This role is the senior finance position for the European operations. It is a hands-on position with direct responsibility for running day-to-day finance operations across Germany with two large manufacturing sites and several other European countries with mainly sales organisations. The role focuses on cost control, operational performance, financial discipline, and reliable reporting rather than high-level corporate finance strategy.

The European finance function operates with a lean local team and is closely supported by shared service centres and centres of excellence based abroad. As such, this role requires strong collaboration with central teams while maintaining firm operational ownership locally.

The primary purpose of the role is to ensure robust financial control and operational insight across the European business. The role holder acts as a trusted partner to local management and the global board, providing clear analysis, identifying performance drivers, and supporting corrective actions to improve profitability, cash flow, and budget adherence.

Key Responsibilities

Full responsibility for monthly management reporting, analysis, and timely close processes in coordination with shared service teams
Deep understanding of cost structures, cost drivers, and margin performance across manufacturing operations
Active monitoring of budget versus actuals, identifying deviations and driving corrective actions with local management
Development of meaningful performance indicators and leading indicators to support forward-looking decision making

Operational Finance and Business Partnering

Act as a hands-on finance partner to plant leadership and European management
Translate financial data into practical insights that support operational decisions
Drive a culture of financial discipline, ownership, and accountability across the business
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

Cash Flow and Treasury Oversight

Responsibility for local cash flow planning and liquidity monitoring
Day-to-day oversight of local banking operations and execution of treasury activities, within centrally defined frameworks
Close coordination with central treasury on forecasts, funding requirements, and compliance

Compliance, Governance, and External Coordination

Oversight of statutory accounting, local audits, and tax compliance for European entities
Coordination with external advisors such as accounting firms, tax advisors, and auditors
Ensure compliance with local GAAP requirements as well as group reporting standards
Maintain strong internal controls and governance in line with group expectations
Lead and develop a small local finance team
Set clear expectations, provide hands-on guidance, and foster a practical, performance-oriented culture
Ensure continuity, reliability, and resilience of finance operations

Key Stakeholders

European management and plant leadership
Group CFO and global finance leadership
Shared service centres and centres of excellence
External auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners

Profile and Experience

Professional Background

Solid experience in a regional controller, head of finance, or senior finance manager role within an international industrial or manufacturing environment
Proven track record in cost control, operational finance, and performance analysis
Experience working in organisations with headquarters outside the local country, preferably in a matrix environment
Hands-on mindset with strong fundamentals in accounting and controlling

Skills and Capabilities

Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate numbers into operational insight
Comfortable working with lean structures and shared service models
Pragmatic problem solver who enjoys deep dives into operational issues
Strong stakeholder management skills across cultures and geographies
Clear communicator who builds credibility through substance and consistency
Business fluent language skills in German and English

Personal Attributes

Hands-on, down-to-earth, and detail-oriented
Comfortable operating close to the business and the numbers
Collaborative, respectful, and culturally sensitive
Resilient and confident, with a strong sense of ownership

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Michael Illert Executive Recruitment

Jobs:

Financial Director (m/f/d)

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