About Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences
Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences is part of Whitecliffe Global Group, an international higher education group with institutions in New Zealand, Australia, Germany, and Canada. Our Berlin campus is committed to delivering high-quality, creatively focused, and professionally applied education to students in one of Europe's most dynamic cities.
With a growing multinational student body and expanding academic programmes, Whitecliffe Berlin is looking for a skilled and experienced Finance Manager to lead its financial operations, ensure regulatory compliance under German law, and provide the financial intelligence that underpins our decision-making.
About the Role
The Finance Manager will be the senior financial officer on the Berlin campus, responsible for the full spectrum of financial management, accounting, and reporting. Reporting directly to the Chancellor of Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences Berlin and maintaining a relationship to the CFO of Whitecliffe Global, the Finance Manager will ensure the campus operates to the highest standards of financial integrity, German statutory compliance, and Group reporting requirements.
The role requires expert knowledge of German accounting standards, hands-on proficiency with DATEV, and the ability to translate financial data into actionable insight for institutional leadership.
About You
You're a capable finance professional who brings expertise, precision, and commercial judgement to your work. You understand that great financial management is enabled by rigour and relationships — and you're equally comfortable navigating German accounting and tax law as you are translating financial data into insight for non-finance stakeholders.
You thrive in environments where you can own a complete finance function, build structure, and make a visible difference to institutional decision-making. You're calm under pressure, trusted by the people you work with, and known for the quality of your accuracy and communication.
Skills, Experience & Attributes
Essential
- A relevant qualification — Bilanzbuchhalter (IHK), Steuerfachwirt, or a degree in BWL, Finance, or Accounting
- At least five years' hands-on experience in a finance manager, senior accountant, or equivalent role within a German business environment
- Expert, demonstrable proficiency with DATEV, including Kanzlei-Rechnungswesen and Lohn und Gehalt or equivalent modules
- Deep knowledge of German GAAP (HGB), UStG, EStG, and German payroll legislation
- Proven experience across the full accounting function — AR, AP, payroll, general ledger, and financial reporting
- Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns (Umsatzsteuervoranmeldung) and other statutory filings via ELSTER
- A track record of preparing management accounts, budget analyses, and cash flow forecasts
- Fluent German (written and spoken) and professional English for Group reporting and international communication
Desirable
- Experience in the higher education, non-profit, or regulated service sector
- Exposure to multi-entity or Group reporting structures, including intercompany accounting
- Familiarity with international financial reporting requirements (IFRS or equivalent) in addition to HGB
- Experience with ERP or financial management system implementations or migrations
Attributes We Value
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
- Commercially aware, proactive, and solutions-oriented
- Confident working with senior leadership and external advisors
- High standards of professional integrity and confidentiality
Diversity is important to us: We welcome applications from people regardless of their ethnic, national, or social background, gender, disability, age, and sexual identity.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, autonomous finance leadership role at a growing international university. You'll have real scope to shape and professionalise the financial function, work in a collaborative and internationally minded environment in the heart of Berlin, with direct engagement with the institutional and Group Executive Leadership alongside the wider Whitecliffe Global finance community across four countries — with competitive remuneration commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
