Economist as Business Controller - Prepare Monthly Closing & Long-Term Planning (m/w/d)

As Business Controller for IT and R&D, you will take on a key role, acting as the finance and strategic sparring partner to the IT and R&D leadership teams. In this role, you'll go beyond reporting and become a trusted advisor to management, driving performance, enabling strategic decisions, and shaping the future of your area. You will directly report to the Head of Controlling & Risk Management.

Challenges that will make you grow

• Delivering best-in-class business performance management:
  • Own budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning while maintaining a holistic business view and a deep understanding of business needs, trends and KPIs
  • Prepare monthly closing, evaluation of business performance and insightful variance analysis
  • Developing recommendations to optimize business results and supporting the implementation of improvement measures
• Business partnering to support commercial decision-making:
  • Development of Speira's IT and R&D strategy in cooperation with IT and R&D management teams, business units and other relevant functions
  • Proactive role in driving Speira's IT and R&D strategy
  • Assessment of business cases to support growth/efficiency initiatives
• Leading projects and business improvement initiatives:
  • Drive digitalization and efficiency in Finance by developing new controlling-tools and processes, also in cooperation with external consultants
  • Playing a leading role in cross-functional initiatives

Qualifications that will get you ahead

• University degree in business administration, finance/economics or other relevant field, alternatively relevant professional experience
• Preferably 5 years' of proven experience as Business Controller, Financial Manager or similar within a manufacturing environment
• Curiosity and willingness to learn combined with an analytical and commercial mindset
• Proactive approach, with ability to work strategically and implement initiatives and actions
• Project management skills, ability to co-ordinate effectively cross-functional teams
• Team-player with the ability to also work independently and not being afraid to challenge, whilst supporting business
• Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in advanced data analytics and visualization skills are beneficial
• Knowledge of the aluminium industry, especially the rolling or recycling industries, is an advantage
• Fluency in English and German