Group Accounting Director

About Us

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.

Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.

About the Role

As Group Accounting Director at Harmattan AI, you will lead the Group’s Accounting and Tax activities across multiple jurisdictions (France, Switzerland, US, UK, Morocco, UAE etc.). Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you will manage the accounting team and oversee day-to-day Accounting & Tax operations across the group, while planning ahead to build the financial infrastructure needed to support our next growth phase. We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys the ongoing work of structuring processes from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Group Accounting

  • Own the group accounting organisation: roles, responsibilities, governance, and coordination with subsidiaries

  • Lead a team of 5 internal accountants and external advisors, ensuring full operational autonomy on routine topics

  • Define and continuously improve internal accounting policies, closing checklists, and reporting processes

  • Lead the transition towards timely delivery of monthly closings

  • Manage intercompany processes: reconciliation, recharges, and agreements

  • Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and ensure compliance with local requirements

  • Drive automation of key accounting processes

  • Be a key driver of the ongoing ERP setup (Odoo)

• Tax & Compliance

  • Coordinate corporate, VAT and other tax filings

  • Support statutory audits and respond to requests from auditors and regulators

  • Monitor developments in accounting and tax regulations across relevant jurisdictions

• Other

  • Oversee payment workflows, expense reimbursements, and internal control procedures

  • Support ad hoc financial analyses for financing rounds, due diligence, and board reporting

Candidate Requirements

• Educational Background & Work Experience: Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (Master’s preferred), with 10 to 15 years of experience in accounting in an international environment (fast growing startup or industrial exposure is a plus).

• Technical & Analytical Skills: Strong command of accounting standards (French / US GAAP / IFRS), excellent analytical and management skills, high attention to detail, and proficiency in Excel and accounting/ERP systems. Proven ability to own the accounting cycle end-to-end and manage multi-entity environments; experience in ERP implementation is a plus.

• Working Style & Autonomy: Reliable, well-organized, hands-on and able to manage multiple concurrent deadlines independently in a fast-paced environment; no task is too small mindset.

• Communication & Commitment: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English; full alignment with Harmattan AI’s mission and willingness to go the extra mile to support our growth

Location and Commitments

• Contract Type: CDI - permanent contract

• Location: Paris (on-site role)

• Start Date: ASAP

We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.