International Financial Controller in Düsseldorf

Our client is a global leader in medical product manufacturing and digital tool provision. As international business undergoing a significant transformation of its Finance organisation following a financial restructuring. With a clearer reporting structure and a broader mandate, the business is focused on strengthening its financial operations and establishing a robust platform for future growth.

The International Controller is a senior leadership role within this structure, based in Germany and accountable for accounting operations, statutory and indirect tax compliance, and reporting integrity across all European operating entities.

Working closely with cross-functional finance teams, this role will play a central part in stabilising and modernising the European accounting function as the company moves from post-restructuring activities into a period of renewed growth.

The position suits someone comfortable building processes and controls from a standing start rather than inheriting a mature environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial accounting across all European operating entities, including the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process.
• Lead all local statutory audits across Europe, coordinating directly with local auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies in each jurisdiction.
• Ensure compliance with local statutory accounting and tax requirements in each European country, in addition to US GAAP and IFRS reporting standards.
• Support VAT and indirect tax compliance across all European jurisdictions — including periodic VAT returns, EC Sales Lists, Intrastat filings, and the maintenance of VAT registrations in countries where the business has a registration obligation but no legal entity — coordinating with local advisors and the Group Tax function.
• Own preparation and filing of local statutory financial statements, and support the execution and documentation of transfer pricing arrangements.
• Direct and supervise general accounting for the European region, maintaining close coordination and communication with other global finance functions.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions across all European entities.
• Ensure accurate multi-currency accounting, including FX revaluation and translation, and provide reliable inputs to group consolidation and cash flow forecasting.
• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls across the European organisation, including an internal control framework, planning and testing procedures.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors on the global annual audit and lead resolution of audit findings.
• Maintain deep working knowledge of complex accounting standards (US GAAP, IFRS, and local statutory GAAP such as HGB) and interpret their application within the European business environment.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing accounting team across Europe, supporting career growth and succession planning within the function.
• Partner with the Director of Accounting and the broader global finance organisation to drive consistency and standardisation of accounting policy, controls, and reporting standards across country controllership teams.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline accounting processes and improve efficiency, including partnership with the shared services organisation and Finance Systems on ERP, tax engine, and automation initiatives.
• Own ad hoc projects end to end — including technical accounting research, budgeting and forecasting support, due diligence, and executive reporting requests.

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, plus a recognised professional accounting qualification — Wirtschaftsprüfer (WP), Steuerberater (StB), CPA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent.
• Substantial progressive accounting and finance experience (typically 8 or more years), including several years leading and developing accounting teams.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS, along with German HGB and the local statutory accounting and audit requirements of other European jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated experience leading statutory audits and ensuring compliance across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Fluent business English, and German sufficient to work directly with local auditors, tax advisors, and HGB statutory filings.
• Right to work in Germany, and based in or willing to relocate to the Düsseldorf area, with ability to travel approximately 10% to support European operating entities and audit requirements.
• Experience in a medical device, life sciences, or broader healthcare or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Public accounting background (Big 4 or equivalent).
• Hands‑on experience with JD Edwards, Hyperion, or comparable ERP and consolidation systems.
• Experience implementing or remediating ERP tax determination, VAT reporting, or e‑invoicing solutions.
• Experience in a post‑restructuring, carve‑out, or private equity‑backed finance environment.
• Working knowledge of EU VAT principles and hands‑on responsibility for indirect tax compliance in at least one European jurisdiction.
• MBA or CMA.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the International Controller will have established reliable, well-controlled close and statutory audit processes across all European operating entities; brought consistency and rigour to local compliance and reporting standards; and served as a trusted partner to the Director of Accounting and global finance organisation in building a durable foundation for the business's European operations.

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