Head of Group Finance / Leiter Finanzen (m/w/d) - Berlin (path to CFO)

Head of Finance / Group Financial Controller (m/f/d)

Location: Berlin, Germany
Employment: Full-time
Reports to: Board of Directors
Scope: Group-level responsibility for Germany (HQ) with oversight of entities in other European locations, including holding structures
Languages: Fluent English and German (C1 level) required

The Opportunity

Take ownership of accounting, reporting and financial governance across a European construction group - with a defined path toward a future CFO role.

A European construction and real estate group is seeking an experienced finance leader to stabilise and transform its international finance function during a phase of growth and structural change.

This role goes beyond classic financial management: it requires oversight of both the operational construction business and real estate entities. The successful candidate will establish transparency, control and alignment across all financial streams.

You will build robust systems and governance frameworks, strengthen group-wide reporting and compliance, and act as the financial bridge between the operating companies, real estate portfolio and the ownership level.

Tasks

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Operational Leadership
• Lead and manage all aspects of the group’s finance function, including accounting, reporting, treasury and cash management.
• Oversee financial activities across the construction and real estate divisions, ensuring consistency, reliability and full visibility of group performance.
• Provide the board and ownership with consolidated insights, forecasts and strategic decision support.
• Ensure timely and accurate closings and reporting across all entities.

Transformation & Process Improvement
• Lead the transformation of the finance organisation towards greater standardisation, automation and governance.
• Implement modern systems and digital tools (ERP, BI, forecasting) to increase efficiency and transparency.
• Strengthen forecasting, liquidity management and KPI control across all business areas.
• Drive alignment between operational and holding-level reporting.

Controls, Governance & Compliance
• Design and embed a robust internal control and governance framework for all group entities.
• Oversee risk management, audit readiness and financial integrity, working closely with external advisors and the board.
• Ensure compliance with HGB standards and support group reporting to international stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, coach and develop a small international finance team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with HR, Operations to ensure joined-up financial processes and decision-making.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Degree in finance, accounting or business administration; CPA, ACCA or comparable qualification advantageous.
• 10+ years of professional experience in accounting, controlling or group finance roles within international, project-based industries such as engineering, technical services or construction.
• Proven track record in finance transformation and system implementation.
• Strong HGB knowledge and sound understanding of reporting, compliance and governance processes.
• Hands-on leadership style and flexibility, capable of balancing strategic oversight and operational execution.
• Fluent in English and German (C1 minimum).
• Eligibility to work in the EU.

Benefits

The Offer

• Permanent position, based in Berlin (hybrid work possible after onboarding).
  • Relocation support available.
  • Opportunity to shape and stabilise a modern finance organisation covering both operational and real estate.
  • Attractive remuneration and benefits package.
  • Multicultural and open environment.

We know that no candidate ever meets 100% of the requirements. Studies show that women and underrepresented groups often hesitate unless they meet all criteria. If you’re excited about this role and believe your skills and experience could be a great fit, we encourage you to apply.