Financial Controller

The Next Level of Fire & Life Safety Leadership

With more than two centuries of combined history, brands like Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, Gloria and Aritech have been leading the way in protecting people and property around the world. Now, we’re taking that leadership to the next level. Kidde Global Solutions brings together the most trusted and iconic brands in safety, building upon our shared experience and expertise to address the needs and challenges of more customers in more places. With an unmatched portfolio of solutions and services, and a commitment to constant innovation we’re elevating the standards for an entire industry – and establishing the next level of fire and life safety leadership.

At Kidde Global Solutions, you’re joining a global technology leader in fire and life safety solutions and our employees are the heart of it all. With industry-defining brands in life safety and security, you’ll be part of a legacy of leadership working with cutting-edge technologies that protect lives and property worldwide. As a leading fire safety brand, our mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and related hazards. We’re committed to expanding our impact and providing dynamic opportunities for growth within our team. You’ll be part of a company that prioritizes quality, integrity, collaboration, and customer care, with the resources, training, and incentives to ensure your success every step of the way.

Location: Wadersloh, Germany (Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-time | Permanent Employment
Role: Financial Controller & Chief Accountant

The Next Level of Finance Leadership

At Kidde Global Solutions, we are part of a global technology leader in fire & life safety solutions, combining decades of engineering excellence and trusted brands protecting people and property worldwide.

To strengthen our finance organization in Germany, we are looking for an experienced Financial Controller / Chief Accountant who will take ownership of financial governance, statutory reporting, and controllership excellence for our legal entity in Wadersloh.

This role combines strong technical accounting expertise with business partnership and process leadership.

Position Summary

The Financial Controller & Chief Accountant is responsible for ensuring complete, accurate, and compliant financial reporting while driving strong controllership, efficient accounting processes, and high-quality financial transparency.

You will act as the key finance leader for statutory, regulatory, and internal reporting requirements, overseeing the full accounting cycle, internal controls, audits, and financial governance.

The role partners closely with operations, finance leadership, shared services, and external advisors to ensure financial discipline and continuous improvement.

Hybrid work model:
The successful candidate may live even up to ~200 km from Wadersloh, provided there is good transport connectivity allowing regular presence in the office when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closings in accordance with IFRS, Local GAAP, and company policies
• Maintain and continuously strengthen internal controls, including control testing and remediation follow-up
• Own the general ledger and chart-of-accounts integrity across all subledgers
• Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and working capital monitoring
• Supervise inventory valuation, standard costing, accruals, and provisions
• Ensure proper ERP accounting setup, data integrity, and cooperation with Shared Service Centers and IT teams
• Lead statutory accounting, tax compliance (CIT, VAT, WHT), and regulatory reporting
• Coordinate external audits and act as primary contact for auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies
• Oversee payroll accounting, fixed assets, intercompany accounting, and local tax payments
• Prepare and/or review statutory financial statements under Local GAAP
• Ensure timely balance sheet reconciliations with high documentation standards
• Prepare and review monthly financial reporting packages
• Drive continuous improvement of accounting processes and reporting efficiency
• Identify automation and standardization opportunities
• Maintain strong financial governance and ERP master data quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• Professional certification (ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent) preferred
• Several years of experience in finance, accounting, or controllership roles
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and German Local GAAP
• Proven experience cooperating with auditors and tax authorities
• ERP experience (IFS is a strong advantage)
• Advanced Excel skills; Power BI experience is a plus
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage complex topics
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent German and English (written and spoken)

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Ownership mindset and accountability
• Business partnership approach
• Integrity and sound professional judgement
• Process optimization and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to perform in a dynamic, international environment

What We Offer

• Stable, long-term employment within an international technology organization
• Hybrid working model with flexibility regarding place of residence
• Competitive compensation and benefits package aligned with the German market
• Annual performance bonus eligibility
• Modern working environment focused on collaboration and accountability
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to global finance processes
• A mature organization combining operational stability with transformation and growth

Compensation

The final compensation package will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, professional experience, and alignment with the role requirements.

Your Journey with Us

We aim to ensure a professional, transparent, and respectful recruitment experience:

• Initial conversation with our Recruitment Team
• Up to two interviews with Hiring Leaders and key stakeholders

Our Commitment to You

At Kidde Global Solutions, our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to creating a workplace where expertise, reliability, and collaboration are truly valued.

We focus on:

• long-term career development,
• open communication and trust,
• professional independence supported by strong leadership,
• inclusive teamwork across cultures and locations.

Our goal is simple: to build an environment where talented professionals can perform at their best, grow sustainably, and contribute to solutions that make a real difference in protecting lives and property worldwide.

World Leaders in Fire and Life Safety

Kidde Global Solutions is a world leader in fire & life safety solutions tailored for complex commercial facilities to homes. Through iconic, industry-defining brands including Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, Gloria and Aritech, we provide residential and commercial customers with advanced solutions and services to protect people and property in a wide range of applications, all around the globe.