Stefan Rübener - Corporate Controller / Private Equity Controller (PE) interim
Experience
Corporate Controller / Private Equity Controller (PE) interim
Amedes Medical Services GmbH
- Responsibility for group-wide financial management with a focus on management, PE, and lender reporting.
- Focus on an integrated financial model (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow), robust liquidity and covenant management, and preparation of decision-ready materials for financiers, auditors, and rating stakeholders.
- Establishment of reporting standards, data logic, and closing routines for high-frequency scalability.
- Further development of an integrated financial model (P&L/BS/CF), including scenario capabilities, sensitivities, and driver-based forecasting logic.
- Design and management of a rolling liquidity plan (short-/mid-term), including working capital mechanisms and financing instruments.
- Preparation and quality assurance of lender reporting, including covenant calculations, bridge analyses, and variance explanations.
- Support for the CFO agenda in financier and stakeholder communication (Q&A, documentation logic, key messages, data consistency).
- Coordination and content input for rating- and financing-related deliverables (e.g., presentations, data rooms, management commentary).
- Management of IFRS/accounting topics (e.g., IFRS 16 lease logic, accrual and reconciliation concepts) to ensure reporting and audit readiness.
- Standardization of reporting structures, templates, and KPI definitions across entities to increase transparency, comparability, and speed.
Finance Controller – Group (Post-Realignment / Reporting & ERP Processes) interim
Athera Management Consulting GmbH & Co. KG
- Supported the CFO organization in stabilizing and professionalizing control and reporting processes as part of a finance and controlling advisory mandate.
- Focused on operational "run-the-business" capabilities (fast close, KPI governance, planning and forecasting logic) and the sustainable integration of ERP/prerequisite systems with management and stakeholder reporting.
- Developed a standardized management reporting pack, including a KPI catalog, definitions, responsibilities, and consistent data logic.
- Harmonized month-end closing and reconciliation processes (P&L/BS/CF), including clear interfaces between accounting, controlling, and treasury.
- Designed an integrated planning and forecasting approach (driver logic, scenarios, variance analysis) to improve forecast accuracy.
- Optimized ERP/tool-supported reporting processes (e.g., data provisioning, plausibility checks, template standardization) to reduce manual effort.
- Prepared reliable decision documents for executive management, advisory board, and financing partners (KPI bridges, action tracking, risk/opportunity logic).
- Created documentation, training materials, and handover setups to sustainably embed the new standards in the organization.
Commercial Consultant – SAP Business ByDesign interim
Sarpi Germany GmbH
- Responsible for building and configuring project management in SAP Business ByDesign as part of a company-wide CAPEX control implementation.
- Full mapping of investment projects from budgeting to capitalization in fixed assets accounting.
- Implemented integrated reporting for project control.
- Designed and launched the "Project Management" work center to manage CAPEX projects.
- Mapped a multi-level approval and budgeting process, including procurement integration.
- Integrated project costs into fixed assets accounting ("assets under construction") with capitalization logic.
- Developed project-related reporting, including EUR-aggregate metrics and maturity structures.
- Defined role-based views and filters for project management, procurement, and controlling.
Reporting Excellence Manager interim
VDM Metals Holding GmbH
- Responsible for building a modern reporting environment based on SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) and conceptually preparing the migration to SAP S/4HANA.
- Realigned controlling from a segment focus to product-line cost controlling for greater transparency over value creation and profitability.
- Strategically designed and implemented a company-wide reporting framework in SAP Analytics Cloud for all relevant controlling areas (cost center, profit center, and allocation environments).
- Shifted reporting focus from sales controlling to product-line cost controlling for targeted operational management.
- Standardized and harmonized reporting across multiple sites and entities, focusing on self-service capabilities and data governance.
- Modeled data connections from SAP R/3 and external sources to ensure consistent KPI definitions and high-performance dashboards in SAC.
- Introduced standard reports for monthly management reporting as well as ad-hoc analyses for decision support.
- Established a knowledge management system with documentation, training materials, and support structures.
