Vice President of Finance

For more than 155 years, PROBAT has stood for pioneering spirit and innovative strength in the coffee industry. Through targeted acquisitions in the food processing sector, intensive technology transfer within the group and the expansion of a global service network, PROBAT has developed into a leading full-service provider for the food industry. The company plans, develops and manufactures machines, turnkey production plants, environmental technologies and intelligent control systems with integrated smart data management. With around 1,200 employees at locations in Germany, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, Scotland, the Netherlands and the United States, as well as a presence in over 40 countries, PROBAT offers its customers comprehensive solutions, excellent service and in-depth industry knowledge worldwide from a single source. Job Summary The VP of Finance is the senior finance leader and primary financial authority for PROBAT's North American business, responsible for its financial integrity, governance, and performance. Reporting to the CEO North America and functionally to the Group CFO, the role combines deep accounting, tax, and cash management expertise with commercial acumen to support operational and strategic decision-making. This is a hands-on, working leadership role: the VP of Finance is expected to own and work in the operational detail of a lean finance team directly, ensuring reliable and timely reporting, full compliance with local and Group standards, and high-quality business partnering that supports profitable growth and alignment with Group objectives. Your Responsibilities Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial reporting (P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow). Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP while maintaining alignment with HGB (German GAAP) and Group accounting policies, including identifying and resolving differences between reporting frameworks. Prepare and submit Group reporting packages to Group deadlines and standards, and manage intercompany accounting, reconciliations, and reporting to ensure alignment with Group entities. Maintain ownership of balance sheet integrity, including inventory valuation, reserves, accruals, fixed assets, and reconciliation processes. Oversee inventory accounting, standard costing, absorption accounting, and valuation practices to ensure accurate costing and compliance with applicable standards. Project & Order Accounting Oversee financial accounting for customer projects and make-to-order manufacturing, including ASC 606 revenue recognition, project costing and margin tracking, warranty and project risk provisions, and advance payment management. Planning, Controlling & Business Partnering Serve as the primary finance partner to the CEO North America and leadership team, providing financial insight and analysis to support strategic decisions, investments, profitability, and growth initiatives. Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, rolling forecast, and financial planning activities for North America, and perform variance analysis with actionable recommendations. Support cost accounting and profitability analysis and lead the financial evaluation of capital investments through business case development, ROI analysis, and post-investment reviews. Develop and monitor key performance indicators and management reporting to drive operational and financial performance. Cash, Tax, Treasury & Risk Manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital, and support FX and hedging activities in line with Group Treasury policy. Oversee customer credit management and monitor financial risks related to receivables and cash management. Oversee tax compliance, including coordination of federal, state, local, and international tax matters, and manage transfer pricing documentation in line with OECD and U.S. requirements, partnering with external advisors as needed. Knowledge of enterprise risk management principles and the ability to identify insurance exposures and coordinate with corporate functions and external providers to ensure appropriate coverage across U.S. and Canadian operations. Maintain effective internal controls, financial governance, and risk management frameworks, and coordinate internal and external audits to timely resolution. Partner with the CEO and functional leaders in the financial review and assessment of commercial agreements to support sound risk management and business decisions. Leadership & Finance Function Excellence Lead, develop, and mentor the North American finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, talent development, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Operate as a hands-on, working manager. This is a core, standing expectation of the role: the Head of Finance is expected to own and work in the operational detail directly, not solely through delegation. Drive process improvements, digitalization, and efficiency across the finance function. Serve as the primary liaison between North America and Group Finance (Emmerich, Germany) and lead finance-related projects that support organizational growth and performance. Your Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field required; CPA designation strongly preferred. 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within a manufacturing, industrial, or project-based business environment. Experience supporting an international or matrix organization preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr