Gallery Profile
Specializing in contemporary art and representing over 50 artists and estates, Esther Schipper has locations in Berlin, Paris and Seoul. While the global team of over 60 employees spreads over locations around the world, the headquarters are located in Berlin, where the core of the operation is managed by both General Managers and their 6 departments.
Representing a diverse roster of international artists, the gallery has built a nearly 40-year legacy of innovation, institutional collaboration, and global engagement. The gallery is committed to presenting groundbreaking exhibitions by leading international artists. Mainly active in the primary market, the gallery represents its artists at all major international art fairs.
There are 8-9 internal exhibitions the gallery produces yearly for its space in Berlin, alongside regular exhibitions for the gallery’s showrooms in Paris and Seoul. The gallery participates in 10-12 international art fairs and supports dozens of external institutional exhibitions worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
1. Accounts payable
Full responsibility for the day-to-day accounting, including the management of accounts payable including pre-accounting, approval coordination and digital processing
Monitoring the proper and timely processing of credit card statements, travel expense reports, and petty cash in the accounting system
2. Invoicing & Payments
Ensure accurate monitoring, recording and managing all incoming and outgoing payments across Esther Schipper GmbH's accounts, in close coordination with management and the Artist Accountant
Initiate and execute payments, including preparation of payment lists in line with the 4-eyes principle
3. Monthly & Annual Accounting
Responsible for ongoing communication and the timely and proper submission of preparatory accounting documents for external tax advisors, including exports, invoice submissions and supporting documents
Oversee and reconcile OPOS
Support annual audit preparation, including vendor reconciliation and communication with auditors and subsidiaries
Account reconciliation for liabilities, e.g., to subsidiaries or suppliers
4. Expense & Cost Management
Process and reconcile expense reports, credit card statements, petty cash, and foreign currency accounts
Oversee and ensure compliance in travel cost reimbursements
Prepare and review bank statements and ensure proper documentation of receipts
5. Administration & Process Optimization
Maintain and monitor the central accounting inbox, ensuring all internal and external queries (e.g. Reminders, bank and vendor communication) are addressed within 24 hours
Responsible for maintaining organizational structure and proper documentation both analog (for previous years) and digital archiving of all accounting records
Continual analysis and optimization of processes in collaboration with other Finance team members the internal accounting guidelines (Rulebook Accounting) while maintaining orderly filing and archival systems for financial records
In collaboration with other Finance team members create and lead internal workshops to help cross-department teams understand key financial workflows, accounting processes
6. Covering colleagues during absences
During absences of colleagues, temporarily support and assist with the following tasks:
i) Maintain and update the gallery’s sales database (Artlogic)
ii) Prepare and issue outgoing invoices (sales-related), including coordination with sales and gallery teams
iii) Take over responsibility of day-to-day accounting for accounts receivable
Requirements
Full professional proficiency in German required (native level and proven understanding of German Accounting practices)
Full professional proficiency in English (at least B2 level) required
Completed education in accounting, finance, or related field
Several years of professional experience in a similar role, preferably in an international and cultural environment. Gallery experience is advantageous
Excellent knowledge of accounting software and Excel; familiarity with DATEV and Artlogic is a plus
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Positive, proactive and solution-oriented mindset
Working Conditions
Full-time, in-person role based in Berlin
Occasional evening or weekend availability required for events
Desired start: No later than March 2026
Department: Finance
Reports To: Team Lead Finance