Financial Accountant - French Speaking

About the Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Financial Accountant with French language skills to support the accounting, statutory compliance, and financial reporting activities for Cognizant's legal entities in France and Tunisia.

Based in Budapest, you will play a key role in supporting month-end close activities, statutory compliance requirements, financial reconciliations, and reporting processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to build expertise in international accounting within a global organization.

Responsibilities

As a Financial Accountant, you will:

• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities for French and Tunisian entities.
• Prepare journal entries, prepayments, payroll accounting entries, and accrual schedules.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation.
• Assist with variance analysis across profit and loss and balance sheet accounts.
• Support French statutory accounting requirements and local compliance obligations.
• Prepare and coordinate data required for French VAT filings.
• Maintain accounting records and support FEC (Fichier des Écritures Comptables) readiness.
• Partner with Accounts Payable, operational finance teams, and shared service functions.
• Assist with external audits, tax reviews, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements and ad hoc finance projects.

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of accounting experience within a multinational organization or shared services environment.
• Fluent in French.
• Experience supporting French legal entities.
• Working knowledge of:
  • French GAAP / PCG (Plan Comptable Général)
  • VAT processes
  • Financial close activities
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial analysis.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Preferred

• Experience working within dual-GAAP environments (French GAAP and US GAAP and/or IFRS).
• Experience with enterprise finance systems such as SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, or Hyperion.
• French language skills are highly advantageous.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• A proactive and collaborative approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced international environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A continuous improvement mindset.

We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits program

About the Company

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process, and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes, and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or follow us on Twitter.

Additional employment information

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government-issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.