About the Role
The Controller ensures the organization’s operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and financial stability. This includes accurate financial reporting, sound processes, and effective communication across departments, as well as coordination with external partners, including auditors and tax advisors.
Main Responsibilities:
- Oversee all student payment processes to ensure timely and accurate transactions for monthly and yearly payers.
- Conduct monthly meetings with ISA service providers on students to monitor payment schedules and resolve issues.
- Track and confirm yearly payments to guarantee compliance with financial agreements.
- Provide monthly updates on cash flow, profit and loss statements, and progress on the Financial Business Plan. Weekly check-in with the CFO on the short-term cash situation.
- Monitor and analyze company revenues and expenses, including income from partnerships, grants, and student payments.
- Prepare and administer the annual budget to ensure alignment with company goals and operational realities.
- Identify and communicate financial risks or blockers impacting company operations.
- Ensure company-wide processes are efficient, transparent, and financially sound.
- Collaborate with the CFO to assess and mitigate risks that have potential financial implications.
- Prepare monthly or ad hoc cross-departmental meetings (HR, IT, Campus) to ensure alignment with financial requirements.
- Review monthly financial statements (BWA) for accuracy and completeness.
- Share relevant revenue information (student payments, partnerships, grants) with the tax advisor.
- Ensure accounting and payroll operations are aligned with CODE’s internal cost centers and processes.
- Act as the main point of contact for year-end financial statements, auditors, and Finanzamt audits.
- Serve as second approver for company payments, maintaining access to the bank account and DATEV (Unternehmen Online).
- Prioritize payments when necessary to manage liquidity and financial obligations.
- Oversee payroll processing, including verification with internal and external payroll teams and payments to social insurance providers (Krankenkasse).
- Prepare and submit the Hochschulfinanzstatistik and other required financial reports.
- Ensure data accuracy and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in finance, accounting, or controlling roles.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in DATEV, Excel, and financial reporting software
- Language Skills: Fluent German (required for interaction with Steuerberater and Finanzamt) and good English skills.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of German accounting standards (HGB) and tax regulations.
- Banking Experience: Experience with payment processing and bank account management.