Controller (f/m/x)

About the Role

Ensure CODE’s financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational stability by combining accurate accounting execution with controlling, reporting, and cross‑departmental financial coordination. The role maintains reliable records and processes, produces actionable insights (cash flow / P&L / budget), and manages key interfaces with external partners (tax advisor, auditors, authorities).

Main Responsibilities

• Accounting & Bookkeeping Operations
  • Maintain accurate and complete accounting records (checking, collecting, classifying, managing invoices, preparing payments, and bank reconciliation in DATEV / Unternehmen Online).
  • Ensure preparatory bookkeeping is complete and well documented for coordination with the Steuerberater.
  • Support audits as required and ensure documentation standards are met.
  • Stay updated on accounting regulations and best practices to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Payment Management & Stakeholder Support
  • Act as a main point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and partners on payment and reimbursement topics (e.g., invoices, travel expenses, semester ticket/Deutschlandticket subjects), ensuring timely resolution.
  • Oversee transactions for monthly and yearly payers; track and confirm yearly payments to ensure compliance with agreements.
  • Conduct monthly meetings with ISA service providers regarding student payments to monitor schedules and resolve issues.
• Controlling, Reporting & Financial Planning
  • Provide regular updates on cash flow, profit & loss, and progress on the Financial Business Plan; run weekly check‑ins with the CFO on short‑term liquidity.
  • Monitor and analyze revenues and expenses (including partnerships, grants, and student payments).
  • Prepare and administer the annual budget and support budget/forecast updates (including overviews of invoices, grant budget sheets, payroll checks).
  • Identify and communicate financial risks/blockers impacting operations.
• Process Ownership & Cross‑Department Coordination
  • Ensure company‑wide financial processes are efficient, transparent, and financially sound.
  • Prepare and support cross‑departmental alignment meetings (e.g., HR, IT, Campus) on financial requirements and constraints.
  • Collaborate with the CFO to assess and mitigate financial risks.
• Month‑End / Year‑End Coordination & External Interfaces
  • Review monthly financial statements (BWA) for accuracy and completeness.
  • Share relevant revenue information (student payments, partnerships, grants) with the tax advisor.
  • Serve as main point of contact for year‑end financial statements, auditors, and Finanzamt audits.
• Banking, Approvals & Payroll Oversight
  • Serve as second approver for payments and maintain access to bank accounts and DATEV (Unternehmen Online).
  • Prioritize payments where needed to manage liquidity and obligations.
  • Oversee payroll processing (verification with internal/external payroll teams; payments to social insurance providers / Krankenkasse).
  • Prepare and submit Hochschulfinanzstatistik and other required financial reports; ensure data accuracy and compliance.

Requirements

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Strong experience in accounting/bookkeeping and financial reporting in a German context; solid understanding of HGB and relevant tax/regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in DATEV / Unternehmen Online and Excel; confident with financial reporting tools.
• Fluent German (for Steuerberater / Finanzamt) and good English.
• High attention to detail, analytical thinking, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Service‑oriented, proactive, and able to explain financial topics clearly to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Experience with payment processing and bank account management.

Nice to have

• Experience in controlling/budgeting in an educational / nonprofit / grant‑funded context.
• Experience coordinating audits and year‑end closing processes.

What you can expect

• Permanent contract
• Full/Part‑time position
• Campus located in lively Neukölln—work in one of Berlin’s most dynamic neighborhoods
• Responsible role in a motivated and supportive team
• Modern work environment with flexible hours and remote work options
• 25 days of annual leave (20 statutory + 5 extra from us)
• Retirement & pension plans to help you plan for the future
• VBG ticket benefit: 5% discount plus an additional €15 monthly contribution from CODE
• Access to Masterplan learning platform for professional growth
• Summer and winter employee events for team bonding and fun
• 10 sessions per year with Nilo.Health for your mental wellbeing