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Hire the best Heads of Controlling in Germany matched in minutes from over 15,000 CVs with the power of AI.

Secure experienced interim finance leaders specializing in restructuring, SAP S/4HANA migrations, and strategic corporate planning. Get precisely matched with vetted, available freelance professionals ready to steer your financial operations in Germany.

About the role

Steering Financial Success in German Companies

Interim finance leaders ensure stability and growth in a highly structured market. In Germany, managing corporate finances requires a deep understanding of local accounting standards like HGB alongside international regulations such as IFRS. Freelance controlling experts step in to lead finance departments through transitions, establish transparent reporting systems, and advise the management board on strategic decisions. They bridge the gap between day-to-day accounting and long-term corporate strategy, ensuring compliance and profitability for both traditional Mittelstand businesses and global corporations.

Core Deliverables of an Interim Finance Leader

  • Establishment of robust budgeting, forecasting, and liquidity planning processes
  • Execution of comprehensive variance analyses and KPI reporting for stakeholders
  • Leadership and modernization of the local finance and controlling teams
  • Integration of financial data during mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring phases
  • Implementation of cost-saving initiatives and profitability improvement programs

Modern Tools and Systems for Financial Steering

A modern controlling director relies on advanced ERP systems and business intelligence tools to drive data-based decisions. Experience with SAP ERP, especially SAP S/4HANA migrations, is crucial for maintaining operational continuity during digital transformations. They leverage BI solutions like Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or Jedox to build automated dashboards that make complex financial data accessible to non-financial executives. By designing efficient data pipelines, they reduce reporting cycles and increase forecasting accuracy.

Why Companies Hire Freelance Controlling Leaders

Organizations bring in external expertise during periods of vacancy, rapid growth, or restructuring. A freelance professional provides an unbiased external view of the company's financial health and processes. This is particularly valuable during strategic reorientations, post-merger integrations, or unexpected departures of permanent executives. Their immediate availability and proven leadership experience in various industries allow them to take charge from day one without long onboarding phases, securing financial stability when it is needed most.

Meet FRATCH Heads of Controlling

Serkant Türemiş

Serkant Türemiş

Interim Manager Finance & Controlling

Hamburg

Last position:

Interim Manager, License Controlling at Tonies GmbH

  • Prepared and reviewed quarterly royalty settlements for licensors across music, publishing and media brands, including minimum guarantees, recoupment, returns reconciliation and process optimisation.
  • Reconstructed historical licensing data for an external audit by a major US studio, covering music publishing and recorded music across ROW and AUS, and coordinated the resulting statements with the licensor.
  • Supported the reconciliation of music royalties with the German collecting society and its international hub for 2018 to 2024.
  • Assessed licensing data for accruals and provisions, and structured metadata for contract negotiations.
  • Designed target processes and SOPs for a royalty automation tool and accompanied testing during rollout.
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Ricardo Morita

Ricardo Morita

Controlling - Change Management - PMI

Krefeld

Last position:

Controlling Staff Unit (CFO/Head of Controlling) at IT Security Solutions

  • Process optimization, process design
  • Business partnering, target vision
  • Teambuilding
  • Workflow design
  • Budget, MEC
  • SAP S4/Hana, Board
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Thomas Lorang

Thomas Lorang

Head Margin Management and Commercial Controlling (Interim Mandate)

München

Last position:

Head Margin Management and Commercial Controlling (Interim Mandate) at Pfleiderer

  • Lead commercial controlling team (3 direct reports) and ensure ongoing department operations such as sales reporting, planning and budgeting, ad-hoc business analyses on improvement potentials and business partner role to address strategic challenges as well as sales steering and sales management setup (e.g. sales incentives definition and monitoring, definition of key sales processes driving performance, tracking and reporting of strategic sales initiatives)

  • Collaborate with key stakeholders including PE investor, P&L owners (management board, head of sales) and functional heads (head of controlling, head of SCM, head of IT)

  • Provide functional leadership of commercial excellence team (department head and 6 direct reports) to define, further develop and execute commercial excellence roadmap as well as critical commercial operations such as long-term transformation agenda, price steering, CRM operations, EDI system, strategic customer planning process

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Ralf Wüstermann

Ralf Wüstermann

Finance and Controlling Manager

Wuppertal

Last position:

Finance and Controlling Manager at Vanderlande Industries do Brasil Ltda

  • International reporting in English
  • Budget preparation
  • Production controlling
  • Process optimizations
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Wolfgang Horlacher

Wolfgang Horlacher

Interim Commercial Manager

München

Last position:

Head of Finance and Controlling (Interim) at Kunert Fashion Group

  • Financial accounting: daily general ledger entries and month-end closing

  • Preparation of FY 2024 financial group statements (subunits KF, KNL, KAU, KCH)

  • Preparation of physical inventory for KF with inventory instructions for Logistic

