Job details:

1. Executive Introduction: Bridging Two Major Economies

In the post-Brexit landscape, the ability of a UK-based business to navigate the complexities of the European market is a significant competitive advantage. For a company with established operations in Germany, the Finance Manager (German Entities) is the most critical link in the chain. This role, based in Warwickshire, requires more than just numerical proficiency; it requires a dual-cultural and dual-regulatory mindset.

Germany remains the industrial powerhouse of Europe, and its financial regulations are among the most meticulous in the world. This position offers a unique opportunity for a Fluent German-speaking accountant to take “full ownership” of the finance function, ensuring that the UK Group’s German interests are managed with the highest degree of accuracy, compliance, and strategic foresight.

2. The Role: A High-Autonomy, Hands-On Leadership Position

The title of “Finance Manager” in this context is a “top-to-bottom” responsibility. You are not simply managing a team; you are running the entire engine of the German finance function. From the day-to-day bookkeeping to high-level statutory reporting, this is a role for a practitioner who enjoys getting “close to the detail.”

Location: Warwickshire (Strategic UK Midlands hub)
Salary Range: £60,000.00 – £70,000.00 per annum
Key Requirement: Full Professional Fluency in German and English

3. Deep Dive into Technical Responsibilities

To manage the German entities effectively from a UK headquarters, the Finance Manager must juggle several high-stakes technical areas simultaneously.

A. Mastering German GAAP (HGB)

Unlike the UK, which often uses IFRS or UK GAAP (FRS 102), German entities must adhere to the Handelsgesetzbuch (HGB).

You will be responsible for producing statutory accounts that reflect the conservative nature of German accounting principles.
This includes specific rules regarding “Provision for Liabilities” (Rückstellungen) and the valuation of assets, which can differ significantly from British standards.

B. VAT (Umsatzsteuer) and Tax Compliance

German VAT compliance is rigorous. You will manage the Umsatzsteuervoranmeldung (monthly/quarterly VAT filings) and ensure that the business avoids the heavy penalties associated with late or incorrect filings with the Finanzamt.

You will act as the primary liaison for German tax advisors and auditors, translating complex UK corporate goals into compliant German financial actions.

C. Month-End Close and Management Commentary

The “Commentary” aspect of this role is where you add the most value to the UK Group. You will prepare monthly management accounts, analysis, and commentary that allow the UK directors to see through the “fog” of international operations. You will explain variances, cash management issues, and forecasted growth in a way that aligns both territories.

4. Why Warwickshire? The Heart of the West Midlands

Warwickshire is a premier location for international business. Home to the “Silicon Spa” digital cluster and the headquarters of major automotive and engineering firms, it is a region that understands global trade.

Professional Networking: Working in Warwickshire places you in a network of high-net-worth professionals and innovative enterprises.
Lifestyle and Commute: With excellent transport links to Birmingham, Coventry, and the M40 corridor, it is an ideal location for a high-level executive. The area offers a mix of historic charm (Warwick/Leamington Spa) and modern corporate convenience.
Economic Stability: The region has a robust and diversified economy, ensuring that finance professionals here are part of a stable and growing job market.

5. The “Fluent German” Requirement: A Strategic Asset

Fluency in German is not just “preferred” for this role—it is a mandatory tool for success.

Stakeholder Management: You will be the “Main Finance Contact” for German-speaking stakeholders. Being able to negotiate with a German vendor or discuss an audit point with a German official in their native tongue builds a level of trust that English-only speakers cannot achieve.
Document Interpretation: You will be reading original German legal and financial documents. A mistranslation of a tax clause could lead to significant financial risk for the UK Group.

6. Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For

To command a salary of £70,000, the ideal candidate must possess a very specific resume:

Professional Qualification: You must be a Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
End-to-End Ownership: You need proven experience in running a full finance function. We are looking for someone who doesn’t need a “Senior Manager” to check their work daily.
Autonomous Mindset: Because the operations are overseas, you must be comfortable making decisions independently and solving problems as they arise.
Systems Knowledge: While not specified, experience with international ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle, or Dynamics 365) is typically a major advantage in this role.

7. Why This Role is a Career “Game Changer”

Choosing this role over a standard UK-only Finance Manager position offers several long-term benefits:

Marketability: Finance professionals with “International Entity Management” experience are highly sought after by global firms.
Specialization: Expertise in German HGB is a rare skill set in the UK market, making you a “Purple Squirrel” (a rare and highly valued candidate).
Process Improvement: Because this is a hands-on role, you have the opportunity to shape and improve how the UK and German offices communicate, potentially leading to a Group-wide process optimization project.

8. Salary and Benefits Package

Salary: £60,000.00 – £70,000.00 GBP per year.
International Scope: A UK-based role with the prestige of managing a major European operation.
Autonomy: High visibility within the business, reporting often directly to the Group CFO or MD.

9. How to Apply: Preparation is Key

To apply for this role, you should prepare your CV to highlight your DACH region experience.

The Cover Letter: Ensure you mention your level of German proficiency (e.g., C1/C2 or Native).
Technical Highlights: Explicitly mention your experience with German VAT and HGB.
Closing Date: This is an active search for a UK-based business. Interested candidates should submit their documents via the official portal as soon as possible.

Finance Manager – German Operations (UK-Based / Fluent German) Full Time