Business Controller (on-site) - Business Finance Management

Job Description

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial reporting, accounting operations, internal controls, and compliance. This role ensures timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close and provides reliable financial information to management for decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Accounting & Control

• Oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations (GL, AP, AR, fixed assets, inventory, intercompany).
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS / local GAAP) and company policies.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting procedures, and documentation.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities.
• Monthly/ quarterly/ annual operation performance reporting & analysis to product heads, regional head, Corp Business Group and Corp Functions.

Monthly Closing & Financial Reporting (Core Responsibility)

• Lead and manage the monthly financial closing process, ensuring:
  • Accurate posting of accruals, provisions, depreciation, inventory valuations, and reclassifications.
  • Conversion of German GAAP booking to applicable accounting standards (IFRS / local GAAP) and Group policies
  • Completion of month‑end close within defined timelines.
  • Preparation of monthly reporting packs and performance financial statement including profit and loss, balance sheet, Cash flow and associated analysis reports to Corp and region management.
  • Analyze monthly results vs budget and forecast and explain the variances.
• Review and reconcile:
  • Balance sheet accounts and intercompany balances.
  • Bank, AR/AP, inventory, and fixed asset reconciliations.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency of financial data reported to management and Group.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Monitor actual performance against budget/forecast and identify corrective actions.
• Partner with business and operational teams to improve cost control and profitability.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic and operational decisions.

Compliance, Tax & Audit

• Ensure timely preparation and submission of statutory financial statements.
• Coordinate annual audits and act as main contact for auditors.
• Oversee tax reporting and compliance (VAT, CIT, withholding tax as applicable).
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess financial impact.

Systems, Process & Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the accounting/finance team; set clear objectives and performance standards.
• Improve financial processes, closing efficiency, reporting quality and support operation process improvement.
• Actively support ERP and system improvements (e.g., SAP).
• Drive automation and standardization of financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Professional qualification preferred (CPA, ACCA, CFA, RA).
• At least 3+ years of finance/accounting experience, with at least 1-2 years in a controlling or managerial role.
• Strong experience in monthly closing and reporting in a multi-entity or international environment.
• Solid knowledge of IFRS/local GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Microsoft tools skills (Advanced Excel), automation tools and financial analysis skills.
• Language: German B2, Mandarin is a plus.
• Occasional business travel may be required for meetings with Group finance, auditors, or other stakeholders

Additional Information

Primary Location: Koln (preferred), Stuttgart Germany