- Provided ongoing advice to controllers and executives to optimize data-driven decision-making processes.
Factory Controller – Restructuring interim
Kabel Premium Pulp & Paper GmbH
- Revised cost of goods manufactured calculation and introduced new management reporting during a production process restructuring.
- Developed a standardized costing scheme for around 200 items, considering recipe-based processes in the process industry.
- Designed and implemented new management reporting for transparent financial performance (production costs and variances).
- Redesigned processes for posting consumption and billing consignment stocks.
- Analyzed existing costing and posting processes to eliminate process inefficiencies.
- Optimized interfaces and integrated data sources between SAP R/3, OptiVision (Honeywell), and Excel.
- Designed and tailored a costing tool for specific recipe-based requirements, including a pilot phase.
- Created comprehensive documentation and conducted staff training.
- Supported and mentored the new permanent factory controller to ensure a seamless handover.
SAP Business ByDesign Migration Specialist (Interim)
Onyx Power GmbH
- Design and implementation of SAP Business ByDesign in 16 subsidiaries including data migration from SAP ECC.
- Strategic planning and execution of the transfer of financial and controlling data to ensure continuity.
- Development and optimization of business processes for P2P, O2C, R2R using SAP Signavio (BPMN).
- Preparation of technical concepts for data migration and system migration in P2P, O2C and finance.
- Pre-validation of data to be migrated and creation of migration templates.
- Central point of contact for PwC to coordinate and approve migration processes.
- Management of post-migration hypercare support for rapid issue resolution.
- Design and management of post-migration processes for year-end closing.
- Selection of providers for central finance tools (consolidation, BI, treasury management system).
SAP CO/PS/SD Customizing Specialist (Interim)
Akkodis Technologies GmbH
- Strategic pre-integration of AKKA Technologies and Modis ahead of the formation of Akkodis.
- Comprehensive consulting and customization in the SAP CO, PS, and SD modules including development of custom solutions.
- Restructuring of WBS elements in a matrix-oriented business unit using LSMW and Excel Power Query.
- Consulting services in process optimization and integration.
- Support for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings under HGB and IFRS, ensuring compliance requirements.
SAP FI/CO S/4HANA Migration Specialist (Interim)
Berner Group SE
- Led the design and implementation of a management reporting structure and migration from SAP R/3 to SAP S/4HANA.
- Designed a detailed cost center and profit center nomenclature for improved reporting and cycle analysis.
- Created a new profit center architecture to streamline value flow analysis.
- Introduced functional areas and groups based on the total cost method, with flexibility for the cost of sales method.
- Configured allocation cycles (profit distributions, direct allocations, top-down distribution) to refine internal cost processes.
- Introduced COMA (controlling profit and loss statement) by developing a profitability and contribution margin analysis model at the customer and product levels.
- Implemented the extension ledger to include statistical postings and predictive accounting.
- Oversaw the CO data migration from ECC to S/4HANA to ensure data integrity.
Group Controller (Interim)
Erich Jaeger GmbH & Co.KG
- Group Controller for the corporate headquarters (Germany), production sites (Mexico, Czech Republic, China) and sales offices (USA, France, Poland, Italy).
- Generated large volumes of operational data from sales, logistics, purchasing, and production using SAP Query, including analysis of key decision criteria.
- Analyzed overhead costs and identified cost drivers.
- Reviewed sales and production planning as well as inventory coverage levels.
- Prepared income and working capital statements for the group and determined capital needs.
- Established procurement controlling using key metrics.
- Assisted in monthly closings.
- Coordinated budget planning and quarterly forecasts in alignment with the plants.
Senior Controller (Interim)
PharmaZell GmbH
- Consolidated long-range and short-range planning as part of the private equity exit using SAP BPC.
- Calculated deferred taxes and supported investor reporting.
- Reorganized warehouse management for the Raubling plant from SAP WM to EWM, optimizing storage structure, inventory management, and physical inventory process.
- Reorganized kitting processes within PharmaZell Group (India, Switzerland, Italy, Germany) and at external suppliers.
