Financial Controller Germany

Stellenbeschreibung:

We’re driving the energy transition – and you can be part of it!

Return is the leading European independent energy storage provider, with a develop-to-own-and-optimize strategy, committed to revolutionizing the energy sector. Headquartered in Amsterdam and Hamburg, and further offices in Munich, Berlin and Madrid, Return offers innovative, sustainable solutions to store and intelligently manage energy, ensuring power is used efficiently when and where it’s needed most. With a growing presence across Europe, Return is at the forefront of the energy transition, integrating large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support grid stability, renewable energy integration, and Europe's net-zero goals.We’re not looking for administrators. We’re looking for doers who ensure the financial foundations of our projects, build processes and take ownership. If you love numbers, complex structures and real ownership, apply now and join our team in Hamburg!

What Sets Us Apart

Platform, not individual projects – Access to a Europe-wide network of connected storage assets (“virtual battery”)
Well-capitalized & scaling – €300M growth capital from APG (ABP) for rapid pipeline execution
Real scale – Target of ~5 GW storage capacity across Europe
Execution over theory – Projects with secured grid connections and fast-track realization

From Hamburg, Munich, and Berlin our experienced team manages projects across the German market. We set the direction for our developments independently while benefiting from the expertise of an international group with over 100 FTEs.

Responsibilities

You are responsible for day-to day financial management of our German entities in Munich and Berlin and numerous project companies (SPVs) across Germany. At the intersection of controlling, accounting, project finance and reporting, you ensure our finances are in order – from the corporate level down to each individual project SPV;

German offices

Full responsibility for day-to-day accounting, including managing various special purpose vehicles (SPVs), employee payroll, etc.
HQ cost controlling: cost control projects of München/Berlin office expenses
Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (knowledge of IFRS is an advantage)
Resolving accounting matters in close cooperation with internal departments and external partners (e.g. tax advisors, auditors)
Accounts payable, receivable management and German payroll administration in collaboration with an external service provider
Annual audit support
Treasury management – SPV funding (IC loans)

German Project Companies (SPVs)

Project cost controlling: cost control projects in construction and operational projects
Accounts payable and receivable management
Project finance: coordinating and documenting bank drawdowns
VAT reporting, review of tax declarations, communication with tax authorities and tax consultants
Project subsidies – annual application and processing
Project Reporting: monthly preparation of the finance section for the construction reports (based on standardized reporting templates) and presentation to Finance Director and regional board
Support on preparation of unaudited financial statements (standardized report, where required by financing bank) and support on preparation of annual audit
Preparation of compliance certificates for financiers of operational assets (via standardized models and reports)
Other project-related administrative tasks

Budget & Cash Flow Planning

Annual budget preparation for the German offices
New project budgeting support (where required)
Support on project budget updates for construction and operational projects

Part of the European Finance Team

Active participation in finance transformation projects – building and improving global Europe-wide processes, tooling and reporting standards as part of the further professionalization of the finance function to large institution standard.

Qualifications

Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or a comparable field
Several years of experience (minimum 3 years) in controlling, accounting or financial reporting – ideally in the context of project finance, infrastructure, renewable energy or at an audit firm
Solid knowledge of HGB and ideally IFRS; experience with project finance structures (SPVs, bank drawdowns, compliance reporting) is a plus
Experience with accounting software DATEV and/or Exact Online;
Strong Excel skills and confident user of PowerPoint
Structured, independent working style with attention to detail
Entrepreneurial and continuous improvement mindset, ownership mentality and hands‑on approach (“make it work”)
Fluent in German and English (both required)
Comfortable leveraging Claude AI tooling to support daily finance work (drafting, analysis, process documentation, reconciliations) – we actively use AI across the finance function

Benefits

Real impact – You secure the financial foundations for storage infrastructure that tangibly advances the energy transition
Speed of execution – Access to well‑capitalized structures without corporate inertia
Ownership & autonomy – Responsibility from day one with real decision‑making authority
International platform – Work in a European setup with 100+ employees across offices including Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Madrid and Amsterdam – with regular in‑person collaboration and international team events
Flat hierarchies and a collegial working atmosphere
Strong Finance team – Deep expertise, fast decision‑making and clear accountability on the ground
Flexibility – Up to (2) days of remote work, flexible hours
Attractive compensation & career perspective – Competitive salary and development opportunities in one of Europe’s most exciting growth markets