Finance Manager
Bertrange,
Luxembourg
Palana is a regulatory and compliance consulting firm based in Luxembourg, specialising in the investment fund industry and broader financial services sector. We support leading asset managers, fund administrators and financial institutions across a wide range of asset classes.
As Palana continues to grow, so does the complexity of our finance operations. We are looking for a Finance Manager to work directly with the CFO, taking ownership of the accounting cycle, strengthening our management control framework and helping scale our finance function.
Roughly 70% of the role is core finance: statutory accounting and management controls. The remaining 30% is transformation work — optimising Odoo, deploying artificial intelligence to remove manual tasks, writing the policies and procedures we need, and supporting compliance and IT projects. The mission may also extend to providing finance and accounting as a service to other firms.
This is not a transactional position. We want someone who finds the better way without being asked, and who carries it through to implementation.
Ready to Grow?
Your career starts here. At Palana, Trainees work on real mandates alongside experienced practitioners, developing technical skills, building autonomy and contributing meaningfully from day one.
Apply Now and Make Your Mark!
Responsibilities
- Manage the full accounting cycle, including accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations and support for monthly, quarterly and annual closings
- Prepare management reporting, budgets, cash flow forecasts and financial analyses to support business decision-making
- Monitor financial performance, analyse variances and provide actionable insights to management
- Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies while strengthening internal controls and financial processes
- Optimise finance operations through process improvements, Odoo enhancements and automation initiatives, including AI-enabled solutions
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Support the CFO on cross-functional projects, including internal controls, compliance, systems integration and finance service delivery
Must Have
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At least 5 years of experience
in accounting or finance, in a company, fiduciary, audit firm or shared service centre
- A track record of owning a full accounting cycle end to end, without supervision
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Hands-on experience with an accounting or ERP system
- Sound grasp of the profit and loss account and the balance sheet, and how transactions flow through both
- Practical experience of analytical accounting and management controls: cost centre and project allocation, budget versus actual and variance analysis
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and sound judgement in resolving and escalating financial issues
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English or French; both languages are a strong advantage
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Interest in process improvement, automation and technology-enabled finance solutions, including AI
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Valid right to work in Luxembourg
Nice to have
- Previous experience with Odoo, particularly the accounting module
- Experience delivering outsourced accounting or finance services to external clients
- Experience building or restructuring an analytical chart of accounts, or a project profitability model
- Advanced Microsoft Office suite and practical use of generative artificial intelligence tools
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Experience drafting procedures, process documentation or internal control frameworks
What makes this role stand out
You will not spend your first year shadowing senior staff. At Palana, Analysts take on real responsibilities from the outset, contributing directly to client deliverables, attending meetings and building expertise across multiple fund structures and regulatory areas.
Our team is flat, collaborative and genuinely invested in your development. No micromanagement. No bureaucracy. You will receive direct coaching from experienced practitioners and benefit from a clear path towards growing your seniority and technical expertise.
Each employee has a chance to see the impact of their work. You can make a real contribution to the success of the company — learn the industry, challenge the company's practices and enjoy being part of a great team
We are a team of smart people, in a friendly and open culture where everyone is encouraged to speak up, grow and make their mark.
What We Offer
Package
Competitive salary, plus benefits including meal vouchers, additional annual leave and health cover.
Professional development
Tailor-made training, extensive coaching by senior, certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA) and on the job learning.
Work environment
Colourful, modern campus with on-site restaurant, concierge, daycare and regular social events.
Day-to-day
Flexible working, no micro-management, flat hierarchy, fruit, coffee and a team that actually likes each other.