- Introduced and trained employees in controlling for product cost calculation, including SAP customizing (plan/actual).
- Realigned quantity structures and executed calculation runs for individual materials and overall costing.
- Prepared variance analysis for inputs and outputs.
- Prepared cost center reports within SAP and externally in Excel.
- Key user and point of contact for controlling in SAP S/4HANA.
Site Controller a.i.
Akzo Nobel Hilden GmbH
- Responsible for monthly reporting for the Hilden, Münster and Oldenburg sites.
- Preparing the quarterly forecast.
- Analyzing SLOB (Slow Movers Obsolete) provisions in coordination with the supply chain.
- Coordinating the IFRS annual financial statements with audit by PwC.
- Financial partner for the works council in the economic committee and management meetings.
- Preparing the monthly site management reporting.
- Calculating monthly savings from insourcing BASF trading goods.
Consultant Global Quality / Supply Chain / Production Controlling a.i.
SIG Combibloc GmbH
- Defined "Cost of Poor Quality" by creating a white paper.
- Prepared reporting from a quality management cost perspective.
- Realigned quality controlling (proactive vs reactive quality costs) and set up a KPI system with QlikView.
- Rolled out the new definition worldwide to production sites.
- Calculated and evaluated CAPEX requests and performed project cost post-calculations.
- Conducted aging analysis for production sites in Thailand and China.
- Authored a white paper on manufacturing costs for polyethylene coating.
- Acted as representative for consolidating SIS variances.
Manager Cost Accounting EMEAI a.i.
Olin Blue Cube Productions GmbH & Co. KG
- Cost Accounting Manager for the sites in Stade, Rheinmünster, Baltringen (Germany), Terneuzen (Netherlands) and Pisticci (Italy).
- Provided functional leadership to 4 employees.
- Led the monthly US GAAP closings for European plants and reported to headquarters.
- Coordinated quarterly product costing.
- Ensured SOX compliance and supported internal control processes.
- Oversaw inventory valuations (FIFO, MRO transactions etc.).
- Reviewed plant cost performance in collaboration with finance and production management.
- Acted as liaison to production management for operating costs and variance analyses.
- Developed the bottom-up budget for 2018.
- Implemented Global Business Intelligence for Blue Cube Olin.
- Reorganized the cost center structure and realigned reporting (controllable vs non-controllable costs).
Site Controller a.i.
Akzo Nobel Hilden GmbH
- Provided functional leadership to 7 employees and 2 consultants.
- Managed reporting for the Strategic Management Units: Metal Coatings, Wood Coatings and NEO Germany to the Amsterdam headquarters.
- Prepared the monthly forecast and analyzed SLOB provisions.
- Introduced monthly cost center reports and identified Six Sigma savings.
- Coordinated with PwC (hard close/IFRS), internal control (audit) and tax auditors.
- Approved CAPEX requests, SAP-SRM purchase orders and credit limits.
- Set up reporting in HFM for the NEO project (acquisition of BASF Industrial Coatings).
- Integrated and trained the controlling team from Münster and Oldenburg.
- Managed outsourcing (P2P, R2R, O2C) with Infosys Technologies, including goods receipt/invoice receipt account analysis and SOP creation.
Financial / Plant Controller a.i.
KLK Oleo Emmerich GmbH
- Allocated purchase price at IFRS fair value and handled investor and bank communication during post-merger integration.
- Conducted impairment tests and revalued provisions (pensions, anniversaries, personnel liabilities).
- Led the physical inventory count for bulk goods, finished products, work in progress and fixed assets.
- Determined the opening balance sheet after revaluation of the purchase price.
- Implemented SAP ERP 6.0 (key user FI, CO, MM) and harmonized reporting according to KLK Oleo standards.
- Managed legally required reporting systems (VAT returns, Intrastat, Z4, IDEV).
- Established monthly and quarterly reporting to Malaysia, including KPI development.
- Renegotiated lease agreements with BASF and Henkel.
- Implemented SAP closing for the Düsseldorf plant.