  • Further development of ERP Finance processes integration with MS Dynamics BC 14

  • Implementation of electronic invoice verification and Multi Cash banking software

  • Expansion of sales and e-commerce controlling toolbox and processes

  • Preparation of budgets 2026, 2027, 2028, including investment plan, cost accounting

  • Preparation and commentary on monthly reports for sub-units and Group

  • Preparation of weekly financial plans, cash flow and liquidity plans

  • Further development of sales controlling, focusing on margins & product profitability

  • Creation and integration of accounting workflows for MS Dynamics

  • Leadership focus: Stabilization of the finance team and clear scope of work responsibility

  • Communication with banks, auditors, tax advisors, and tax authorities

  • Complete and accurate monthly reporting for each business unit and the KF Group

  • Preparation 2024 financial statements for KF Germany, KNL, KAU, and KNL with audit opinion

  • Detailed setup and preparation of the KF 2026 budget for the management and shareholders

  • Weekly cash flow planning coordinated with the management and shareholders

  • Turnaround in net sales and EBIT from September 2025 onwards – stable growth

  • Leadership & change through consistent, data-driven KPIs

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Andreas Günkel

Andreas Günkel

Head of Controlling (ad interim)

Hünfeld

Last position:

Head of Controlling (ad interim) at amedes Group

  • Functional and disciplinary management of the controlling department with 12 employees
  • Assessment, stabilization, and restructuring of the Business Unit Controlling, Corporate Controlling, and Central Controlling
  • Implementation of a cost-saving project (top-tier consultant), aimed at significantly improving EBITDA margin
  • Simplification and acceleration of the reporting, planning, and forecasting processes
  • Identification and implementation of business-critical KPIs
  • Improvement of business performance commentary to shareholders
  • Establishment of IT and sales controlling
  • Support in preparing financial statements under HGB and IFRS
  • Improvement of collaboration with accounting and treasury
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Bernhard Colsman

Bernhard Colsman

Head of Controlling and Plant Controlling

Bad Homburg vor der Höhe

Last position:

Head of Controlling and Plant Controlling at German midsize subsidiary of a global Japanese automotive supplier

  • Continued tasks after the departure of a long-term employee and training a new staff member
  • Preparation of the profit and loss statement as part of the weekly forecast, in cooperation with operational departments, and presentation in management meetings
  • Regular analyses using Qlik Sense
  • Preparation of monthly and quarterly closing
  • Support for the plant manager
  • Leading a team of four employees
  • Conducting ad-hoc analyses for management
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Mario Montagna

Mario Montagna

Corporate Controlling

Köln

Last position:

Finance Director at Aluforge GmbH

  • Commercial management: liquidity control, accounting, support for the 2024 and 2025 year-end closings, local and international reporting, strategy and financing, contract management
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Peter Oßwald

Peter Oßwald

Interim Head of Controlling Germany

Gelnhausen

Last position:

GB Foods

  • Leading a team of 3 business controllers and 1 demand planner.
  • Responsibility for reporting, forecasting, planning, and price management.
  • Advising and supporting the implementation of annual negotiations with retailers.
  • Managing and optimizing controlling processes.
  • Close collaboration with sales, marketing, customer service, and accounting.
  • Sales approx. €130 million.
  • FMCG.
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Reinhard Wein

Reinhard Wein

Commercial Manager (incl. Controlling)

Berching

Last position:

Commercial Manager (incl. Controlling) at TR Plast Group

  • Leading the Finance and Accounting department of TR PLAST GROUP

  • Responsible for monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements as well as group consolidation according to HGB

  • Collaborating with banks, leasing companies, tax advisors, insurance brokers, lawyers, auditors, tax inspectors and authorities

  • Reporting to the managing director and advising on all business management issues

  • Signing authority for leasing and hire-purchase contracts up to €325,000

  • Built and expanded the Controlling, Accounting and Finance areas with a six-figure contribution to company success

  • Implemented and set up cost and performance accounting, liquidity management, corporate planning and group consolidation

  • Ensured accurate company results by implementing internal cost allocation and accruals

  • Reduced budget costs by 24% through digitalization and process automation

  • Lowered interest expenses by 44% and increased cash discount earnings by 23% by introducing liquidity management

  • Achieved six-figure cost savings in maintenance costs by implementing cost accounting

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Klaus Baumhauer

Klaus Baumhauer

Managing Director

Köln

Last position:

Managing Director at FineAntz GmbH

  • Founder and Managing Partner of FineAntz GmbH, focusing on restructuring and transformation consulting as well as interim management in finance
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Carsten Schoenberg

Carsten Schoenberg

CFO / Head of Controlling, HR, Accounting & Legal

Hamburg

Last position:

CFO / Head of Controlling, HR, Accounting & Legal at Kabs Service & Logistik (Kabs PolsterWelt)

