Feuerfuchs is a specialist in sprinkler systems and water-spray fire-extinguishing systems, with optional foam injection. We design and install water-based fire-extinguishing systems in new and existing retail buildings, underground car parks, industrial premises, and logistics and production warehouses across a range of industries.
As part of the Wtech Fire Group, we share a commitment to delivering the best customer service, attracting and retaining the best people, working with the best technology, and creating the best workplaces. Our company values are Wellbeing, Technical Excellence, Ethics, Collaboration, and Honesty.
The role
The Financial Controller is responsible for managing the business's finance operations, including month-end and year-end reporting, German tax and statutory compliance, accounts payable and accounts receivable, and reporting to Group level. You will provide accurate financial insight to support strategic decision-making and implement the Finance Strategy in line with our company values, strategy, and operational goals.
You will report to the Feuerfuchs Managing Director, with a dotted reporting line to the Group CFO.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage the business's finance strategy and operations, including German taxation, regulation, legal and statutory compliance, and audits.
- Ensure finance reporting, policies, and procedures remain aligned with German legislative requirements, and guide team members in their fair and consistent application.
- Coordinate and oversee monthly management accounts, including analysis of balance-sheet items, financial statements, budgets, and cash flow.
- Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, ensuring payments are made and received according to agreed schedules and processes.
- Reconcile the company's bespoke internal system with the finance system, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
- Produce weekly and monthly reports, providing meaningful management information, analysis, and recommendations to support operations and reduce costs.
- Coordinate and present financial forecasts, budgets, market trends, and plans.
- Partner with project and operational teams to monitor financial performance, forecasts, project costs, margins, work in progress, and contract profitability.
- Build strong relationships across the business, identify commercial challenges, and provide analysis that supports decision-making.
- Challenge performance and drive positive change through accurate, timely insight into trends and results, escalating concerns to senior leadership.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and train Finance team members.
- Champion continuous improvement across finance processes and systems.
- Identify and coordinate cost-saving opportunities and help optimise the supplier framework.
- Take ownership of ad hoc projects as required.
- Promote a positive HSEQ culture and a safe working environment.
- Support quality initiatives and ensure best-practice standards are maintained.
- Keep written documentation accurate, timely, legible, up to date, and compliant with GDPR.
Essential experience and qualifications
- A degree in Finance, Economics, or a similar discipline.
- At least five years' experience in German taxation and legal and statutory compliance.
- At least five years' experience in financial reporting, P&L tracking, cost reduction, inventory control, management accounts, budget management, and cash-flow management within the contracting, engineering, or construction sector.
- Preferred experience in the fire safety, contracting, engineering, or construction sector.
- Strong knowledge of project accounting, including cost tracking, margin analysis, and work-in-progress management.
- A proven ability to partner with project teams to monitor financial performance, forecasts, and contract profitability.
- At least two years' experience managing, training, coaching, and mentoring finance professionals.
- Strong knowledge of German technical accounting.
- Fluency in German and English, with strong interpersonal, communication, and reporting skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as financial management systems and software.
What you'll bring
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- The ability to work independently, multitask, and solve problems.
- A willingness to learn, progress, and take responsibility.
- The ability to prioritise effectively and manage a challenging workload.
- A flexible, adaptable, and can-do approach.
- Excellent time management, attention to detail, and reliability.
- A track record of building effective professional relationships and acting as a trusted adviser to managers.