Director, Financial Planning and Analysis

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup on a mission to generate clean electrical energy to responsibly meet future global demand. Founded by two world-renowned scientists and an experienced entrepreneur behind multiple successful ventures, the company is pioneering the commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion — a clean, safe, and scalable power generation technology poised to transform the global energy landscape.

We are seeking a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to lead our financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis efforts in Germany. As a key member of the finance leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our financial strategy, improving decision-making across the business, and scaling systems and processes to support growth. This is a high-impact role that works cross-functionally to align financial insights with our long-term vision for fusion energy.

• Own and lead the annual budgeting, long-range planning, and quarterly forecasting processes, ensuring accuracy, alignment, and strategic insight across the organization.

• Build and evolve robust financial models, dashboards, and performance frameworks that inform executive decision-making and drive accountability.

• Partner closely with senior leadership across engineering, R&D, operations, and commercial teams to connect financial strategy with business execution and investment decisions.

• Lead the preparation and delivery of monthly and quarterly performance reviews, management reports, and board materials, providing clear and actionable insights.

• Oversee ERP and financial systems enhancements, driving improvements in reporting, automation, and data quality to support scaling operations.

• Develop and monitor key financial and operational KPIs, proactively identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Mentor and build a high-performing FP&A team as the organization grows, fostering analytical rigor and a proactive mindset.

• Drive process improvements across forecasting, reporting, and analysis to increase efficiency and financial visibility.

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and applicable German regulations and reporting standards.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; a master’s degree or MBA is a plus.

• Extensive experience in financial planning and analysis, including ownership of forecasting, budgeting, and business partnering functions — preferably in the manufacturing, hardware, or deep tech sectors.

• Proven leadership in building and scaling FP&A processes in a high-growth or early-stage environment.

• Advanced skills in financial modeling, data analysis, and dashboard creation; ability to translate complexity into clarity.

• Strong systems experience, including ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and financial planning tools.

• Effective communicator with executive presence; able to influence cross-functional stakeholders and clearly present financial insights.

• Fluent in Excel and familiar with data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

• Knowledge of German financial reporting standards and local compliance requirements is strongly preferred.

• Highly organized, collaborative, and capable of thriving in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.
  

• Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.

• Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.

• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers, and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.

• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges, and shaping the future of our company.

• Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.

• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year. 

• Flexibility: We believe that work should fit around your life, not the other way around. We offer the ability to work from our office, but some flexibility to work from home as well.  

• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen with delicious lunch options daily.

• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions. 

• Equipment: Choose between a state of the art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.

• Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.