Accounts Payable Manager (f/m/d)

ABOUT FOCUSED ENERGY

Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial

fusion. Backed by our $240M Series A — the largest fully secured Series A in the global

fusion industry — we are scaling rapidly across multiple geographies.

Based in Germany and the US, we have brought together the top scientific and

engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial

scale. Focused Energy is working to realize game-changing scientific innovation that

promises to deliver a clean, sustainable and abundant source of power globally.

YOUR ROLE

We are looking for a dedicated Accounts Payable Manager (f/m/d): someone who runs the bill-to-pay process end-to-end with the rigor a multi-entity, multi-currency environment requires. You will take over AP from our external bookkeeper during the transition period and lead the move from manual processing to automated workflows.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Own the end-to-end accounts payable process across all Focused Energy entities, from Bill receipt through payment and reconciliation.

Lead the resolution of supplier and internal payment discrepancies, including duplicate invoices and incorrect payments.

Drive timely month-end and year-end close support, including reconciliations, accruals, prepaid expenses, amortization, and AP reporting.

Ensure bills are coded, approved, and paid in line with company policy and segregation-of-duties controls.

Build and maintain complete, audit-ready documentation for internal and external audits.

Improve automation and data quality across the invoice-to-pay process using our ERP and AP systems.

Partner with suppliers and internal teams to resolve invoice and account-related issues quickly and professionally.

Enable scalable, auditable AP operations by keeping clear, current procedures across all entities.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 2-3 years of experience in accounts payable in a German company, with solid knowledge of AP processes and controls: bill-to-pay, PO and non-PO workflows, supplier master data, and segregation of duties.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite (or a comparable ERP) and the month-end close, including reconciliations, cost accruals, and AP reporting.
• A process-improvement mindset: you document procedures clearly, care about data quality, and are open to automation and AI-enabled tools.
• Strong knowledge of German accounting principles and internal controls, with the ability to work to audit requirements.
• Clear, professional communication in English and German, with the ability to explain payment status and policy requirements without ambiguity.
• Ownership and reliability: you take full accountability for accuracy and timeliness and flag issues before they are asked about.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Moss or Ramp for AP automation and invoice workflows.
• Experience in a multi-entity, multi-currency environment.
• Experience in a scale-up environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
• Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.
• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.
• Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.
• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.
• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a canteen with delicious lunch options daily.
• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 20% on top of your monthly contributions, plus loyalty incentives.
• Equipment: We offer state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.
• Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.
• Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.
• Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.