Finance Director - Project-Based Industries #0209

We are working with an established, US-based company active in the construction and audiovisual integration space to find a Finance Director for their fast-growing German business. This position goes well beyond conventional accounting — you'll serve as the strategic financial leader shaping the trajectory of a business scaling rapidly across Europe.

Located in the Frankfurt area, you'll own the entire finance function, building and coaching a three-person team while operating as a key strategic partner to the local Managing Director and the CFO in the United States. Your scope will cover everything from financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to ERP optimization and cross-border coordination — all within a dynamic, project-oriented business model.

What you'll be doing:

• Ensure full adherence to German financial regulations (HGB, VAT, tax) as well as internal governance and control standards
• Lead ERP deployment and optimization efforts to enable scalable, efficient operations across multiple sites
• Own the complete finance function for the German entity — from monthly close processes through to long-term strategic planning
• Collaborate with finance peers across European markets to align practices and drive cross-border projects
• Act as a strategic partner to both the German and US leadership teams, converting financial insights into clear, actionable business recommendations
• Manage project-level financial performance — monitoring hours, materials, and margins with accuracy
• Recruit, lead, and develop a finance team of three, fostering a culture built on accountability and collective ownership

Requirements

Essential

• Hands-on, proactive approach with the confidence to question established processes and work effectively with international stakeholders
• Proven ability to link financial analysis to wider business strategy and operational goals — a genuine business partner, not simply a reporting function
• Fluency in German and English (both written and spoken) is a firm requirement
• Strong knowledge of German GAAP (HGB), VAT regulations, and local tax compliance
• Demonstrated experience in construction, audiovisual (AV), or comparable project-driven industries involving both labour and materials
• University degree with a strong focus on Accounting or Finance
• Track record of building and developing high-performing finance teams
• Senior-level finance leadership experience (Head of Finance or equivalent) within the German business landscape
• Thorough understanding of project accounting, cost control, work-in-process (WIP), and profitability analysis
• Working experience with ERP systems, preferably alongside DATEV

Preferred

• Familiarity with US GAAP reporting requirements and transfer pricing considerations (the parent entity reports under US GAAP)
• Formal project management qualifications or hands-on experience
• CPA, Chartered Accountant, Wirtschaftsprüfer, or an equivalent professional credential
• Experience within high-growth companies or organizations with an expanding international presence
• Hands-on involvement in system implementations, process redesigns, or change management initiatives
• Direct exposure to specialty construction and/or audiovisual integration sectors

Benefits

• 30 days of paid annual leave, plus an additional day of special leave
• Capital formation benefit (vermögenswirksame Leistungen)
• Competitive annual salary in the range of €80,000 – €120,000
• Comprehensive German benefits package
• Company pension scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge)

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy (Germany)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to ethnic origin, race, gender, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation, in accordance with the German General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful working environment in which all individuals are valued and treated fairly.

Reasonable Accommodations

We are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. Where required, reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable German laws. Candidates are encouraged to inform us of any specific needs during the recruitment process.

Compensation Information

Where applicable, compensation ranges may be included in job postings or communicated during the recruitment process. Compensation decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in line with applicable laws including the German Pay Transparency Act (Entgelttransparenzgesetz).

Compliance with Laws

Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable German and European Union laws governing employment and non-discrimination. This includes all aspects of employment such as recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, training, and termination.

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Salary Transparency and Equal Pay

We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. In line with the German Pay Transparency Act, candidates may request information regarding compensation structures where applicable.

Local Law Compliance

Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local, regional, and national employment laws and regulations in Germany.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment process. These tools are used solely to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications. AI is not used to make automated hiring decisions. All decisions are made by qualified human professionals to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with applicable laws.

Note

This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be disclosed during the recruitment process. Employment terms and conditions may vary depending on the employing entity and location.