Head of Controlling and Financial Planning & Analysis

About Constructor Group   

Founded in 2019 by tech and education entrepreneur Dr. Serg Bell, Constructor Group is a global institution dedicated to revolutionizing education and driving innovation in Machine Intelligence, Quantum Technology, Intelligent Materials, Hybrid Reality, and Life Engineering. Our ecosystem includes Constructor Knowledge, offering education tools and services worldwide; Constructor, a software company delivering advanced tech solutions; and Constructor Capital, providing early-stage funding for science, technology, and digital transformation projects. Backed by a diverse network of academic partners, business leaders, and Nobel laureates, Constructor Group is redefining education and technology for the future.    

Summary: 

The Head of Controlling and FP&A is responsible for establishing and leading an efficient and effective financial planning and control cycle within Constructor University (a German Non-Profit Educational Organization). This role involves providing reliable financial and performance information to support decision-making processes, strategic goals, and risk management. As a key business partner to the leadership team, the Head of Controlling and FP&A will drive financial insights, cost optimization, and ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Develop and manage annual budgets aligned with the university's strategic goals
• Lead the preparation of financial forecasts and models to support both short-term and long-term planning
• Provide financial expertise to guide resource allocation and prioritization decisions

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Track and analyze financial performance against budgets, forecasts, and KPIs
• Prepare detailed management reports to support strategic decision-making and provide actionable insights
• Establish a regular cadence of budget performance reviews with key budget stakeholders

Cost Management and Optimization

• Conduct cost analysis and identify areas for efficiency improvements and cost-saving opportunities
• Ensure optimal allocation of financial resources to align with organizational priorities
• Business Insights and Decision Support
• Provide profitability analysis to evaluate various academic programs, research projects, and other university activities, as well as the customer segments, identifying high-margin areas and opportunities for improvement
• Develop pricing strategies based on cost structures, market trends, and competitive benchmarks to maximize revenue and ensure market competitiveness
• Use scenario planning and sensitivity analyses to simulate financial outcomes under different conditions, supporting proactive decision-making
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assess the financial viability of new projects, grants, or investments
• Deliver real-time insights using dashboards and advanced analytics to inform critical decisions

Risk Management and Compliance

• Monitor risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the university's interests
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, internal financial policies, and non-profit organization standards

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead and develop the Controlling and FP&A team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational objectives.
• Participate actively in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives

Reporting Line: The Head of Controlling and FP&A reports to the VP of Finance and acts as an independent business partner to the leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Academic degree in Accounting, Controlling, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally in a non-profit or educational organization
• Strong understanding of German accounting standards, financial planning, and reporting frameworks
• Experience in managing budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes in complex environments
• Proficiency in English and German, with excellent communication skills
• Familiarity with educational business models or research institute financing is a plus
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance operational and strategic priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders across all organizational levels
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems and tools, including ERP systems and data visualization platforms
• Commitment to excellence, ethical standards, and continuous improvement