- Modeled preferential calculation for export goods for customs.
- Prepared energy reports and energy balances.
BU – Controller a.i.
Vion Food Group N.V.
- Business Unit Controller for the Pork cluster (7 sites in Bavaria).
- Developed management reporting for the cluster based on Smart View (HFM).
- Reported to local management and the group, including analysis and commentary on actual figures.
- Prepared business cases for site expansions.
- Created cost center and contribution margin calculations.
- Adjusted SAP postings for timing, cost types, and cost centers.
- Determined process costs and performed benchmarking between sites.
- Monitored CAPEX planning and coordinated the rolling forecast.
Real Estate Controller a.i.
Signa Core Holding GmbH
- Real estate controller for the KaDeWe and Karstadt portfolio (20 entities).
- Reporting for the executive board, supervisory board, and investors.
- Cash flow planning, 10-year projections, and monitoring financial metrics and covenants.
- Set up reporting tool including automatic transfer of DATEV data.
- Supported the implementation of the group reporting tool Tagetik.
- Prepared complex calculations for bank financing, joint ventures, and Prime Holding.
- Automated liquidity forecast for the entire portfolio.
- Developed total investment cost model to determine payment status and future cash flows.
- Integrated accounts of the Luxembourg S.à r.l. entity.
Financial Controller a.i.
Delphi Connection Systems
- Prepared the 5-year business plan and segmented product lines.
- Identified personnel cost synergies and prepared documents for the works council and IG Metall.
- Ensured accounting according to U.S. GAAP and mapped the ERP chart of accounts (QAD MFG/PRO) to Hyperion HFM.
- Developed a new forecasting system in Excel with a direct ERP interface.
- Supported the implementation of SOX and segregation of duties (SOD).
- Prepared the detailed 2014 budget (revenue, cost centers, personnel, CAPEX depreciation).
- Performed actual-to-plan variance analysis on multiple levels (personnel costs, production costs).
- Conducted revenue bridge analysis (volume, price, and currency effects) and standard margin analysis.
- Delivered employee trainings on U.S. GAAP and Excel.
Plant Controller a.i.
Gigaset Communications AG
- Worked in the restructuring transition team.
- Performed investment planning and variance analysis for PP.
- Controlled costs of semi-finished products and determined standard production costs.
- Executed the CO closing (prototype construction, provisions, primary cost planning).
- Settled maintenance orders (PM) and the PS main run.
- Updated plant results and determined the monthly plant forecast.
- Documented plant controlling activities and handed them over to the permanent controller.
BU-Controller – IT Services a.i.
InfraServ Gendorf GmbH & Co. KG
- Prepared the 2013 budget for the IT services and engineering division.
- Integrated planning into SAP R3 (investments, revenue, resources, personnel, primary and secondary costs).
- Planned credit notes for services.
- Presented the plan to financial investors (Clariant AG).
Performance Analyst a.i.
BP Europa SE
- Controlling supply chain and logistics.
- Development of a benchmark system to measure the success of forward trades.
- Automation of the monitoring system for marketing and supply using Business Objects.
- Development of an inventory monitoring tool for European refineries in Excel with integration to Business Objects.
- Analysis of outstanding warehouse invoices and calculation of DSO, DPO, and prepayments.
- Creation of a KPI system for volume analysis (volume and price effects) broken down by product groups.
Production Controller a.i.
NKT Cables GmbH
- Analysis and implementation of measures to increase efficiency.
- Identification of improvement potential in production planning.
- Optimization of the external PP system for data quality in SAP CO billing.
- Management of WIP analysis and execution of IFRS-based adjustments.
- Documentation of processes for an optimal order-driven production workflow.
Plant Controller a.i.
ISE Automotive GmbH
- Monthly financial reporting for the Witten and Duisburg sites.
- Adjusting entries and invoicing in the PM, PP, PS, QM, and SD (COPA) modules.
- Profitability analysis of production orders and products (PoC - IAS 11).
- Inventory analysis and assessment of the structure of technical results.
