CFO, Growing PE-Backed Software Company, Frankfurt, Germany

REFERENCE:
2555 /17M

Our client is a fast growing PE-backed software company with a leading position in workspace management. Automated, optimized and secure work-based solutions are delivered for client and employee, allowing immediate access to critical information in the office or on the move. High levels of client satisfaction have resulted in very low client turnover. The firm employs approximately 400 people in Germany, with others overseas in locations including Switzerland and France. Agents and partners support the company's distribution capabilities in other countries including Italy, Poland, Ukraine and Belarus. The business is majority-owned by a successful Munich-based private equity firm, which specializes in companies in the DACH region.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Full CFO responsibilities at a time when the company's revenue mix is increasingly tilting towards subscription of software. Able to develop insightful and reliable forecasts
• Manage a team of approximately 25 people, comprising the core finance team, HR team, sales operations and fleet management teams. Leverage resources to drive efficiency and be agile/hands-on where necessary
• Provide high levels of visibility/transparency on the business to the CEO and private equity ownership
• Support continued expansion of the business in Germany and internationally, including through partner relationships and acquisitions
• Reporting financial results (monthly and quarterly) to the board of directors and the shareholder. Effective, concise and imaginative communication style
• Involvement in planning and execution of possible transfer of ownership of the business
• Tax optimization strategies

YOUR PROFILE:

• Successful track record as a CFO or Finance Director in the software sector, ideally within a firm which derives revenues from a subscription model
• Experience of organic and inorganic expansion, working on an M&A process. Understand dynamics/requirements of a PE-backed organization
• Excellent financial and reporting capabilities. Highly KPI driven and able to inspire trust through an ability to interpret numbers, and bringing results to life with a commercial perspective
• Experienced in structuring and implementing MIS and controlling instruments, highly working capital driven
• Able to operate with agility and to take on responsibilities outside of expected norms on an ad-hoc basis. Entrepreneurial and proactive thinking. Acts as a clear Business Partner to the CEO and the investor
• Affinity with Mittelstand organizations
• A natural leader with a lead-by-example style, highly self-motivated, proactive and team-oriented motivator
• International mindset, flexibility in operating across borders
• Future-focused, willing to innovate and implement change
• Fluency in German and English is essential. English should be at a level where you are confident to present relevant information to potential investors and other senior stakeholders
• Strong academic record, possibly with a focus on finance, accounting and / or controlling