German speaking Business Controller; m​/f​/d

ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

Our German-headquartered client is an internationally operating manufacturing group with a strong footprint in the region and a commitment to operational excellence, performance transparency, and sustainable growth. In this dynamic and performance-driven environment, the Business Controller plays a critical role in managing financial reporting, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and controlling activities. Reporting directly to the Director – Finance & Corporate Services, the position acts as a key business partner to senior management, supporting strategic decision-making and driving financial transparency across the organisation.

This role is ideal for a hands‑on finance professional with strong analytical capabilities and solid experience in manufacturing environments.

• Provide proactive financial recommendations and strategic support to Management on budgeting, policies, and performance targets
• Support the preparation of annual business plans, long‑term financial plans, and rolling forecasts
• Lead budgeting processes, establish planning assumptions, and communicate top‑down targets
• Prepare and analyse monthly and quarterly financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cost & Revenue) with variance analysis and commentary
• Conduct detailed forecasting and ongoing variance analysis against budget and prior forecasts
• Oversee cost accounting, allocations, period‑end closing activities, and master data integrity
• Perform cross‑functional controlling for production, R&D, procurement, sales, logistics, marketing, HR, and IT
• Monitor cost structures and recommend improvements to enhance financial efficiency across the organisation
• Support project and investment controlling, including feasibility analysis and performance tracking
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure compliance with governance and ISO/QHSE standards
• Review financial data accuracy and continuously improve reporting systems and controlling processes
• Deliver regular management reports and initiate corrective actions based on performance reviews
• Contribute to ad hoc finance projects such as productivity improvement, pricing analysis, inventory review, and cost optimisation initiatives

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• Certification in Controlling, Financial Analysis, or equivalent professional qualification
• 5–6 years of experience in Business Controlling within a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of SAP FICO, SAP BW, and MS Office tools
• Solid understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, and variance analysis
• Experience in cross‑functional controlling (production, supply chain, sales, etc.)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a structured and detail‑oriented approach
• Ability to work closely with senior management and provide strategic financial insights
• High level of integrity, governance awareness, and process orientation
• Self‑driven, proactive, and capable of working independently within a structured corporate environment