- Budget creation and variance analysis for orders and cost centers.
- Determination of machine rates and internal transfer prices.
- Process optimization in SAP and preparation of profitability calculations for investments.
Operations Controller a.i.
DSM Kunstharze GmbH
- Periodic year-end closing and reconciliation between SAP modules.
- Preparation of forecasts, budgets, and management reports.
- Product costing and inventory monitoring according to IFRS/DSM guidelines.
- Calculation of fixed cost transfer prices and product margin analyses via SAP COPA.
- Performing the monthly update of product costing.
- Preparation of the 2009/2010 year-end closing under IFRS and HGB.
- Collaboration on the transition to a production cost-based P&V income statement.
- Revision of the interface from SAP R/3 to SAP BW.
Senior Consultant a.i.
BTC Specialty Chemical Distribution GmbH
- Management and further development of the ERP system MBS-Navision 3.07B.
- Implementation of pallet control and tunnel codes for hazardous goods.
- Integration of transport service providers via Citrix servers.
- Development of a commission billing matrix and a customer overview screen.
- Semi-automatic booking of supplier invoices via an interface between SAP (BASF) and Navision.
- Module for foreign trade tax (triangular transactions, reverse charge).
- Automation of offer creation, sample tracking, and risk management.
- Kernel release update and development of a valuation program for foreign currency hedges.
Head of Finance
Axelius Automation GmbH
- Monthly reporting, analysis and follow-up actions on variances.
- Ensuring all business transactions are recorded according to GoB.
- Preparing monthly and annual financial statements in compliance with commercial and tax law.
- Preparing short-, medium- and long-term planning, including actuals tracking.
- Responsible for IT, data processing and personnel management.
Finance Analyst Systems
General Electrics - Capital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG
- Ensuring accounting is in line with US GAAP and HGB for equipment leasing.
- Covering financial products such as operating leases, factoring, sale-lease-back and finance loans.
- Project management for the system migration of two portfolios (approx. 160,000 contracts).
- Leading the software selection for a new contract and leasing system for the DACH region, France and Benelux.
Freelancer
Steuerberatung – Manfred Kröger
- Developing compensation systems for management.
- Organizational consulting, accounting and administration.
- Support during tax audits.
Senior Manager Group Finance Applications
Bombardier Transportation GmbH
- Responsible for the group finance applications team (4 employees).
- Project management for developing a global consolidation system under Canada GAAP for 60 sites worldwide.
- Supporting and managing the consolidation system (Enterprise Reporting, Microsoft Great Plains - MS-SQL).
- Managing corporate finance application architecture, including interface definitions.
- Evaluating and implementing new finance technologies to optimize processes.
- Training the team on finance software and international accounting standards.
European Finance Systems Manager
A.T. Kearney GmbH
- Responsible for the European finance systems team (3 employees).
- Providing user support for all finance applications and coordinating application development for Europe.
- Planning and implementing complex projects like the Euro rollout and MIS development.
- Developing and documenting best practices.
- Project management for selecting and implementing an electronic time tracking and expense reporting system.
Senior International Financial Analyst
A.T. Kearney GmbH
- Coordination and consolidation of the reporting system for the Emerging Markets profit center (12 locations).
- Accounting for international subsidiaries according to US GAAP.
- Forecasting, planning, budgeting and management reporting.
- Independently developed database-oriented software (forecast models, top-level planning in Excel, performance evaluation in Access).
- Developed and implemented the global HR information system based on an Access-Oracle client-server architecture.
- Converted the finance IT system from IAS to US GAAP.
Assistant Controller / Financial Systems Administrator
The Boston Consulting Group GmbH
- US GAAP reporting to the parent company in Boston.
- Liquidity planning including investments and preparing management reports.
- Prepared the annual budget and monthly variance analyses.
- Assisted with German annual financial statements.
- Managed the DEC Microvax system and administered the CODA accounting software.
- Expanded electronic processes (timesheets, travel expense reports, applicant expense reimbursements).
- Created a new chart of accounts and programmed a workbook for financial reporting.
