Director Finance, PE-Backed Consumer and Digital Business, Munich, Germany

About our client

Our client is a well-established consumer commerce business with a large, loyal customer base and a strong direct-to-consumer model. Operating at the intersection of content, commerce and digital customer engagement, the company has built a leading position in its market and is actively investing in the next phase of growth.

About our client

Our client is a well-established consumer commerce business with a large, loyal customer base and a strong direct-to-consumer model. Operating at the intersection of content, commerce and digital customer engagement, the company has built a leading position in its market and is actively investing in the next phase of growth. A key strategic priority is the further development of live commerce and omni-channel business models, supported by technology, data capabilities and a continued focus on customer-centric innovation. As the company evolves its commercial platform and operating model, finance will play a critical role in enabling transparency, performance steering and scalable growth. To support this transformation, the company is seeking a Finance Director who will modernize and further develop the finance function while acting as a strategic business partner to senior leadership. The role will combine financial leadership, operational excellence and transformation capability, with responsibility for financial integrity, transparency and compliance across accounting, group accounting & general ledger, tax and customs. The position is based in Munich, Germany.

What the job involves

• Act as a trusted business partner to the CFO, senior leadership team and shareholders, providing financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making
• Lead and develop the finance organization fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Lead and continuously develop the accounting, group accounting, tax, customs and risk management functions, ensuring high-quality financial reporting and governance in line with IFRS and HGB requirements
• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger management, month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing processes, consolidation, statutory reporting and audit coordination
• Drive the digitalization, automation, and standardization of finance processes, systems and controls to improve efficiency, scalability and data quality
• Ensure the integrity, transparency and audit readiness of financial data, providing reliable decision support to senior management, shareholders, auditors and other key stakeholders
• Ensure effective tax compliance, transfer pricing governance and the appropriate management of customs-related matters in cooperation with internal and external experts
• Further strengthen internal controls, risk management processes and governance frameworks to support a growing and evolving business environment
• Serve as the primary point of contact for auditors, tax advisors, legal advisors and other external stakeholders on all matters related to accounting, reporting, compliance and governance
• Lead finance-related transformation and cross-functional projects, including ERP, reporting, consolidation and process improvement initiatives, with a strong focus on digitalization and operational excellence
• The role does not directly oversee FP&A, controlling, or treasury, but works closely with these functions to ensure robust financial reporting and reliable information for management, shareholders and lenders

Who we are looking for

• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Law or a related field; CPA, Tax Advisor or Certified Accountant qualification is a plus
• Proven leadership experience in accounting, group accounting, financial reporting or finance governance functions, ideally within a high-volume retail, e-commerce omni-channel, or consumer-facing environment
• Strong expertise in IFRS and HGB, including consolidated and statutory financial statements, reporting processes and complex accounting matters
• Solid track record in general ledger management, closing processes, audit coordination and financial governance
• Experience overseeing tax compliance, audits, transfer pricing and related tax matters
• Good understanding of customs processes, import regulations and associated compliance risks
• Familiarity with risk management, internal controls and process optimization
• Strong ERP and systems expertise, ideally including SAP and Tagetik; advanced Excel skills
• Prior experience in a private equity-backed or capital markets environment is preferred
• Proven people leadership capabilities, including organizational development, coaching, succession planning and building high-performing teams in demanding environments
• Highly analytical, structured and hands-on leader with strong execution capabilities, sound judgment and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with senior executives, shareholders, auditors, advisors and internal stakeholders
• Change-oriented mindset with the ability to drive digitalization, standardization, and automation initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of financial reporting and compliance
• Fluency in both German and English