Rüdiger Tiedemann - Interim CFO

Q: Where is Rüdiger based?

Rüdiger is based in Cologne, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Rüdiger speak?

Rüdiger speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate) .

Q: How many years of experience does Rüdiger have?

Rüdiger has at least 29 years of experience. During this time, Rüdiger has worked in at least 20 different roles and for 27 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month . Note that Rüdiger may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Rüdiger's latest experience?

Rüdiger's most recent position is Interim CFO at Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH .

Q: What companies has Rüdiger worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Rüdiger has worked for Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH , Alpha Trains Europa GmbH , CMR CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH , Macaw netzkern GmbH , and Egon Zehnder AG .

Q: Which industries is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in industries like Media and Entertainment , Retail , and Manufacturing . Rüdiger also has some experience in Biotechnology , Pharmaceutical , and Professional Services .

Q: Which business areas is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in business areas like Finance , Accounting , and Human Resources . Rüdiger also has some experience in Audit , Strategy , and Business Intelligence .

Q: Which industries has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in industries like Biotechnology , Pharmaceutical , and Tourism .

Q: Which business areas has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in business areas like Finance , Accounting , and Strategy .

Recommended expert

Cologne, Germany

Experience

Apr 2025 - Present

1 year

Interim CFO

Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH

Managed finance & HR for 120 employees and 4 direct reports
ERP: DATEV
Optimized accounting, cash and payment processes
Implemented modern HR software including AI features
Restructured internal reporting, including cost centers
Increased automation in HR and finance
Improved data quality and management decision-making

Nov 2024 - Feb 2025

4 months

Senior Accounting Specialist

Alpha Trains Europa GmbH

Leasing of rail vehicles, ERP: MS Dynamics 365
Accounting for complex syndicated loans under IFRS 9
Operational accounting for two subsidiaries in Italy and the UK
Operational support for the CFO

Oct 2024 - Present

1 year 6 months

CFO (part-time)

CMR CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH

Biotech/pharma startup with 4 employees, ERP: DATEV
Established financial processes with external accounting
Created the business plan and seed pitch deck
Aligned finances with medical management
Set up investor-ready reporting and financial planning
Implemented an efficient early-stage financing structure

Nov 2023 - Sep 2024

11 months

Finance Manager / Senior Expert

Macaw netzkern GmbH

Digital agency / internet marketing, ERP: Unit4 and MS Dynamics NAV
Project lead for finance in Germany with 6 employees
Prepared multi-year financial statements for three companies
Built monthly reports in LucaNet and Power BI
Cleaned up balance sheets including provisions and intercompany
Restored closing capabilities and delivered audited financials
Established standardized group-level reporting

Feb 2023 - Jun 2023

5 months

Finance Consultant

Egon Zehnder AG

Human resources services – executive search, leadership advisory, ERP: Oracle NetSuite
Optimized finance processes across multiple offices
Introduced purchase orders
Implemented optimized processes

Apr 2022 - Jan 2023

10 months

CFO

Safran Data Systems GmbH

Aerospace, part of the French Safran group, 75 employees, ERP: Infor M3
Responsible for fast close & reporting locally and internationally
Optimization of internal control systems (ICS)
Switched reporting tools from Hyperion to SQL
Shortened closing cycles and improved group communication
Strengthened internal control mechanisms

Aug 2021 - Mar 2022

8 months

Head of Accounting

next e.GO Mobile SE

Automotive start-up, approx. 300 employees, ERP: eGecko / Penta
Set up group accounting for IPO preparation
IFRS conversion including IFRS 15/16
Digitalization of the purchase-to-pay process
IFRS-compliant close within four months
Achieved audit readiness for IPO preparation

Mar 2021 - Feb 2022

1 year

Head of Finance / CFO

T-Balance Therapeutics GmbH

Biotechnology start-up, ERP: DATEV Unternehmen Online
Established budget and cash management
Developed pitch materials and investor reports
Successfully prepared and supported the seed round
Created financial transparency for investors

Oct 2020 - Jul 2021

10 months

Head of Accounting / LCA

KVP Pharma + Veterinär GmbH

Animal pharmaceuticals, carve-out from Bayer/Elanco, ERP: SAP R/3
Took over accounting, treasury, and reporting in the carve-out
Introduced SOX test plans
Optimized P2P/O2C/R2R processes
Served as interface between Bayer and Elanco during the exit
Achieved successful SAP migration and international SOX audit readiness

Oct 2019 - Sep 2020

1 year

Senior Expert Finance

Interxion GmbH

Data centers / IT infrastructure, ERP: SAGE, reporting: HFM
Handled fixed asset accounting, CAPEX, and IFRS 16
Reporting and SOX documentation for Digital Realty
Supported US reporting and closing processes
Implemented and automated standardized reporting structures
Successful IFRS-compliant accounting

