Head of Finance

Career Opportunities International; Potsdam; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 120.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading education institute in Potsdam is seeking a Head of Finance to oversee its finance function amidst growth and transformation. The ideal candidate will possess over 8 years of finance experience and have a background in accounting or finance. Responsibilities include managing financial processes, preparing statements, and leading a finance team. Fluency in both German and English is essential. This role offers an opportunity to shape financial strategy in a dynamic educational environment.

Qualifikationen

• 8+ years of finance/controlling experience.
• Several years of proven experience in a senior leadership role.
• Excellent command of German and English.

Aufgaben

• Overall responsibility for finance and accounting.
• Preparation of monthly and annual financial statements.
• Advising executive management on financial matters.
• Leadership and development of a high-performing finance team.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Communication

Financial analysis

Project management

Tax knowledge

Ausbildung

University degree in accounting, finance or related field (master’s preferred)

Tools

S/4HANA

AI-based tools

Jobbeschreibung

Our client is a leading education institute which serves as a premier hub for computer science and digital engineering. The institute is defined by its commitment to solving complex societal challenges through responsible, forward-looking engineering solutions. It offers a unique, curriculum that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, positioning itself as a cornerstone of high-level research and innovation in the digital landscape. By merging academic excellence with practice-oriented teaching, the organization fosters an interdisciplinary environment where researchers collaborate in an international, dynamic working environment.

Title: Head of Finance

Reports to: CFO

The Position

Our client is seeking a Head of Finance to assume overall responsibility for the finance function of non-profit faculty and actively shape it during an ambitious growth and transformation phase. Together with team leads, the Head of Finance will lead and further develop the areas of accounting, third-party funding controlling, central controlling, and procurement. In doing so, you will combine excellence in finance and accounting with a modern, service-oriented understanding of finance, guiding its entities through a period of growth and market expansion.

As a strategic sparring partner to the executive management, professors, and senior administrative colleagues, you will create financial transparency, enable well-informed decision-making, and ensure the sustainable development of the institute.

Duties

Strategic Management and Governance

• Overall responsibility for finance and accounting, controlling, third-party funding administration and procurement.
• Responsibility for monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with the German Commercial Code (HGB)
• Responsibility for economic, multi-year, and investment planning as well as forecasts
• Preparation and content support of board meetings with the shareholder
• Responsibility for management reports, KPIs, and financial analyses

Advisory & Interface Functions

• Advising executive management, professors, and program managers on financial, tax, and non-profit law matters
• Central point of contact for auditors, tax advisors, and financial authorities

Leadership & Team Development

• Professional and disciplinary leadership and further development of a high-performing finance team
• Promotion of a cooperative, appreciative, and customer-oriented collaboration culture
• Active coaching of team leads to further develop structures, roles, and competencies

Transformation & Development

• Further development of financial processes, policies, and governance structures in a growing environment
• Active promotion of digitalization and automation, including the use of AI applications
• Building a future-proof, scalable finance function with clear standards and efficient processes

Qualifications

• University degree in accounting, finance or related field (master’s preferred).
• 8+ years of finance / controlling experience.
• Several years proven experience in a senior leadership role.
• Clear, reliable, and appreciative leadership style with strong communication and assertiveness skills.
• Experience with annual financial statements under HGB.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, tax, or non-profit law.
• Experience with modern finance and ERP systems, particularly S/4HANA and AI-based tools.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands‑on mentality and strong advisory capabilities.
• Excellent command of German and English language skills.