Global Controller

The Global Controller at Celonis is primarily accountable for the company's external financial reporting, managing global accounting operations, overseeing internal controls and SOX compliance, and leading procurement and taxation functions. This role also includes driving month-end close processes, maintaining accurate financial statements, and partnering with the CFO leadership team to enhance operational efficiency.

To apply for the Global Controller role at Celonis, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, along with CPA credentials. They should possess over 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in financial reporting and managing accounting operations in a public company, ideally within a SaaS business environment.

Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills are vital for the Global Controller at Celonis. The candidate should have proven experience in managing and developing remote teams across various time zones and be adept at fostering collaboration among different departments within the organization.

As the Global Controller at Celonis, you can expect a vibrant and innovative work environment focused on collaboration and continuous improvement. The company is committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing opportunities for personal growth and professional development through various programs and resources.

Celonis offers extensive growth opportunities for the Global Controller, including clear career paths, mentorship programs, and access to professional development resources. The company places a strong emphasis on employee development, allowing for both personal and professional advancement.

When answering this question, highlight your past roles and specific responsibilities related to financial reporting. Mention how you ensured compliance with GAAP and your experience in preparing accurate financial statements. You can also discuss any tools or technologies you've used to streamline reporting processes.

Discuss your understanding of internal controls and how you’ve implemented SOX compliance in previous positions. Provide examples of frameworks you’ve developed, as well as ways you’ve identified and mitigated risks, demonstrating your attention to detail and strategic thinking.

Use this question to illustrate your leadership style. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your teams, focusing on your ability to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and performance. Address any specific challenges you've encountered and how you overcame them.

Highlight your methodology for ensuring accuracy, such as implementing checklists, reviews, and validation processes. Discuss your experience with closing procedures and your ability to work under tight deadlines while maintaining quality.

Provide a specific example of a process improvement initiative you led in a previous role. Discuss the challenge, the changes implemented, the outcome, and what you learned from the experience. This showcases your problem-solving skills and ability to innovate.

Discuss your approach to tax planning, including how you assess tax liabilities and identify opportunities for tax savings. Mention your experience with both domestic and international tax compliance, illustrating your thorough understanding of various regulations.

Talk about your communication and collaboration strategies when leading cross-functional initiatives. Provide examples of how you’ve partnered with other departments to streamline processes or enhance financial reporting accuracy.

Mention your proficiency in relevant accounting and financial software, such as Workday, and any other tools that you’ve used to enhance reporting and data analysis. Highlight your ability to quickly adapt to new systems.

Discuss the resources you utilize to keep current with accounting standards, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, or being active in professional accounting organizations. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning.

Share your mentoring philosophy, including how you support the growth and development of junior staff members. Provide examples of how you've guided and trained others, focusing on creating a supportive learning environment.