Director of Finance (f/m/d) Czech Republic

The Fielmann Group is a stock-listed family business based in Hamburg, Germany. As the most customer-centric provider of eyewear, contact lenses, hearing aids and primary eyecare services, we serve our 29 million active customers through an omnichannel platform comprised of digital sales channels and more than 1,200 retail stores worldwide.  

In 2021 we opened our first store in the Czech Republic and today we have countrywide 18 stores with a huge potential to further grow. Our Czech entities cover our “Fielmann”-branded retail operations in the Czech Republic, selling optics to the general public (B2C), and our future central logistics and production facility that is currently under construction.  

We are looking for an experienced Director of Finance (f/m/d) to ensure seamless operations within our Czech entity. The position is located in Chomutov, but regular travel to Prague (about 1 day/week) is expected.  

Together we set the standards of tomorrow – your responsibilities  

Reporting directly to the Group CFO, you are responsible for all financial accounting and controlling operations of the two entities, including preparing financial reports, performing research and analysis, maintaining the general ledger, performing account reconciliations, assisting with audit preparations, and carrying out other accounting duties as required. In addition, you will work closely with our local Managing Director to further grow our Czech retail operations and actively shape the future of this high-potential Fielmann market, in which we expect to grow to 30 shops mid-term.  

Financial Ownership  

• Supervision, development and mentorship of finance team (10 FTE)

• Overall responsibility of all accounting and controlling matters of all Czech  subsidiaries

• Responsible for the timely preparation of financial statements and reporting for Group Accounting and Group Controlling

• Oversees and manages all financial transactions

• Responsible for the effective management and organization of the financial administration area

• Interaction in collaboration, coordination and sharing responsibility with local Finance employees (Accounting / Controlling)     

Business Partnering  

• Support our Czech retail business in its ambitious growth path

• Support our global manufacturing and production network with smooth financial management in one of their core sites

• Serve as a business partner in business development, revenue analysis, and reporting, providing financial accounting guidance to department heads, as well as ensuring that all financial decisions are in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals

• Responsible for day-to-day tasks in the areas of accounting and management / optimization of working capital 

• Responsible for controlling and derivation of measures for optimal operational productivity  

Project Work  

• Establishing our new logistic center in Chomutov from all financial aspects

• Taking over any additional projects and assignments inherent to your activity or arising from other operational requirements by serving as a subject matter expert in financial accounting topics  

You inspire us - your profile 

As the ideal candidate you have an analytical mindset and are a technology and systems savvy individual, with a proven track of experience in the financial accounting area, preferably within the retail industry.    

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration/economics, accounting, finance, or related field

• 7+ years of overall experience in international accounting, controlling, and financial management, with 3+ years in Big 4/7 companies

• Profound knowledge in financial controlling

• Profound knowledge in accounting (IFRS and Czech GAAP)

• Accounting advisory experience from a consulting firm

• Extensive SAP experience is a plus 

• Hands-on mindset in a day-to-day operations

• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, as well as ability to interpret complex data

• Personal strength and entrepreneurial thinking

• ​Proven track record of complex process improvement

• Team oriented and strong communication, presentation skills

• Ability to partner in collaboration with own team and other members to the organization

• Professional language proficiency in English and Czech; German language is a plus