Principal Accountant

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Accountant to be based in Bordeaux, responsible for overseeing accounting activities across multiple entities within the group, including operations in Germany, the United States, Italy, and other European jurisdictions.

This role ensures:

• Accurate financial reporting

• Compliance with local and international accounting standards

• Effective coordination with regional finance teams and external advisors

The position requires strong technical accounting expertise, experience in multi-entity and multi-currency environments, and the ability to collaborate across international teams.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Manage and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes

• Prepare and review financial statements in line with:

• IFRS

• US GAAP

• Local GAAP (as required)

• Ensure accurate multi-currency accounting and consolidation inputs

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger and supporting schedules

International Entity Oversight

• Coordinate accounting activities across:

• United States

• Italy

• Other European entities

• Ensure compliance with local statutory and regulatory requirements

• Collaborate with:

• Local accountants

• Regional finance teams

• External service providers

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure adherence to group accounting policies and internal controls

• Support:

• External audits

• Statutory audits

• Tax filings

• Assist in implementing and monitoring financial controls and process improvements

Intercompany & Group Processes

• Manage and reconcile intercompany transactions and balances

• Support group consolidation and reporting

• Ensure proper documentation and elimination of intercompany balances

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities to improve:

• Accounting workflows

• Systems

• Controls

• Support ERP enhancements and automation initiatives

• Ensure consistency of accounting practices across entities

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Partner with:

• Finance teams

• Leadership

• Human Resources

• Procurement

• External stakeholders

• Act as a key accounting contact for international subsidiaries

• Provide guidance on technical accounting matters and complex transactions

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience

• Experience in multi-entity international organisations

• Strong knowledge of IFRS and/or US GAAP

• Experience with European statutory reporting (Italian experience is a plus)

• Prior experience in an external audit role is required

Skills

• Strong understanding of international accounting and compliance

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Odoo, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle)

• Excellent analytical and reconciliation skills

• Ability to work across international teams and external partners

• Strong organisation and communication skills

• Fluent in English and German (additional European languages are a plus)

Additional Information

• Location: Bordeaux (3 days per week in-office required)

• Travel: Occasional travel within Europe

• Opportunity to play a key role in strengthening accounting operations within a growing international group

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.