FREELANCE / Interim COO Controller (m/f/d) / Koblenz (Hybrid)

About the project

I am currently seeking an experienced Interim COO Controller (m/f/d) for one of my clients, to start on August 9th. The role acts as a strategic financial business partner to the COO and executive leadership team, driving value creation, operational efficiency, month-end closings, project controlling, and rolling forecasts within a dynamic environment.

Here are the key details:

• Position: Interim COO Controller (m/f/d)
• Start:
• Workload: Full-time
• Duration: 6 months
• Location: Koblenz (Hybrid setup: 2 days office / 3 days remote)
• Language: Business fluent in German and English

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic business partner to the COO and leadership team, challenging performance drivers to align operational decisions with value creation, efficiency, and growth
• Drive month-end and period-end closing processes (including accruals and provisions), ensuring reliable, fast, and decision-relevant financial results
• Perform sound variance analyses (Plan vs. Actual vs. Forecast), identify risks & opportunities, and derive actionable recommendations for revenue, cost, and margin management
• Lead budgeting and the development of (rolling) forecasts to create transparency for forward-looking resource planning and targeted investment decisions
• Oversee cost center and cost object accounting (allocations, recharges) and manage project controlling (business cases, capex/opex differentiation, tracking of benefits)

Requirements

• Relevant professional experience in controlling as a business partner within software, healthcare, or dynamic tech-driven environments (ideally with COO/Operations exposure)
• Completed degree in Business Administration/Economics (focus on Controlling/Finance) or a commercial qualification with high-level controlling certification
• Proven track record in personnel cost & FTE planning, project controlling, and operating within international matrix or shared-service setups
• Confident user of ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and BI tools; hands‑on knowledge of Tagetik is a strong plus
• Strong analytical mindset, entrepreneurial thinking, and initial leadership experience (or willingness to guide a small team)
• Full professional proficiency in both German and English with strong communication and stakeholder management skills