Finance Manager Germany and France

This role has responsibility for oversight of all areas of finance in Germany and France, reporting into the EMEA Finance Director based in the UK with dotted lines to the German Managing Director.

The majority of the role (60%) is focused on acting as finance business partner for the German business and right hand for the German and French Managing Director, providing financial decision support;

driving commercial performance across the region and working closely with the business to understand its performance, plans and forecasts in order to assist with the continued growth of the business.

The Finance Manager Germany and France is responsible for the oversight of the German finance team and a local provider in France regarding the accounting for all areas for the entity (40%).

Working under the EMEA Finance Director they must ensure all reporting and compliance requirements are met by the team. Providing supervision and training to the team to ensure tasks are performed accurately and efficiently as well as mitigating risks for the German business from a financial perspective.

Complex areas of accounting such as use of different accounting standards, tax etc. are performed and overseen by this role as well as review of all key risk areas and controls.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (preferably from a big 4 accounting firm)
• Fluent English (both written and verbal), French language skills are a plus
• Experience of working under multiple accounting GAAPs (preferably including US GAAP)
• Strong knowledge and experience in the preparation of local financial statement, especially under German HGB
• Proven finance team management as a Controller or similar level
• Strong business partnering, relationship management and influencing skills
• Business sense with a strong understanding of finance processes and commercial metrics
• Experience on large ERP systems and with BI reporting tools, SAP is a plus
• Experience within an international environment with virtual teams and differing time zones
• Willingness to travel within EMEA and to the US occasionally
• Proven change management experience
• Should demonstrate sufficient gravitas and leadership skills to help lead the business
• Dedicated and ambitious, able to handle high work demands and shifting priorities
• Must possess excellent communication skills with ability to concisely exchange information and interface effectively with employees of all levels.

Responsibilities

Commercial Finance

• Business Partnering with the Managing Director and the EMEA Finance Director on business initiatives, projects and decisions in EMEA, providing financial input and guidance
• Provision of analysis to drive evidence based decision making including monitoring of KPIs for the different key business drivers
• Be a link between the various operational teams and the finance department to make sure business initiatives are communicated and integrated effectively within finance
• Responsibility for working with the German management team and FP&A on development of forecasts to understand key drivers, build business cases and challenge where necessary
• Develop and drive improved commercial acumen and collaboration across the German business
• Act as a driver of change alongside the German Managing Director to move the business from a US led Matrix organization to a regional led structure
• As a member of the German management team provide support, leadership and guidance to the wider German business
• Other ad hoc projects as required to support business growth and improved efficiency

Reporting & Compliance

• Responsibility for monthly and quarterly US GAAP reporting for Germany and France including operating cost review and initial reporting pack review
• Reporting of expected Cash Flows on a revolving basis
• Supervise accounting team in Germany and work with the EMEA revenue team in matters relating to either Germany or France
• Coordination of preparation of Annual accounts under local GAAPs (German HGB for example) and coordinating tax returns and audits.
• Review of key monthly balance sheet reconciliations and General Journals
• Approval of bank payments and spend in accordance with the spending authority matrix
• Review of payroll and finance related personnel matters
• Final review of outsourced payroll calculation

Benefits

• A creative, innovative, and international working environment in the software technology industry
• Individual and comprehensive onboarding program
• Hybrid working (in our modern Berlin office and / or working from home)
• 30 days annual leave
• Corporate fitness and wellness benefits
• Discounted public transportation tickets
• Company pension (bAV via direct insurance)
• Regular company events
Vor 10 Tagen