Head of Controlling

Head of Controlling – PE-Backed Insurance Business

Role

A private equity-backed insurance business is seeking an experienced Head of Controlling to lead the financial planning, performance management, and controlling function during a period of growth and operational development. Reporting directly to the CFO, the role will play a key part in driving transparency, financial performance, and data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

The successful candidate will operate as a strategic finance partner to both operational leadership and shareholders, helping to enhance reporting quality, forecasting accuracy, and overall business performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the controlling and FP&A function across budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial analysis
• Developing and enhancing management reporting, KPI frameworks, and performance dashboards
• Delivering timely and accurate monthly reporting packages for executive leadership and private equity stakeholders
• Driving profitability, cost optimisation, and operational performance initiatives across the business
• Supporting strategic planning, scenario modelling, and business case analysis
• Partnering closely with operational leaders to improve financial visibility and accountability
• Leading the annual budgeting and long-range planning processes
• Supporting cash flow forecasting and capital planning activities
• Improving controlling processes, systems, and automation capabilities
• Coordinating with accounting, actuarial, and operational teams to ensure high-quality financial information
• Supporting financing, M&A, integration, and exit readiness initiatives where required
• Leading and developing the controlling team within a fast-paced, performance-oriented environment

Candidate

The successful candidate will be an analytically strong and commercially minded finance professional with experience in insurance or financial services environments, ideally within investor-backed or transformation-driven businesses.

Key requirements include:

• Proven experience in a Head of Controlling, FP&A leadership, or senior controlling role
• Strong background within insurance, insurtech, or broader financial services environments
• Experience working within PE-backed, investor-led, or high-performance organisations is highly advantageous
• Strong expertise in financial planning, forecasting, and management reporting
• Excellent analytical and business partnering capabilities
• Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights
• Experience improving reporting processes, systems, and financial transparency
• Strong stakeholder management skills with exposure to executive leadership and investors
• Hands-on mentality with the ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments
• Advanced Excel and finance systems/BI tool capabilities
• Fluent German and English language skills preferred

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, investor-backed business in a highly visible finance leadership role with significant exposure to strategic decision-making and value creation initiatives.