Operations Controller EMEA

Apex Tool Group; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package

30 days vacation

International environment

Bike-leasing

Opportunities for further training and development

Home office possibility

Job summary

Apex Tool Group is looking for an Operations Controller to oversee financial and operational performance across manufacturing and supply chain functions. This role demands a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in operations finance, with expertise in cost accounting and financial analysis. Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, as well as fluent German and English, is essential. Benefits include an attractive salary package, 30 days of vacation, and opportunities for further training and development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in operations finance, manufacturing controlling, or FP&A.
• Strong background in cost accounting and financial analysis.
• Familiar with SOX compliance, IFRS, and US GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial and operational performance in manufacturing and supply chain.
• Drive monthly financial analysis and lead variance analysis for manufacturing costs.
• Ensure compliance with corporate financial policies and prepare financial reports.

Skills

Operations finance

Financial analysis

Cost accounting

Fluent in German

Fluent in English

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Economics

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Apex Tool Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Operations Controller EMEA - DE - Westhausen

Job Summary

The Operations Controller is responsible for overseeing financial and operational performance within the manufacturing and supply chain functions. The scope encompasses our manufacturing locations in Germany (Westhausen), Switzerland (Bevaix), Hungary (Gyor) and Distribution Center in Netherlands (Emmen). This role ensures cost control, financial planning, and strategic decision support to drive efficiency, profitability, and compliance with corporate and regional financial policies. The Operations Controller collaborates closely with plant management, finance teams, and cross‑functional stakeholders to optimize financial performance, improve cost structures, and enhance operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning & Controlling
   • Drive monthly financial analysis for manufacturing, supply chain, and operations, ensuring alignment with budgets and forecasts.
   • Lead variance analysis (actual vs. budget vs. forecast) for manufacturing costs, material variances, labor efficiency, and overhead expenses.
   • Oversee cost accounting and inventory valuation to ensure financial accuracy and operational efficiency.
   • Ensure CAPEX monitoring and adherence to financial guidelines for capital investments.
   • Support pricing, cost structure, and profitability analysis to enhance business decision‑making.
2. Operational Performance & Cost Control
   • Partner with plant managers and supply chain teams to identify cost‑saving opportunities and efficiency improvements.
   • Track and improve OPEX performance, working with operations teams on productivity enhancements.
   • Lead working capital management efforts, optimizing inventory levels and cash flow.
   • Monitor KPIs such as productivity, efficiency, inventory turnover, and cost per unit to drive operational excellence.
3. Compliance & Reporting
   • Ensure compliance with corporate financial policies, SOX requirements, and regional regulatory standards.
   • Prepare and present financial reports, dashboards, and business insights for senior leadership.
   • Manage and improve internal controls related to manufacturing finance, inventory, and procurement processes.
   • Support audits and compliance reviews, ensuring data accuracy and process integrity.
4. Business Partnering & Process Improvement
   • Work closely with Finance, Supply Chain, and Plant Operations to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
   • Participate in strategy deployment by aligning financial metrics with operational goals.
   • Identify and implement automation and process optimization for finance and reporting workflows.
   • Lead financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic decision‑making.

Critical Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Economics.
• 5+ years of experience in operations finance, manufacturing controlling, or FP&A within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in cost accounting, financial analysis, and operational finance.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and financial reporting tools.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other analytics platforms.
• Strong knowledge of costing methods, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Familiarity with SOX compliance, IFRS, and US GAAP accounting principles.
• Fluent in German and English.

What we offer

• Attractive salary package.
• 30 days vacation.
• International environment.
• Many employee benefits (corporate benefits).
• Bike‑leasing.
• Opportunities for further training and development.
• Home office possibility.