Team Lead Finance Operations (f/m/d)

Overview

As our Team Lead Finance Operations, you are responsible for the technical strategy and operational excellence of our financial flows. Your mission is to automate high-volume transaction data from our various companies into our global ERP system (SAP), ensuring full scalability as we expand. You will lead a team of FinOps Specialists, maintaining a 50/50 split between people leadership and executing complex operational tasks with a hands-on mentality.

Company & Team Context

The applike group is committed to creating engaging experiences for every app user around the world. We develop market-changing products, technologies, and companies across multiple ventures, each operating as independent business units. Under the Bertelsmann media umbrella, we have access to a global network of experts and strong financial support to grow our tech ecosystem.

What you will do

• Operational Leadership & Governance: You own the “Daily Run,” overseeing global billing cycles and ensuring the accuracy of all automated and manual invoicing across all entities.
• Automation & Transformation: You proactively identify manual tasks for elimination and initiate “Finance Transformation” projects, such as API integrations.
• System Architecture: You act as the technical bridge between internal dashboards and SAP, ensuring that revenue recognized in the dashboards matches the General Ledger (Single Source of Truth).
• Standardization: You enforce our “Global Finance Process Playbook,” ensuring operational workflows in Boston, Tokyo, and Singapore are aligned with our Hamburg HQ.
• Accounting Logic: You translate HGB/IFRS requirements into daily operational processes.
• FinTech & Risk Management: You optimize the group’s FinTech stack (e.g., Spendesk, Airwallex) and design automated Internal Control Systems (ICS) to mitigate fraud and ensure audit-readiness.

Who you are

• Experience: 6+ years of experience in Finance Operations or Business Systems, ideally within a fast-paced scale-up environment.
• Leadership: A proven track record of leading teams and managing diverse stakeholders.
• Accounting Foundation: Degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting with deep understanding of HGB and IFRS.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep knowledge of ERP architecture (SAP preferred) and experience with API-led integrations; basic SQL or data mapping knowledge is beneficial.
• Project Driver: Experience leading “Finance Transformation” projects or ERP migrations.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to map complex cross-functional data flows and identify technical root causes for operational inefficiencies.

Benefits & Culture

• Invest in Your Future: Regular feedback and our development program support your growth, helping you expand your skill set and achieve your career goals.
• Easy Arrival to applike: Visa support and relocation assistance to Hamburg, including language support if needed.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid setup with 3 core office days, flexible hours, 30 vacation days, 3 weeks remote work per year, and in-house gym access plus mental health support via EAP.
• Work Environment: Central office with Alster Lake views, modern facilities, and open spaces, plus snacks and drinks.
• Community: Regular team and company events, including hackathons and social gatherings.

Our mission is to create an inspiring work environment for amazing people to achieve extraordinary things. Be part of it!