Aug 2019 - Sep 2019

2 months

Senior Controlling Expert

Groupe SEB

Home appliances / consumer goods, ERP: SAP R/3
Short-term project in commercial controlling
Analysis of invoice terms (approx. 15,000 line items)
Reconciling transactions, contracts and Excel reports
Resolving complex legacy items
Improved transparency of provisions

Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

7 months

Senior Finance & Controlling Expert

Jack Wolfskin

Outdoor clothing and equipment, group revenue €350M, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV, SAP, AX
Controlling of equity stakes, OPEX, CAPEX, and 1–3 year forecasts and budgets
Operational reports for owners and management
Assisted with group consolidation (13 entities), IFRS 15/16, and introduced fast close
Implemented BI systems for sales controlling and ERP preparation
Restructurings after acquisition by Callaway Golf with US GAAP/IFRS reconciliations
Improved reporting quality and speed
Successfully transitioned to new P&L/balance sheet structure and chart of accounts

Jun 2018 - Sep 2018

4 months

Co-CFO / Senior Finance Expert

New Flag GmbH

FMCG / personal care, revenue €50M, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
Finance & controlling projects including BI systems and group consolidation (7 companies)
Developed P&L by product, key accounts, and sales channels
Analyzed tax filings vs. payments, account reclassifications, and pricing
Introduced reliable structures for reporting and control metrics
Significantly increased transparency in product and customer profitability

Aug 2016 - Jul 2018

2 years

Mulhouse, France

Finance Manager

Crane XOMOX

Mechanical engineering (industrial valves), group revenue €3B, ERP: QAD, HFM
Led finance/controlling in Mulhouse including HR, payments, and accounting
US reporting, budget/forecast, letters of credit and credit assessment
Established a shared service center in Lindau and outsourced payroll in France
SOX compliance and internal audits
Stabilized and integrated the finance function after site migration
Significant improvement in compliance and process quality

Apr 2016 - Jul 2016

4 months

Finance Manager

Harman Connected Services GmbH

Automotive software (connected car), entity revenue €10M, ERP: MS Dynamics AX
Annual financial statements 2014/2015 and audit of HR/payroll
Managed expatriates and developed tax optimization strategies
Ensured audit compliance of financial statements despite on-site gaps
Stabilized HR and tax processes on an interim basis

Feb 2016 - Feb 2016

1 month

Finance Consultant

Erasco/Continental Foods GmbH

Food / FMCG, PE (CVC), entity revenue EUR 120 million, ERP: SAP R/3
Analysis of sales processes, key account controlling and campaign tracking
Improvement of sales controlling structure

Jun 2015 - Nov 2015

6 months

Münster, Germany

Interim Treasury Manager

COMPO Expert GmbH

Chemicals / premium fertilizers, ERP: SAP R/3
Set up the treasury function after a carve-out by PE Triton
Implementation of factoring within four weeks
Development of liquidity planning and cash pooling
Negotiation of credit insurance and payment processes
Rapid liquidity support and structured treasury processes across 20 entities

Mar 2015 - Apr 2015

2 months

Hartha, Germany

Financial Controller

Trimas Germany GmbH

Automotive supplier, group revenue approx. EUR 1 billion, entity revenue EUR 15 million, ERP: Infor Syteline
Operational finance management and controlling
Monthly reporting to HQ including variance analyses
Securing the handover of duties after the sudden departure of the finance director

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016

2 years

Cologne, Germany

Finance/Controlling Lecturer

Fresenius / ISM

Teaching IFRS, group accounting and international controlling (DE/EN)
Development of practical course modules for students of international partner universities

Apr 2014 - Sep 2014

6 months

Vienna, Austria

Finance Manager

DIC Europe GmbH

Specialty chemicals, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV and Magnitude
Production controlling at the new Vienna plant
Reporting to a US group using Magnitude
Optimization of finance and administration processes
Establishment of international reporting structures and fast close

Feb 2013 - Dec 2013

11 months

Braunschweig, Germany

Head of Controlling

Essilor GmbH

Medical technology / eyeglass lenses, ERP: Oracle and NAV
Developed a Cubeware BI system for sales and gross profit
Introduced QlikView sales reporting
Business partnering with sales, HR and SCM
Integrated and automated planning and reporting
Increased transparency on customer and product margins

Jan 2011 - Nov 2012

1 year 11 months

Mettmann, Germany

CFO

TechnikService24 GmbH

After-sales service for household appliances, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
Financial leadership after post-carve-out by private equity investor ELBE
ERP implementation and consolidation for investor reporting
Negotiations with key accounts and social plans during closures
Supported insolvency process and successful sale
Built a central IT/finance platform

Feb 2010 - Jan 2011

1 year

Berlin, Germany

Interim CFO

Medici Arts b.v.

