[ARD German Radio & Television Network / Westdeutscher Rundfunk Koeln] Bilingual Accounting & Administrative Specialist

About the Company:

ARD German Radio & Television Network is one of the world's largest public broadcasting organizations, employing approximately 20,000 people worldwide. As Germany's leading provider of news, current affairs, and documentary programming, ARD maintains a network of news bureaus in 25 countries and is committed to high-quality international reporting. With eight correspondents and more than 30 staff members, ARD's Washington, D.C. Bureau operates one of the largest foreign broadcast operations in the United States.

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented accounting professional to play a key role in the bureau's financial administration and day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate combines a proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to manage core accounting responsibilities independently in a dynamic international news environment.

• Independently manage and process all Accounts Payable activities, including invoice verification, payment processing, vendor communication, discrepancy resolution, and ensuring timely payment of invoices
• Process Travel Expense Reports, including per diem calculations
• Manage the full payment cycle for independent contractors, from onboarding through compliance with IRS 1099 reporting requirements
• Perform Accounts Payable onboarding for new employees
• Oversee company credit card accounting, including statement review, receipt verification, reconciliation, and timely submission to headquarters in Germany
• Manage Accounts Receivable activities, including refunds, ACH returns, repayments, and other credits
• Assign and allocate costs to the appropriate accounts, cost centers, and productions while ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and established accounting practices
• Maintain accurate and timely financial records, including the digitization and submission of accounting documentation to headquarters in Germany
  Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls
  Perform other accounting and finance-related duties as assigned

Office Operations & Support

• Coordinate facility and office operations, including building maintenance requests, building access management, office supplies, and mail services
• Provide administrative and project-based support to the Bureau Chief and Director of Human Resources

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Several years of experience in Accounts Payable or a comparable finance or accounting role
• Professional fluency in English and German, both written and spoken
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Excel and Outlook
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills to meet recurring deadlines
• Ability to work independently and think outside the box
• Highly detail-oriented with strong teamwork skills
• Self-motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented
• Experience in the media industry is a plus
• Authorization to work in the United States is required; visa sponsorship is not available for this positio

What we offer:

• Full-time position, 40 hours per week, starting as soon as possible
• Annual gross salary of USD 74,750 to USD 93,600, depending on qualifications and relevant professional experience
• Initial one-year contract; terms are based on local law
• 23 days of paid vacation leave annually
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with 50% premium coverage for employees and eligible family members
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year
• Disability insurance

Please note: This is primarily an on-site position based in Washington, D.C. Limited remote work may be considered after successful onboarding and depending on operational needs.

Please apply by sending your application via email to the hiring manager at application(at)ard-usa(dot)com, including the following:

• a cover letter
• your resume
• relevant references

In your cover letter, please indicate your current authorization to work in the United States, earliest possible start date, and salary expectation.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.