Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
At the intersection of business steering and business safeguarding, effective financial leadership is created. This is exactly where my focus lies: in Controlling, Performance Management, and Finance Transformation, as well as in Governance, Risk Management, and Internal Controls. For more than 15 years, I have been working in global matrix organizations with a strong focus on developing steering, reporting, and control frameworks. My goal is to enable well-informed decision-making, increase transparency in risk management, and enhance the effectiveness of financial processes. My core areas of expertise include building and leading international teams, implementing global risk and governance frameworks, rolling out finance BI solutions across more than 100 countries, and driving the standardization and digitalization of finance processes. My profile is complemented by in-depth expertise in Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Controls, Controlling, strategic planning, Finance BI, ESG reporting, and international transformation programs. I combine a strategic mindset with strong execution capabilities and a clear focus on transparency, decision quality, and impact. I am particularly interested in leadership roles at the intersection of Controlling / FP&A, Finance Governance, Risk & Controls, and Finance Transformation—especially within international organizations and upper mid-sized companies. International background by working, living and studying in several countries; experience across EMEA, Americas, and APAC. Outside of work, I enjoy running, playing chess, and have a passion for the stock market. My specializations: - Corporate Governance - Enterprise Risk Management (Financial, Operational, IT, Compliance, ESG Risk) - Internal Controls & 3 Lines of Defense Model - Operating Model - Center of Excellence Setup - ESG Reporting & EU Taxonomy Implementation - Finance Transformation & Change Management - FP&A, Forecasting, Budgeting & P&L Management - Process Digitalization - Project Management in Finance (PRINCE2 certified) - Cross-border Matrix Leadership - Business English/ Full Professional Proficiency (C1)
+ Leadership of Global Risk Management & Internal Control Systems + Responsible for 11 FTE's (4 direct reports) in global matrix organisation + Responsibility for independent assurance across governance, risk, and control effectiveness + Strengthened reporting transparency and strategic decision support + Collaborated closely with executive leadership to align governance strategy with organizational objectives + Drove global finance transformation by establishing a centralized Internal Controls CoE + Led ESG reporting & EU Taxonomy compliance, implementing standardized, audit-ready processes and KPIs
+ Built and led enterprise-wide risk reporting & governance across 4 global regions, responsible for 4 FTE's + Delivered decision-ready risk insights to Executive Management, Business Heads, Regulators & Auditors + Implemented a global risk reporting system, replacing manual Excel processes with automated dashboards + Strengthened risk ownership & leadership accountability, transforming risk management into an active steering function + Increased risk awareness and governance maturity through structured training and global forums
+ Led digital innovation initiatives in business intelligence and regulatory reporting + Data-driven decision-making across finance, controlling & accounting + Standardized global closing and reporting processes via Financial Closing Cockpit implementation + Reduced financial cycle times and increased transparency for executive steering + Designed and implemented a global balance sheet by business unit, strengthening strategic steering at business unit level
+ Managed business merger projects with smooth integration and timely execution (PRINCE2-certified project manager).
+ Owned and scaled the global financial forecasting and planning solution for ~170 BI and finance users worldwide, doubling adoption and increasing customer satisfaction within one year through standardized processes and real-time reporting dashboards.
+ Streamlined European budgeting and forecasting, boosting accuracy +20% and cutting planning cycle by 3 days per department through standardized processes and actionable reporting.
+ Consolidated and reviewed forecasts, budgets, and strategic plans, providing senior management with timely reporting, variance insights, and actionable recommendations.