GL Accountant (12-month FTC)

Job DescriptionThe Company:Cognex is the global leader in the exciting and growing field of machine vision, with annual revenue approaching $1 Billion. We are a financially strong international company with a culture that maintains the fast-paced, creative environment of a startup. Our employees, proudly called “Cognoids,” take their work seriously but don't take themselves seriously. Our Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast culture recognizes our employees for their innovation, perseverance, and hard work in a fun and rewarding environment. We value in-person team collaboration, while offering remote workplace flexibility up to two days a week depending on the role.The Team:Our EMEA Finance shared services organization in Cork oversees general accounting, accounts payable, customer billing, credit and collections, commissions, order administration, sales operations and sales financial planning activities for EMEA as well as ensuring processes meet the needs of our business.We have an excellent team with members who have gained diversified experience during their tenure in the company. The Finance organization has a long track record of promoting employees from within. We are seeking a motivated individual who is looking to grow their career within Cognex.The Role:This is a 12- month fixed term contract, and the General Ledger Accountant will be responsible for participating and as required, leading global accounting projects and process improvement initiatives and for the general accounting for a number of European entities as required.Essential Functions:Discovery and development of process of concept for process improvements across:SAP Close ProcessesSAP local legdersFinancial Close ManagementJournal entry processBalance Sheet reconciliation processIntercompanyPreparation and submission of monthly management accounts for a number of European entities to corporate in accordance within deadlines and with high degree of accuracy.Reconciliation of balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis.Preparation and review of statutory financial statements to ensure balances and disclosures are accurate and complete. This includes preparing extended trial balances and journals, as required, adjusting US GAAP accounts to local GAAP statutory accounts.Work with other internal teams, including Finance, Legal, Tax, and Treasury, to ensure accuracy of data and successful audit completion.Liaise with the external auditors during the statutory audits and address auditor questions.Liaise with outside payroll providers for various European countries.Preparation of local VAT filings, including VIES and Intrastat.Compliance with internal controls.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: SAP4HANAStrong interpersonal and communication skillsStrong problem-solving skills with ability to work through challenging and frustrating issues with a positive attitude.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail – accuracy is critical.High-energy individual with ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.Ability to work independently and communicate with all levels of the organization and manage multiple outside service providers. Ability to work cross-functionally and with global partners.Strong analytical skills.Minimum education and work experience required:Qualified accountant with post qualification experience in business partnering, reporting, budgeting and forecasting.5+ years’ experience working within a multinational, fast paced, accountancy environment.Experience in meeting reporting corporate deadlines.Excellent commercial acumen and financial management skills.Strong ability to partner with and influence key senior stakeholders in Europe and globally across the organization.Excellent verbal and written communication abilities across all levels of an organization.#LI-PM1-