Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Accounting Specialist (m/w/d), 100% Remote / Homeoffice aus Österreich

at Xylem

🏢 About Xylem

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, dedicated to solving the world's most critical water challenges through innovation and sustainability. Working here means contributing to meaningful environmental impact while being part of a diverse, international team that values passion and expertise.

About This Role

As Senior Accounting Specialist, you will manage the accounting for a German entity within Xylem's European business, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and high-quality financial reporting. This role offers the opportunity to tackle complex accounting issues in a fully remote setup from Austria, with occasional travel to Germany, and is ideal for those who enjoy technical accounting in an international context.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day starts with checking emails and prioritizing tasks from the month-end close schedule. You might spend the morning reconciling intercompany accounts and reviewing journal entries for the German entity, then join a virtual meeting with the European accounting team to discuss reporting deadlines. After lunch, you could work on preparing financial statements under HGB, respond to queries from the regional director, and end the day by updating documentation for audit readiness.

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🎯 Who Xylem Is Looking For

  • Experienced in German GAAP (HGB) and IFRS, with strong technical accounting skills and ability to handle complex topics like intercompany transactions, consolidations, and tax compliance.
  • Proactive and detail-oriented, capable of independently managing the full accounting cycle for a legal entity, including month-end close, reconciliations, and reporting.
  • Fluent in German (C1+) and English (B2+), with excellent communication skills to collaborate with international teams and external auditors.
  • Comfortable working remotely from Austria, self-disciplined, and able to travel occasionally to the Munich area for meetings or audits.

📝 Tips for Applying to Xylem

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience with German accounting standards (HGB) and IFRS, including examples of complex reconciliations or intercompany accounting.

2

Mention any experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, as these are commonly used in large multinationals like Xylem.

3

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to Xylem's mission of sustainable water solutions, showing that you understand their purpose beyond just accounting.

4

Since the role is remote from Austria, emphasize your home office setup, time management skills, and experience working independently in a distributed team.

5

Research Xylem's recent sustainability reports or water projects and reference them in your application to demonstrate genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your expertise in German GAAP and IFRS, with specific examples of how you've ensured compliance and improved reporting accuracy.", 'Highlight your ability to work autonomously in a remote environment, managing deadlines and collaborating across time zones.', "Express enthusiasm for Xylem's mission of advancing sustainable water solutions, and explain how your accounting role contributes to that impact.", 'Mention your willingness to travel occasionally to Germany and your flexibility with a 12-month fixed-term contract, showing long-term interest.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Xylem's latest sustainability report to understand their water conservation goals and how accounting supports their mission.
  • → Look into Xylem's recent acquisitions or expansions in Europe, especially in Germany, to understand the business context for this role.
  • → Check Xylem's company culture and employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor to gauge work environment and remote work policies.
  • → Review the German Commercial Code (HGB) updates relevant to 2024/2025 to show you are current with regulatory changes.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience with month-end close for a German entity under HGB and IFRS. How do you ensure accuracy and timeliness?
2 Describe a complex intercompany reconciliation you handled. What challenges did you face and how did you resolve them?
3 How do you stay updated on changes in German accounting regulations and IFRS? Provide an example of how you applied a new standard.
4 This role requires occasional travel to Munich. How do you manage travel and remote work balance? Have you worked in a similar setup before?
5 Why are you interested in Xylem specifically? What do you know about our water solutions and sustainability initiatives?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application without mentioning German accounting standards or the specific requirements of this role.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of sustainability; Xylem is mission-driven, so showing indifference to their purpose can hurt your chances.
  • Don't overlook the travel requirement; failing to acknowledge or express willingness to travel to Munich may signal inflexibility.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Xylem!

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