About the Role
The Controller ensures the organization’s operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and financial stability. This includes accurate financial reporting, sound processes, and effective communication across departments, as well as coordination with external partners, including auditors and tax advisors.
Main Responsibilities:
* Oversee all student payment processes to ensure timely and accurate transactions for monthly and yearly payers.
* Conduct monthly meetings with ISA service providers on students to monitor payment schedules and resolve issues.
* Track and confirm yearly payments to guarantee compliance with financial agreements.
* Provide monthly updates on cash flow, profit and loss statements, and progress on the Financial Business Plan. Weekly check-in with the CFO on the short-term cash situation.
* Monitor and analyze company revenues and expenses, including income from partnerships, grants, and student payments.
* Prepare and administer the annual budget to ensure alignment with company goals and operational realities.
* Identify and communicate financial risks or blockers impacting company operations.
* Ensure company-wide processes are efficient, transparent, and financially sound.
* Collaborate with the CFO to assess and mitigate risks that have potential financial implications.
* Prepare monthly or ad hoc cross-departmental meetings (HR, IT, Campus) to ensure alignment with financial requirements.
* Review monthly financial statements (BWA) for accuracy and completeness.
* Share relevant revenue information (student payments, partnerships, grants) with the tax advisor.
* Ensure accounting and payroll operations are aligned with CODE’s internal cost centers and processes.
* Act as the main point of contact for year-end financial statements, auditors, and Finanzamt audits.
* Serve as second approver for company payments, maintaining access to the bank account and DATEV (Unternehmen Online).
* Prioritize payments when necessary to manage liquidity and financial obligations.
* Oversee payroll processing, including verification with internal and external payroll teams and payments to social insurance providers (Krankenkasse).
* Prepare and submit the Hochschulfinanzstatistik and other required financial reports.
* Ensure data accuracy and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
Requirments:
* Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
* Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in finance, accounting, or controlling roles.
* Technical Skills: Proficiency in DATEV, Excel, and financial reporting software
* Language Skills: Fluent German (required for interaction with Steuerberater and Finanzamt) and good English skills.
* Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of German accounting standards (HGB) and tax regulations.
* Banking Experience: Experience with payment processing and bank account management.
About us
CODE is a private state-recognized and accredited university of applied sciences that is embedded into the vibrant network of Berlin’s digital economy. At the core of our study programs is a self-directed project-based learning concept. Together with a network of partner organizations, our goal is to provide students with practical, real-world, and digitally-oriented education and the ability to face the technological and social changes and challenges of tomorrow.
About Working At CODE:
CODE’s atmosphere is creative and dynamic, with an international team in the heart of Berlin. We value your strengths and will support you in your professional development as well as provide fair compensation and some fun additions. Most importantly, joining CODE means being a part of a passionate team that is shaping the future of higher education. CODE aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive and respectful working environment, and where all team members can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of color, LGBTQIA+ and those with disabilities. We value diverse backgrounds and believe they are integral to our growth and development as an institution.