Controller – Payments Accounting (For independent contractors)

Controller – Payments Accounting (FinTech Projects)

Join our Global Accounting Team in Amsterdam as a Controller for FinTech Projects. You will represent the Accounting function in the design, implementation, and launch of strategic business initiatives where Booking.com facilitates the fund flow between customers and partners. You will be a key driver in securing the accounting integrity for every product launch and influencing the solution design to ensure long term scalability of systems & processes.

Your primary focus will be on strategic partnerships implementations and tax initiatives, capability built and specific country launches. We are looking for an adaptable leader with a growth mindset who can drive organizational change and take on evolving responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

FinTech & Strategic Projects

• Business Partnership: Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to successfully launch system transformations and new products.

  
  

• Design & Requirements: Drive readiness for payment and e-money flows by translating complex fund movements and intercompany arrangements into clear business requirements.

  
  

• Accounting Integrity & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure every launch adheres to US GAAP and SOx frameworks, while also meeting specific requirements from regulators such as the CBI and FCA.

  
  

• Scalable Architecture: Influence solution design, control environment and scale up plans to ensure optimal processes are established prior to material volumes being processed.

  
  

• Data & Reporting: Partner with the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics teams to design and test reporting for the monthly closing process.

  
  

• Launch Management: Lead a rigorous UAT process and monitor hypercare periods to ensure a seamless transition to Business As Usual.

  
  

• Process Optimization: Identify and prioritize automation and standardization initiatives to increase efficiency & simplify tasks.

Team Leadership & Development

• People Management: Manage and coach a team of Senior Accountants, taking full ownership of team performance and professional development.

  
  

• Strategic Planning: Actively set and prioritize the team roadmap, driving the team to meet ambitious objectives.

  
  

• Succession & Growth: Maintain a robust team structure capable of handling increased organizational complexity through effective succession planning.

Closing & Governance

• Financial Oversight: Review monthly closing reports, reconciliations, and variance analysis (B/S and P&L) in accordance with US GAAP and SOx. Contribute to the monthly rep letter & quarterly SOx sign off.

  
  

• Audit & Risk: Work closely with Risk & Control, Internal Audit, and External Audit to ensure full compliance with local and international regulations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Professional Experience: Approximately 6–8 years in accounting, preferably within a multi-national environment. Experience in Online Payments is a significant advantage.

  
  

• Education: University degree in Accounting & professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is required.

  
  

• Leadership Skills: Proven track record in managing teams, coaching, and influencing organizational change.

  
  

• Technical Expertise: Sound knowledge of US GAAP/IFRS and strong experience with financial systems (experience with SAP is required).

  
  

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Product, Engineering and Data teams. Proven ability to influence decisions & technical design.

  
  

• Communication: Exceptional stakeholder management skills and fluency in English.

  
  

• Adaptability: A proactive approach to a fast-paced, high-achieving, and diverse environment.

Please note: The scope of this role is dynamic and influenced by annual company priorities. While the immediate focus is the BHFS build, the role will transition to other transformational initiatives over the mid-to-long term.