Jobbeschreibung
Merz b. Schwanen designs and crafts original, consciously made clothing for those who appreciate quality materials and timeless design. Our family-run, Berlin-based business is driven by steadfast values of heritage, integrity and sustainability. And, of course, the often-unsung heroes, patience and simplicity.We are seeking a Head of Finance to establish and lead our finance function across Germany, the US, and the UK. This is an exceptional opportunity to join our leadership team, bringing both strategic perspective and hands-on expertise to ensure our business continues to grow on strong and sustainable foundations.You will be responsible for all business finance aspects — from high-level financial strategy to operational oversight of accounting, tax, compliance, and payroll. This includes building consolidated reporting across entities, introducing scalable systems, and ensuring financial visibility across all business areas. As a true partner to the CEO and department leads, you will bring clarity, structure, and commercial insight to guide decision-making across e-commerce, retail, and wholesale.
Leadership & Strategy
Establish and lead the finance function across Germany, the US, and support the setup of the UK entity.
Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership, providing financial insights to guide business growth and profitability.
Support long-term planning, expansion projects, and investments with sound financial analysis and recommendations.
Financial Management & Reporting
Consolidate financial reporting across entities, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timeliness.
Develop and manage company-wide budgets, forecasts, and KPIs in close collaboration with department leads.
Introduce scalable processes for financial planning and performance management.
Provide regular reporting and analysis to leadership to support decision-making.
Accounting, Tax & Compliance
Manage accounting and compliance in collaboration with external financial advisors.
Ensure adherence to local regulations and tax standards
Oversee intercompany transactions and maintain a clear structure for international operations.
Cash Flow & Risk Management
Take ownership of cash flow planning and liquidity management across entities.
Establish strong internal controls and risk management processes.
Oversee relationships with banks, insurers, and other financial stakeholders.
Systems & Processes
Assess and improve current systems to ensure efficiency and scalability.
Implement tools and processes for KPI tracking, financial transparency, and operational decision-making.
Oversee payroll and HR systems from a finance perspective.
Team Building
Build, mentor, and lead a small finance team over time, ensuring a balance between operational excellence and strategic capability.
Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Experience: Senior finance professional with a track record in fashion, retail, beauty, or lifestyle industries.
Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of German accounting and tax standards, with experience in US and UK practices.
Languages: Fluent in German and English.
Skills:
Cash flow planning, budgeting, and P&L responsibility.
Financial modeling and business analysis.
Multi-entity, international finance management.
Mindset:
Comfortable combining strategic leadership with hands-on operations.
Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and solutions-oriented.
Merz b. Schwanen designs and crafts original, consciously made clothing for those who appreciate quality materials and timeless design. Our family-run, Berlin-based business is driven by steadfast values of heritage, integrity, and sustainability. And, of course, the often-unsung heroes: patience and simplicity. With an expanding international presence — including retail stores in Berlin and New York, global e-commerce, and a growing wholesale network — we are building the foundations for our next chapter of growth. Our operations now span multiple legal entities in Germany and the US, with a UK entity to be established, reflecting our increasing global reach.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to shape and lead the finance function of an international brand with deep heritage and strong growth.
A key leadership role with direct influence on company strategy and future expansion.
A values-driven workplace that combines heritage, integrity, and sustainability with modern growth.
A collaborative international team with offices and stores in Berlin and New York
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