Head of Controlling

Head of Controlling – PE-Backed Insurance Business

Role

A private equity-backed insurance business is seeking an experienced Head of Controlling to lead the financial planning, performance management, and controlling function during a period of growth and operational development. Reporting directly to the CFO, the role will play a key part in driving transparency, financial performance, and data-driven decision‑making across the organisation.

The successful candidate will operate as a strategic finance partner to both operational leadership and shareholders, helping to enhance reporting quality, forecasting accuracy, and overall business performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the controlling and FP&A function across budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial analysis
• Developing and enhancing management reporting, KPI frameworks, and performance dashboards
• Delivering timely and accurate monthly reporting packages for executive leadership and private equity stakeholders
• Driving profitability, cost optimisation, and operational performance initiatives across the business
• Supporting strategic planning, scenario modelling, and business case analysis
• Partnering closely with operational leaders to improve financial visibility and accountability
• Leading the annual budgeting and long‑range planning processes
• Supporting cash flow forecasting and capital planning activities
• Improving controlling processes, systems, and automation capabilities
• Coordinating with accounting, actuarial, and operational teams to ensure high‑quality financial information
• Supporting financing, M&A, integration, and exit readiness initiatives where required
• Leading and developing the controlling team within a fast‑paced, performance‑oriented environment

Candidate

The successful candidate will be an analytically strong and commercially minded finance professional with experience in insurance or financial services environments, ideally within investor‑backed or transformation‑driven businesses.

Key requirements include:

• Proven experience in a Head of Controlling, FP&A leadership, or senior controlling role
• Strong background within insurance, insurtech, or broader financial services environments
• Experience working within PE‑backed, investor‑led, or high‑performance organisations is highly advantageous
• Strong expertise in financial planning, forecasting, and management reporting
• Excellent analytical and business partnering capabilities
• Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights
• Experience improving reporting processes, systems, and financial transparency
• Strong stakeholder management skills with exposure to executive leadership and investors
• Hands‑on mentality with the ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments
• Advanced Excel and finance systems/BI tool capabilities
• Fluent German and English language skills preferred

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, investor‑backed business in a highly visible finance leadership role with significant exposure to strategic decision‑making and value creation initiatives.