Classical film production & distribution, media group USA
Restructuring and cash flow management
Daily liquidity planning and creditor negotiations
Restructuring and transfer of rights
Due diligence and sale preparation of several units
Continued operations and successful sale preparation

Oct 2009 - Jan 2010

4 months

Ludwigshafen, Germany

Consultant

Pfalzwerke AG

Energy supplier, ERP: SAP R/3
Cost optimization in purchasing and fleet management
Analysis and identification of cost-saving potential in operating expenses
Presentation of results to management
Uncovered significant optimization opportunities

Oct 1996 - Mar 2009

12 years 6 months

Cologne, Germany

Finance Director

TASCHEN GmbH

Publishing / media / retail, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
Group-wide finance leadership with 150 staff across 9 companies
Rolled out NAV ERP system in seven countries
Established group consolidation and MIS
Responsible for treasury, controlling, HR and M&A
Shortened the closing cycle from D7 to D3
Set up global financial integration and reporting

Sep 1995 - Jul 1996

11 months

Berlin, Germany

Consultant

GrundyUfa TV Produktions GmbH

TV production / media
Commercial management on a project basis
Setting up a contract database and budget planning
Optimizing marketing, merchandising and music production
Increasing contract transparency and improving budget control

Mar 1994 - Mar 1995

1 year 1 month

Düsseldorf, Germany

Consultant

Droege & Comp.

Management consulting
Process optimization in retail, manufacturing and banking
Projects for cost reduction and efficiency improvements
Achieving measurable cost reductions across multiple assignments

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Retail, Media and Entertainment, Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, and Professional Services.

Retail

Media and Entertainment

Manufacturing

Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical

Professional Services

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Audit, Strategy, and Business Intelligence.

Finance

Accounting

Human Resources

Audit

Strategy

Business Intelligence

Summary

Experienced CFO and interim finance executive with over 30 years of responsibility in mid-sized and international corporate structures. Specialized in restructuring, carve-outs, post-merger integration, IFRS/US GAAP, treasury and ERP rollouts. Supports owners, investors and founders with setup, transformations, exit preparation and digitalization - in companies with revenues from €0 to €25 billion. 2 years in business consulting and projects, 13 years as CFO etc. in owner-managed mid-sized companies/hidden champions, 16 years as interim.

Skills

Core Competencies

Fp&a, Cash Flow Management, Treasury, Audit, Consolidation
M&a, Carve-outs, Pmi, Ipo Readiness, Pe Reporting
Restructuring, Transformation, Shared Services

Accounting Standards

Hgb, Ifrs, Us Gaap, Local Gaaps (De/uk/fr/es/jp/cn)

Systems And Tools

Erp: Sap R/3, Microsoft, Datev, Oracle, Sage, Infor, Qad, Egecko
Bi: Lucanet, Power Bi, Hfm, Cubeware, Qlikview, Professional Planner
Hr/payroll: Personio, Datev Payroll
Office: Ms Office Suite Incl. Excel (Pivot, Powerquery), Powerpoint, Word, Outlook

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Advanced

Spanish

Intermediate

Education

Oct 1990 - Jun 1993

University of Cologne

PhD · Economics · Cologne, Germany

Oct 1984 - Jun 1990

Universities of Münster & Cologne

Diploma in Business Administration · Business Administration · Cologne, Germany

Certifications & licenses

CINA IFRS Certificate

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 27

Experience in Retail 14 y

Avg length 1 y 2 m

Longest experience 12 y 5 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 3 (Germany, France, Austria)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Interim CFO, Senior Accounting Specialist, CFO (part-time)

Main industries Retail, Media and Entertainment, Manufacturing

Main business areas Finance, Accounting, Human Resources

Qualifications

Highest degree Doctorate

Certifications earned 1

Profile

Created

May 2025

Last Update

March 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Rüdiger based?

Rüdiger is based in Cologne, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Rüdiger speak?

Rüdiger speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate).

How many years of experience does Rüdiger have?

Rüdiger has at least 29 years of experience. During this time, Rüdiger has worked in at least 20 different roles and for 27 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month. Note that Rüdiger may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Rüdiger be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Rüdiger would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim CFO, Senior Accounting Specialist, CFO (part-time).

What is Rüdiger's latest experience?

Rüdiger's most recent position is Interim CFO at Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH.

What companies has Rüdiger worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Rüdiger has worked for Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH, Alpha Trains Europa GmbH, CMR CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH, Macaw netzkern GmbH, and Egon Zehnder AG.

Which industries is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in industries like Media and Entertainment, Retail, and Manufacturing. Rüdiger also has some experience in Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, and Professional Services.

Which business areas is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in business areas like Finance, Accounting, and Human Resources. Rüdiger also has some experience in Audit, Strategy, and Business Intelligence.

Which industries has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in industries like Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, and Tourism.

Which business areas has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in business areas like Finance, Accounting, and Strategy.

What is Rüdiger's education?

Rüdiger holds a Doctorate in Economics from University of Cologne and a Master in Business Administration from Universities of Münster & Cologne.

Does Rüdiger have any certificates?

Rüdiger has 1 certificate: CINA IFRS Certificate.

What is the availability of Rüdiger?

Rüdiger is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Rüdiger?

Rüdiger's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.