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Ella Ivanusec

Ella Ivanusec

Freelancer - Accounting & Controlling

Laichingen

Last position:

Accounts Receivable Accountant at Serrala Group

  • Invoice creation in S4 Hana
  • Backlog processing
  • Support for dunning
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Sabrina Saule

Sabrina Saule

Interim Head of Group Controlling / Interim Corporate Vice President Group Controlling

Munich

Last position:

Interim Head of Group Controlling / Interim Corporate Vice President Group Controlling at CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KGaA

  • Buildup, expansion and management of the Group Controlling team
  • Responsibility for actuals, forecast, planning and ad-hoc analysis
  • Optimization of financial systems, data structures and financial hierarchy
  • Implementation of a new BI tool
  • Optimization of reporting and analyses
  • Project for implementation of cost of sales method
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Stefan Sprenger

Stefan Sprenger

Head of Operational Controlling

Allensbach

Last position:

Head of Operational Controlling at ETO Gruppe Beteiligungen GmbH

  • Industry: automotive supplier
  • Group, segment, product and site controlling
  • Personnel responsibility for 6 employees
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Discover over 15,000 top freelancers

Heads of Controlling statistics

Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.

Experience

27 years

Position duration

2.1 years

Positions per freelancer

20

Top business areas

Finance, Business Intelligence, Project Management

Top industries

Professional Services, Manufacturing, Retail

Certification focus areas

Accounting, Strategy, Finance

Bachelor's degree or higher

100%

Master's degree or higher

73%

Doctorate

20%

Certifications per freelancer

3

Most common languages

German, English, French

Speak two or more languages

100%

Daily Rate Distribution

0 3 6 9 12
<€800 €800-1200 €1200-1600 €1600+

The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

Average rates for Heads of Controlling & Seniority distribution

Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.

1200
900
600
300
Rate comparison chart
Daily rate avg. 1020 €

The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.

1200
900
600
300
Rate comparison chart
Median rate 1000 €

The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.

Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Need clarity? Check out our simple overview of FRATCH

A freelance Head of Controlling takes full responsibility for a company's financial planning, budgeting, and performance management. They lead the finance team, optimize reporting structures, and provide strategic recommendations to executive management. During interim assignments, they also manage system migrations or structural reorganizations.

Hiring an interim Head of Controlling bridges critical leadership gaps immediately, preventing operational disruptions in your finance department. Permanent executive search in Germany often takes several months, whereas a freelancer can start within days to maintain business continuity. They also bring specialized project experience that permanent hires might lack, such as handling a sudden restructuring.

Yes, an interim finance director operating in Germany must be deeply familiar with HGB accounting principles and German tax laws. If the company is part of an international group, they also need extensive experience in IFRS or US GAAP. Fluent German is typically required for negotiating with local banks, tax consultants, and German authorities.

A professional Head of Controlling is highly proficient in enterprise resource planning software, particularly SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA. They also utilize advanced business intelligence tools like Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and specialized planning software such as Jedox or corporate planner tools to automate financial reporting.

Most freelance controlling leaders work in a hybrid setup, combining remote strategic planning with on-site team management. Critical phases like team onboarding, board presentations, or audit preparations usually require their physical presence at your office in Germany. The exact split is tailored to your company's operational requirements and remote infrastructure.

You can evaluate a candidate by reviewing their track record in similar industries, specifically their success in managing budgets of comparable size. A qualified interim manager should demonstrate experience with your specific ERP system and a proven ability to lead teams through change. References from previous stakeholders regarding their communication skills and delivery speed are highly valuable.

While both manage corporate finance, a Head of Controlling focuses heavily on internal data, budgeting, operational performance, and management reporting. A CFO holds broader corporate responsibility, including treasury, investor relations, legal affairs, and external financial reporting. In smaller companies, however, these roles can sometimes overlap.

Yes, a controlling expert working in the German Mittelstand often handles a broader range of hands-on tasks, including treasury and direct communication with owner-managers. In contrast, corporate groups require highly standardized reporting procedures, complex matrix organization navigation, and strict compliance with global corporate guidelines.

The average hourly rate for Heads of Controlling in Germany is 128 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 1,020 € based on an 8-hour working day.

Of the freelancers working as Heads of Controlling in Germany, 100% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 73% hold at least a Master's degree, and 20% hold a doctorate.

On average, freelancers working as Heads of Controlling in Germany have 27 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.1 years.

The most common languages among freelancers working as Heads of Controlling in Germany are German (100%), English (100%), and French (29%).

The most common industries among freelancers working as Heads of Controlling in Germany are Professional Services (76%), Manufacturing (71%), and Retail (71%).

The most common business areas among freelancers working as Heads of Controlling in Germany are Finance (100%), Business Intelligence (94%), and Project Management (88%).

FRATCH Heads of Controlling main locations

Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.

Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg

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Philipp Thomaschewski

FRATCH CEO

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