Financial/Plant Controller

As a Financial/Plant Controller at KOSTAL Group, you'll engage in critical tasks such as cost calculation of goods sold, analyzing deviations from budgeted costs, and preparing management reporting packages. Your role will also involve actual cost calculations for raw materials and products, month-end closing procedures, and supporting project teams with costing evaluations. This position is vital for ensuring financial integrity and supporting new product cost calculations.

To qualify for the Financial/Plant Controller position at KOSTAL Group, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree, preferably a Master's, in Finance or Accounting. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in international companies is preferred. Strong knowledge of financial standards and controlling tools, as well as advanced analytical skills, will set you up for success in this role.

Success as a Financial/Plant Controller at KOSTAL Group calls for highly developed analytical skills, attention to detail, and a goal-oriented work ethic. Excellent communication skills are vital for argumentation and moderation, while the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team will enhance your effectiveness in this role. Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, is essential for managing data efficiently.

The work culture at KOSTAL Group is characterized by innovation, teamwork, and a focus on sustainability. Financial/Plant Controllers are encouraged to adopt a proactive position, learn quickly, and contribute to global projects. The supportive environment emphasizes cooperation among team members, promoting a sense of belonging and ownership over work responsibilities.

Yes, the Financial/Plant Controller position at KOSTAL Group offers stationary work with occasional remote working opportunities. This flexibility allows you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing effectively to the team's goals.

When discussing your approach to cost calculations in a manufacturing setting, focus on your methodical process of analyzing data and ensuring precision. Highlight your familiarity with tools such as SAP, your ability to conduct thorough research on costs, and how you assess deviations to maintain budgetary discipline.

When asked about a significant cost deviation you've identified, provide a specific example showcasing your analytical skills. Explain the situation, the steps you took to investigate, the conclusions you drew, and how you implemented corrective measures. Emphasize the skills you used and the positive impact it had on the company.

In answering this question, specify the financial standards you have experience with, such as IFRS or GAAP. Discuss how they apply to financial reporting, budgeting, and controlling within the manufacturing sector, and illustrate your understanding with examples from your previous roles.

When addressing your prioritization strategies, explain your time management skills and how you break down larger projects into manageable tasks. Discuss utilizing tools such as calendars or project management software to track deadlines and ensure that reports are completed accurately and on time.

Be prepared to explain your level of proficiency with SAP and specific modules, particularly those relevant to financial controlling like the Material Ledger. Discuss how you have used these tools in past roles to manage costing and enhance reporting processes, and emphasize your ability to adapt to new technologies.

Share your strategies for ensuring accuracy during month-end closing, such as creating checklists for required documents, conducting preliminary reviews before final submission, and collaborating with team members to cross-verify data. Stress the importance of attention to detail and effective communication.

Discuss your approach to receiving feedback during a financial audit by highlighting your openness to constructive criticism and your focus on collaboration. Explain how you view audits as an opportunity for learning, and share an example where feedback led to an improvement in your processes.

Provide a specific example of a project that needed in-depth financial analysis, detailing the goals, your role, and the financial metrics you focused on. Highlight the impact of your analysis on the project's outcome, and speak to any recognition you received for your contributions.

Effective communication with non-financial teams can be supported by breaking complex financial concepts into simpler terms. Discuss how you actively encourage questions, utilize visual aids, and seek collaborative approaches to foster understanding. Highlight a successful scenario where your communication led to enhanced teamwork.

Demonstrate your commitment to staying informed by mentioning specific resources you utilize such as professional journals, online courses, and networking with peers. Emphasize the importance of continuous learning in the finance sector and share any recent updates or changes you've integrated into your work.