Our client is a multinational company dedicated to producing electricity from 100% renewable energy sources, as well as the commercialization of electricity and gas. Present in nine countries, the company is seeking a Financial Controller for its German subsidiary, with the position based in Warsaw, Poland.
The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the financial activities of the business, including finance operations, management accounting, tax, and treasury. The ideal candidate will have post-qualification experience in one or more global or multinational organizations and will support the Group FP&A Manager by preparing financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This individual must possess the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure the production of accurate, compliant, and insightful financial reports.
Scope & Responsibilities
Finance
- Manage the financial operations of the German branch, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Management Accounting, Tax, and Treasury.
- Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, including the review of subsidiary performance.
- Prepare budgets, forecasts, and analytical reports for the German subsidiary.
- Proactively identify accounting and financial issues, monitor emerging trends, and recommend effective solutions.
- Maintain quality control over financial transactions and reporting.
- Coordinate the preparation of regulatory reports and financial statements.
- Manage and ensure compliance with government reporting requirements and tax filings.
- Serve as the key liaison for internal and external audits, external tax advisory firms, and external accounting providers (Big Four firms).
- Provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Act as the primary point of contact between the German subsidiary and the headquarters in Spain.
Administration
- Monitor and manage banking relationships and company compliance partners.
- Develop and enforce finance-related policies and procedures.
- Maintain communication with suppliers and other vendors to confirm financial positions.
Process Improvement
- Establish and maintain strong internal controls for financial processes.
- Recommend and implement cross-country financial management processes.
- Continuously seek ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the German finance team.
- Lead finance system reviews and implementations, ensuring optimal use of tools and resources.
Requirements
Core Competencies
- Results-Driven: Ability to work in a high-volume environment with multiple deadlines.
- Action-Oriented: Quick to identify and act on new opportunities, stepping up to handle tough challenges.
- Effective Communicator: Strong written and verbal communication skills; builds rapport easily across different levels, functions, cultures, and geographies.
- Financial Acumen: Uses financial analysis to evaluate and act on strategic opportunities.
- Collaborative Mindset: Works effectively with teams and stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
- Global Perspective: Understands the global components and impact of financial operations and seeks input from international experts.
Technical & Functional Skills
- Strong finance and group accounting experience across multiple organizations, currencies, and countries.
- Expertise in IFRS and German GAAP (HGB) is essential.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with financial ERP systems (SAP R/3 and Tse:nit) is highly valued.
- Thorough understanding of European statutory filings and tax regulations is essential.
- Native-level German proficiency, fluency in English, and fluency in Spanish (preferred but not required).
Qualifications
- ACCA, CIMA, CA, or an equivalent European-recognized finance qualification is essential.
