Main Purpose of the role
Lead, develop, and oversee ZIM Germany’s Finance & Administration function, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, legal and regulatory requirements, and financial standards. Act as a key business partner to the Country Manager and regional stakeholders while ensuring efficient operations, strong controls, and team performance.
Key Requirements:
Management of Finance & Accounting team
- Lead and develop the Finance & Accounting team, ensuring high performance, business continuity, and strong operational controls.
- Oversee all finance activities, including credit management, accounts payable, accounting, reporting, cash flow management, and performance monitoring.
- Drive process improvements, KPI achievement, and continuous development of team capabilities.
- Support daily operations as required and contribute to regional and global initiatives.
Financial Reporting, Audit & Budgeting
- Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in compliance with Local GAAP, IFRS, SOX, and corporate requirements.
- Manage statutory financial statements and reporting obligations to relevant authorities.
- Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure timely implementation of recommendations.
- Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor performance against budget and forecasts.
- Provide financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to support management decision-making.
Tax & Corporate Governance
- Ensure full compliance with tax regulations and statutory requirements.
- Act as the primary contact for tax authorities, advisors, and tax audits.
- Support corporate governance activities, including annual shareholder meetings, tax filings, and maintenance of an effective corporate structure.
Business Partnering & Analysis
- Deliver financial and operational analysis to support business performance and strategic objectives.
- Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, providing actionable recommendations to management.
- Support the Country Manager and regional stakeholders with financial guidance and business insights.
Administration & Compliance
- Oversee administrative matters, including contracts, insurance, office management, and related corporate services.
- Ensure compliance with corporate, legal, and regulatory requirements, including certifications, safety and security standards, and other administrative obligations.
- Coordinate with regional stakeholders to maintain effective administrative processes and governance standards.
- Certified Accountant or equivalent qualification in Finance, Accounting, or Taxation.
- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in a similar finance management role within an international or global organization.
- Strong knowledge of financial accounting, reporting, taxation, budgeting, and internal controls.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with a high level of integrity and professionalism.
- Proven leadership, people management, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Experience with SAP is preferred; experience in the shipping or logistics industry is an advantage.
- Fluent German and English, both written and spoken.
- Willingness to participate in regional and global finance projects.
Skills Required
- Certified Accountant or equivalent qualification in Finance, Accounting, or Taxation
- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in a similar finance management role within an international or global organization
- Strong knowledge of financial accounting, reporting, taxation, budgeting, and internal controls (Local GAAP, IFRS, SOX)
- Fluent German and English, both written and spoken
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- Experience with SAP
- Experience in the shipping or logistics industry
- Proven leadership, people management, and stakeholder management capabilities
- Willingness to participate in regional and global finance projects
What We Do
Launched in Israel in 1945, ZIM (NYSE:ZIM) became a pioneer in container shipping in the early 1970’s, and has established itself as a leading global, asset-light container liner shipping company. We provide customers with innovative seaborne transportation and logistics services, covering the world’s major trade routes and focusing on select markets where we have competitive advantages and are able to maximize our market position. ZIM’s unique strategy as a digital-oriented, asset-light, global niche carrier offers distinctive advantages, allowing the company to provide innovative and premium customer-centric services while maximizing profitability. Through this focused strategy, enhanced digital tools, and a reputation as a top industry performer with high schedule reliability and service quality, ZIM is positioned to continue to expand its leadership and achieve best-in-class margins.
