CFO/VP Finance – Startup in the Automotive Environment
We are a medium-sized company from China that aims to expand its footprint in Germany. A German entity will be actively established in Q2, and the task is to build up the finance function from scratch, including accounting, bookkeeping, and controlling.
The business focuses on the introduction of sustainable packaging and the use of e-trucks in the automotive industry, particularly for the “last mile.”
The main customers are automotive manufacturers and their system suppliers/suppliers.
Your Responsibilities
- Building up the accounting, finance, and controlling departments.
- Establishing routines for proper bookkeeping in coordination with auditors/tax advisors.
- Introducing a transparent and traceable payroll system in cooperation with all social security institutions.
- Implementing a chart of accounts and cost accounting structure.
- Selecting and implementing an ERP system.
- Setting up and preparing cost calculations:
for sales quotations,
for business activities with partner companies, and
for internal accounting, including transparent transfer pricing.
- Implementing changes in commercial and tax law into day-to-day operations to ensure compliance with HGB and IFRS requirements.
- Preparing and supporting, and if necessary handling, audits and annual financial statements.
- Introducing monthly and in some cases weekly reporting to management.
- Ensuring transparency for the investor: cash management/financing and forward-looking cash flow planning for the contacts in China and the managing director in Germany.
- Establishing routines: preparation of monthly closings and defining controlling-related month-end closing activities.
- Defining reconciliation scenarios between the inventory management system and the financial accounting system.
- Developing and defining KPIs to steer the business.
Your Profile
- Experience in setting up accounting and controlling systems in accordance with HGB and IFRS.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in controlling – ideally in the automotive or mechanical engineering sector.
- Confident and professional demeanor combined with strong team spirit.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills and resilience under pressure.
- Strong execution skills and a highly structured way of working.
- English language skills, both written and spoken, are an advantage.
