability to influence stakeholders across multiple functions and operate confidently within an international environment.
Desirable:
•    Professional accounting qualification (CPA, RA or equivalent).
•    Experience working with multinational reporting environments and large global organisations.
The team uses Hyperion Financial Management, Merlin XL, Workiva Wdesk and SAP CFIN. Whatever you do not know about these tools, we'll teach you on the job. We also expect you to be highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Education:
•    Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline.

What Makes This Role a Great Opportunity
•    Lead technical accounting on complex, high-impact global transactions.
•    Shape US GAAP policy and accounting practices across an international organisation.
•    Partner with senior finance leaders and external auditors on strategic accounting matters.
•    Influence financial reporting, governance and continuous improvement initiatives.
•    Develop your expertise within a leading multinational organisation committed to innovation and professional development.

Why AkzoNobel?
We offer:
•    30 days annual leave
•    Pension.
•    Travel expenses.
•    A culture centred on inclusion, development and work-life balance.
•    Access to global learning and career progression opportunities.

At AkzoNobel, we believe diverse teams make stronger decisions, drive innovation and create better outcomes. If you're an experienced US GAAP technical accounting professional looking to make a global impact, we encourage you to apply — even if you're not sure you meet every requirement.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 54921