Head of Finance & Accounting (m/f/d)

• technically strong finance leader who thrives in dynamic situations
• combining operational excellence with transformation and people leadership

• technically strong finance leader who thrives in dynamic situations
• combining operational excellence with transformation and people leadership

About Our Client

A leading international financial services provider is seeking a Head of Finance & Accounting to lead and transform its accounting and finance function in Germany. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced finance professional who combines strong technical accounting expertise with transformation leadership, team development capabilities, and a hands‑on, solution‑oriented mindset. Working closely with the CFO, you will play a key role in an ongoing organisational transformation, strengthening processes, developing talent, and building a best‑in‑class finance function in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Job Description

• Lead and develop a finance and accounting organisation of approximately 15 professionals.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes, ensuring high-quality reporting and financial governance.
• Ensure compliance with HGB and IFRS requirements and oversee statutory financial statements.
• Manage external audits and maintain a robust internal control framework.
• Drive finance transformation initiatives, process optimisation, automation, and organisational change.
• Partner closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders across Finance, Treasury, Regulatory Reporting, Tax, Compliance, and Group Finance.
• Build, coach, and recruit talent while creating a high‑performing and scalable team structure.
• Navigate ambiguity, prioritise effectively, and proactively drive solutions in a fast‑changing environment.

The Successful Applicant

• Qualified Wirtschaftsprüfer (WP) and/or CPA is highly desirable
• Strong expertise in HGB and IFRS accounting.
• Proven experience leading accounting, financial reporting, audit, or finance functions within complex and regulated environments.
• Track record of managing external audits, statutory reporting, and financial governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated success leading teams through transformation, restructuring, or organisational change.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including advanced Excel capabilities.
• Pragmatic, hands‑on, and execution‑focused leadership style.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to operate across all organisational levels.
• Comfortable working in environments where structures are evolving and not every answer is predefined.

Preferred Background

We are particularly interested in candidates coming from:

• Big Four firms (Audit or Advisory) or other leading audit, accounting, or consulting firms
• Financial services, banking, payments, fintech, or similarly regulated industries

What’s on Offer

• Direct exposure to the CFO and senior management.
• Opportunity to shape the future operating model of the finance organisation.
• Significant scope for team building, talent development, and organisational redesign.
• Visible leadership role with the ability to leave a lasting imprint on the function.
• International and highly regulated business environment with substantial transformation agenda.