Head of Accounting

We’re supporting our client, a global, leading manufacturer based in Riedlingen, who are looking for a Head of Controlling to join their growing team. The successful Head of Controlling will have previous experience in financial controlling, ideally within manufacturing.

Job Summary: As a Head of Controlling, you will be responsible for financial oversight across site in Germany with a strong emphasis on planning, analysis, and business partnering.

The role is pivotal in advancing Lean finance practices and supporting the rollout of Microsoft Dynamics. An exciting role involving opportunity to shape financial processes in a dynamic, growth-oriented and progressive organisation offering strong development and advancement opportunities for the right candidate. The position reports directly to the Vice President Finance Europe. This is a high-impact leadership role within the European finance organisation.

Responsibilities for Head of Controlling:

• Controlling & Reporting
• Fully involved in driving foresight from insights across the Sales, Operational & Financial Planning processes.
• Standardise financial data and reporting formats
• Conduct variance analyses for planning, forecasting, and performance evaluation
• Create scenario-based costing tools for value stream analysis
• Provide financial insights to support management decisions
• Simplify inventory valuation processes and ensure consistency
• Recalculate standard prices and assess financial impact
• Oversee inventory controls and valuations
• Manage financial aspects of development and investment projects
• Coordinate financial matters with UK headquarters
• Drive continuous improvement of controlling processes and systems
• Supervise profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and consolidated financial reports
• Act as a financial business partner to senior management
• Operational Excellence & Cost Management
• Identify and implement cost and pricing optimisation strategies
• Apply 80/20 thinking and Lean finance tools
• Analyse value stream performance and capacity utilisation
• Align financial targets with strategic objectives
• Implement cost control measures and identify inefficiencies
• Develop Lean-based costing and quotation approaches
• Manage transitions in financial systems to ensure continuity and efficiency
• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead and develop the controlling team (3 employees)
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
• Ensure alignment with corporate goals and financial best practices

About You:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in financial controlling, ideally within manufacturing
• University degree in Finance, Controlling, or related fields (Master’s preferred)
• Proven leadership experience in a multi-tiered production environment
• Strong IT skills, particularly in ERP and controlling systems (Microsoft Dynamics preferred)
• Advanced Excel skills and experience handling large data sets
• Fluent English (written and spoken)
• Strong analytical capabilities, initiative, and sound decision-making skills

You must be eligible to work in the European Union without restriction