Chanel General Accountant

About Chanel

Chanel is one of the world’s most revered luxury houses, founded by Gabrielle Chanel and distinguished by an enduring vision of elegance, freedom, and modernity. As an employer, the House brings together métiers ranging from haute couture, fashion and leather goods to fragrance, beauty, watches, and fine jewelry, offering employees the opportunity to contribute to a legacy defined by exceptional craftsmanship and creative audacity. Chanel values excellence, discretion, collaboration, and long-term development, fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and heritage is continually reinterpreted for contemporary clients. Its teams are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and the timeless spirit of the brand.

CHANEL is seeking a General Accountant for its Finance team in Amsterdam, with primary responsibility for accurate reporting and accounting compliance for its Luxembourg entity and support for Benelux and Scandinavian operations. The role covers financial reporting, tax filings, audits, general ledger and close activities, payroll, cash flow and inventory analysis, and process improvement. This is a full-time position.

Role & Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reporting packages in accordance with applicable accounting standards and group reporting requirements.
• Coordinate direct and indirect tax filings, including VAT and corporate income tax, with internal tax specialists and external advisers.
• Serve as a key contact for internal and external auditors; prepare supporting documentation, respond to audit requests, and track timely resolution of findings.
• Maintain accounting controls, support process documentation, and ensure compliance with group policies and local statutory requirements.
• Maintain the general ledger, review account reconciliations, support period-end close, and ensure complete and accurate financial records for the Luxembourg entity.
• Review and post payroll entries, reconcile payroll-related accounts, and coordinate with HR and payroll providers to ensure accurate accounting and statutory compliance.
• Prepare and analyse budgeted and actual cash flow statements, investigate variances, and support liquidity planning and forecasting.
• Analyse inventory balances, movements, provisions, and valuation; perform reconciliations and support cycle counts and year-end stock counts as required.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, investigate aged or unusual items, and ensure timely resolution.
• Provide accounting expertise and operational support to Benelux and Scandinavian entities, including close activities, reporting, reconciliations, and issue resolution.
• Contribute to finance transformation, systems implementation, process harmonisation, and other cross-functional or global projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting quality, standardise processes, strengthen controls, and increase efficiency through automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Solid professional experience in Accounting and/or Finance; ideally at least 3 years of experience in retail, FMCG, or luxury within an international environment.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial closing, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Sound judgement and a strong control mindset, with commitment to accuracy, compliance, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently while communicating effectively with local, regional, and global stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify issues and translate financial data into clear insights.
• Collaborative, service-oriented approach, with confidence to challenge constructively and drive issues to resolution.
• Excellent communication skills in English and French; Dutch is a plus.
• Available full-time and living in or around Amsterdam.
• Applicants must currently live and work in the Netherlands.

Skills

Experience

Solid professional experience in Accounting and/or Finance; ideally at least 3 years in retail, FMCG, or luxury within an international environment.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Workplace

Culture

Chanel fosters a culture of timeless creativity, exacting craftsmanship, and quiet excellence, where employees are encouraged to uphold the house’s heritage while contributing to its continued innovation. The workplace environment is refined, collaborative, and deeply committed to quality, offering professionals the opportunity to grow within a globally respected maison that values discretion, artistry, and long-term vision.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.