Project Manager
Röver Industrie Dienste GmbH – WISAG
- Responsible for the entire IT environment including support for IBM AS-400 automation in accounting.
- Automated dunning and delivery note processes electronically.
- Developed a billing system in dBase.
- Restructured the product pricing structure.
Industry Experience
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Experienced in Professional Services, Manufacturing, Automotive, Chemical, Construction, and Energy.
Business Area Experience
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Experienced in Finance, Accounting, Business Intelligence, Information Technology, Project Management, and Audit.
Summary
I have built extensive expertise in financial controlling, reporting, and process optimization, with a solid track record in designing integrated financial models and streamlining reporting frameworks. My work has involved managing liquidity, standardizing KPIs, and enhancing ERP systems, ensuring decision-relevant financial analysis and smooth data migration.
I bring hands-on experience in SAP and other financial systems, along with deep knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP, enabling me to deliver consistent, transparent financial data. My background spans multiple industries, where I have continually improved financial processes and reporting efficiency.
Skills
- Experienced Financial Controller With Extensive Expertise In Finance, Operations, And Production Areas.
- Experience Working With Private Equity Investors, Banks, And Financial Institutions (Investor Reporting, Covenants, Compliance Certificates, Debt Financing Structures Such As Draw Downs And Selection Notices). Preparation Of Presentations For Banks, Investors, And Rating-related Committees.
- Skilled In Designing And Implementing Sap S/4hana In The Financial Accounting And Controlling Modules (Fi/co).
- Proficient In Executing Complex Financial Migrations, Especially In Sap S/4hana And Sap Business Bydesign.
- Excellent Skills In Developing And Documenting End-to-end Business Processes Using Business Process Model And Notation (Bpmn) For Maximum Clarity And Accuracy.
- Agile In Integrating And Preparing Data From Various Core Enterprise Systems, Including Interface Design, Project Planning, And Etl Programming.
- Specialized In The Architectural Design And Development Of Relational Database Solutions.
- Proven Success In Building Complex Reporting Systems In Compliance With Hgb, Us Gaap, And Ifrs.
- Innovator In Developing High-performance Budgeting And Forecasting Systems.
- Experienced In Modeling And Implementing Comprehensive Key Performance Indicator (Kpi) Systems.
- Competent In Providing Erp Training, Second-level Support, And Change Management In Complex Erp Environments.
- Excellent It Skills: Deep Expertise In Ms Office (Especially Excel/vba, Think-cell). Comprehensive Knowledge Of Erp Systems Like Sap S/4hana, Erp 6.0, R/3 (Including Fi, Co, Copa, Coma, Mm, Wm-pm, Bi/bw/ao, Bps), Dynamics Nav (Navision), Cognos, Power Bi, Qlikview, Oracle, Hyperion (Hfm, Smart View, Merlin), Qad Mfg/pro, Mis/olap, Eai.
- Solid Knowledge And Experience In Hgb, Ifrs, And Us Gaap, Underpinned By Practical Application In Various Financial Projects.
- Strong Initiative And Creativity, Combined With Outstanding Analytical Abilities And High Resilience. My Working Style Is Characterized By Team Spirit, Innovation, And Reliability.
- Healthcare Services
- Energy Utilities
- Metal And Electrical Industry
- Manufacturing Industry
- Pulp And Paper Industry
- Chemical Industry
- It Services And It Consulting
- Service Sector
- Multi-level Marketing / Network Marketing
- Mechanical And Plant Engineering
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Automotive Supplier Industry
- Packaging Industry
- Chemical Trade
- Food Industry
- Mobile Leasing
- Real Estate
- Rail Vehicle Manufacturing
- Telecommunications Sector
- Management Consulting
- Chemical Infrastructure Services
Languages
Education
Rotterdam International School of Management – Erasmus University
Master of Business Administration · Business Administration · Rotterdam, Netherlands
Boston College
Bachelor of Science · Economics, International Finance · Boston, United States
Boston University
Political Science · Washington, United States
Statistics
Experience
Global Experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
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