Ready to take the next step in your finance career? Are you an experienced Tax Clerk or Financial Accountant with strong knowledge of German accounting and VAT regulations — looking for a stable, long-term role in a well-established engineering company? Then our client, a family-owned industrial plant engineering firm based in Cologne, wants to hear from you. We’re looking for a Tax Clerk / Financial Accountant (m/f/d) to join their Finance & Accounting team. This is a hybrid position (up to 1 day home office per week) offering competitive pay, long-term job security, and the chance to work in an international environment with structured onboarding and a supportive culture. The Role In this position, you’ll take responsibility for end-to-end financial bookkeeping, payment processing, and VAT reporting while supporting monthly and annual closings. You’ll work closely with colleagues across commercial teams to ensure accurate, compliant financial management. This role is being offered as part of a succession plan for an upcoming retirement — making it a great opportunity to take over an established portfolio within a stable, profitable mid-sized company known for innovation, quality, and reliability. What You’ll Do Manage and process incoming and outgoing invoices Execute and monitor payment transactions Maintain full-cycle bookkeeping and reconcile accounts Prepare and support VAT returns (Umsatzsteuervoranmeldung) Assist with monthly and annual financial closings Perform cost and performance accounting (Kosten- & Leistungsrechnung) Ensure compliance with German GAAP (HGB) and tax regulations Who You Are Completed training as Steuerfachangestellte(r) or degree in Business Administration (Accounting/Tax focus) 3 years of experience in accounting or tax within Germany Strong knowledge of VAT and German accounting standards (HGB) Advanced skills in Datev, plus MS Office and Outlook Fluent German (spoken and written); English skills a plus Reliable, structured, and detail-oriented team player with a proactive mindset What You’ll Get Hybrid work model: up to 1 day per week home office 30 vacation days 8 bridge days Company pension scheme & €40 monthly savings contribution (VWL) Free parking, job-ticket subsidy & E-bike leasing 37.5-hour work week with flexible scheduling Regular salary increases aligned with the chemical industry tariff Summer & Christmas events and a structured onboarding program About the Company Our client is a family-owned engineering company with nearly 100 years of market presence, headquartered in Cologne and operating worldwide. With over 600 completed industrial plant projects, the company is a stable, profitable niche player in the chemical plant engineering sector, combining traditional German quality with modern technology and global reach. About Sperton Sperton is a global recruitment and consulting firm with offices across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We help companies find and manage top talent across borders – delivering fast, compliant, and flexible recruitment, consultant hiring, and global mobility services. Sound like your next career step? Apply now and join a trusted German engineering company offering long-term stability, structured onboarding, and international exposure.