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About the Company


Our client is an established German engineering and manufacturing business headquartered in Eberhardzell, Baden-Württemberg. With roots in steel processing dating back to 1950, the business entered the solar industry in 2009 and has developed into an international provider of mounting and tracking systems for utility-scale and commercial solar projects with more than 2,500 solar projects across 58 countries (20 GW of installed capacity). Its portfolio includes fixed-tilt mounting systems, high-density solar trackers, solar carports, agrivoltaic systems and floating PV solutions.


The business is now entering its next stage of development through its proposed acquisition by the world leader in solar tracking technology, a NASDAQ-listed company whose people are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds.


Following the acquisition, the business will continue to operate from Germany under its established operational model. The most significant integration will occur across finance, accounting, reporting, governance and controls, creating the need for a new Head of Finance.


About the Role


The Head of Finance will lead the finance function of the German business and provide the critical financial link to the parent company's global Finance organisation. Reporting directly to the US-based Corporate Controller, with a dotted line to the German Managing Director, the role will be responsible for the integrity of the financial statements, accounting operations, financial close, technical accounting, statutory reporting, internal controls, audit, financial governance and compliance.


A central priority will be to bring the business into the financial reporting, governance and control environment of the US-listed company while ensuring finance continues to support its German leadership team and day-to-day commercial and operational requirements.


This requires alignment across German statutory reporting, IFRS, US GAAP, SOX and the parent company's global policies and systems. The successful candidate will also operate as a strategic finance leader and trusted business partner across FP&A, Tax, Treasury, Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations, Legal and Internal Controls.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the German accounting and controllership function, establishing a strong, scalable and disciplined finance environment.
  • Own timely, accurate and well-controlled monthly, quarterly and annual financial close and reporting.
  • Lead the financial integration of the German business, including accounting policies, chart of accounts, systems, controls, intercompany processes and finance governance.
  • Build strong working relationships between the German leadership team and the parent company's global Finance organisation.
  • Ensure compliance with German statutory requirements, IFRS, US GAAP, SOX and the parent company's accounting policies and public-company reporting obligations.
  • Partner with auditors, Corporate Controllership, Internal Controls, Tax, Treasury, FP&A and operational leaders across the international business.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing finance team with clear accountability, strong technical capability and a continuous-improvement mindset.


Requirements

  • Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline; a professional accounting qualification such as US CPA, ACA or Wirtschaftsprüfer (WP) is preferred.
  • Substantial progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership of a controllership, accounting or finance function.
  • Experience in both German privately owned businesses and US-listed public companies.
  • Deep technical knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP, including the ability to analyse and resolve complex accounting matters.
  • Strong understanding of SOX, internal controls over financial reporting, financial governance and external audit requirements.
  • Experience managing monthly, quarterly and annual close and reporting processes across multiple legal entities, currencies and jurisdictions.
  • Strong knowledge of German statutory accounting and reporting requirements, with broader familiarity with European compliance environments.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing finance teams through integration, transformation and growth.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing and operational accounting, including inventory, standard costing, production variances, reserves, freight and project profitability.
  • Experience with global ERP implementations and using analytics and automation to improve finance processes and visibility.
  • The integrity and judgement to act as both a strategic business partner and an independent financial steward.
  • A hands-on leadership style, strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly.
  • A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across cultures, functions, organisational levels and European and US time zones.
  • Fluent in German and English.
  • European citizen or permanent resident, with the ability to travel internationally as required.


Location

Eberhardzell, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.


What's on offer

€120,000 - €160,000 + bonus and equity, with some relocation assistance if required.

A senior leadership role in an established German engineering and manufacturing business, backed by the resources and international reach of a global public company.


Why this role matters

The German business is not being operationally absorbed into its new parent; it will retain its identity, leadership and operating model. Finance is where the two organisations must connect. The Head of Finance will make that connection work, protecting the integrity and commercial effectiveness of a substantial German business while enabling it to meet global public-company standards and capture the opportunities created by its new ownership. It is a rare opportunity to shape a finance function at a genuine turning point rather than simply inherit and maintain the status quo.


How to Apply

Apply now via LinkedIn with your resume

Job Ref: FWG11024


Freshwater Group

Freshwater Group is a best practice renewable energy recruitment business that focuses on all renewable and low carbon emission, energy efficiency and disruptive clean technology businesses as well as energy infrastructure, storage, and management.


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Freshwater Group is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. We encourage applications from candidates with culturally diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion.