Recommended expert
Michael (A.) Germann
Interim Manager
Experience
Sep 2024 - Jun 2025
10 monthsInterim Manager
Pixomondo Images GmbH & Co KG
- Provided technical support for tax reporting and reconciliations from IFRS to HGB with focus on IFRS 15 in an international environment
- Prepared missing documentation for annual audits of 2021 and 2022
- Served as single point of contact for tax authorities, tax advisors, and auditors
- Utilized SAP for reporting and design processes
Dec 2023 - Mar 2024
4 monthsInterim Finance Manager
Ascend Gene & Cell Therapies GmbH
- Coordinated statutory audit and process optimization in finance and related areas
- Delivered reporting to local management, Group FD, and CFO
- Implemented Oracle NetSuite ERP system
Apr 2023 - Jun 2023
3 monthsInterim Manager
Fonte Nova GmbH
- Developed automated data reconciliations from balance sheet and P&L to regulatory quarterly reporting under RechZahlV and ZahlprüfBV
- Selected pilot customer and populated the data warehouse for regulatory reporting
Mar 2023 - Mar 2023
1 monthInterim Manager
TORC Deutschland GmbH Automation
- Reviewed purchase, goods receipt, and invoice processes through to payment
- Implemented internal controls and processed values from fragmented legacy systems into DATEV
Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
1 yearInterim Controller
JG Weisser Söhne GmbH & Co KG
- Managed post-acquisition integration for internal reporting, annual planning, and forecasting by cost type
- Introduced IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 lease accounting
- Transitioned to cost of sales accounting method
- Coordinated audits and delivered on-the-job knowledge transfer in accounting
- Reconciled accounts for monthly closing and reported to executive management
Oct 2021 - Jan 2022
4 monthsInterim Manager
Combera GmbH Onsite Retail Advertising and Services
- Implemented SOx controls in newly acquired entity with emphasis on IFRS 15 contracts
- Acted as liaison for local department heads and internal audit covering all business processes
Sep 2021 - Oct 2021
2 monthsInterim Manager
Eve.io DE GmbH
- Conducted special project for shareholders reviewing expenditures for appropriate allocation
- Developed cash flow forecasting models
- Tracked COVID relief funding (bridging assistance)
- Augmented internal accounting processes in coordination with insurers and tax advisors
Jun 2020 - Sep 2020
4 monthsInterim Manager
International Campus GmbH
- Mapped and documented finance and accounting processes
- Identified existing and potential internal control points
- Conducted interviews with process owners and stakeholders
- Established daily and month-end ICS control points
- Supported documentation scope and reported to Director of Accounting
Dec 2019 - Feb 2020
3 monthsInterim Manager
Bartec Top Holding GmbH
- Internalized group consolidation function and developed month-end closing processes for 50 reporting units
- Implemented SAP ERP and Tagetik systems following recapitalization and restructuring
- Reported to Global Director Controlling and CFO using SAP ERP and LucaNet
Apr 2019 - Dec 2019
9 monthsInterim Manager
Jeld-Wen GmbH & Co KG
- Documented SOx processes including O2C, P2P, and FSP controls
- Conducted testing and identified control gaps
- Ensured quality of control documentation and tracked remediation
- Analyzed segregation of duties based on user roles across all business cycles
- Served as contact for internal and external auditors
Jan 2019 - Apr 2019
4 monthsInterim Head of Accounting
mytheresa.com GmbH
- Led accounting team of 8–12 using MS Navision and DATEV
- Drove process improvements in order-to-cash and purchase-to-pay cycles
- Facilitated cross-functional communication across procurement and sales
- Redesigned accounting department and reported to CFO
Nov 2018 - Dec 2018
2 monthsInterim Manager
IDT Biologika GmbH
- Prepared documentation for intercompany transactions (transfer pricing)
- Analyzed intercompany stock, revenues, and expenses focusing on cross-border flows
- Enhanced master and local files per OECD guidelines
- Calculated compensation for central services and transfer prices for distribution entities
- Used SAP New General Ledger and LucaNet
Sep 2018 - Nov 2018
3 monthsInterim Manager
adidas AG
- Reviewed and harmonized processes across three regional shared services centers under SOx requirements
- Coordinated with Director of Global Business Services
- Utilized SAP FI/CO and legacy systems with MS SharePoint
Aug 2017 - Apr 2018
9 monthsInterim Head of Accounting
Aryzta Bakeries Deutschland GmbH
- Represented head of accounting at one site during post-acquisition integration and mergers in SAP environment
- Led team of 16 for monthly reporting with fast-close
- Optimized non-stock procurement to invoice processes
- Collaborated with SAP administrator and internal audit on change management
- Managed CAPEX vs. OPEX, coordinated tax audits reducing at-risk exposure, and handled transfer pricing
Apr 2017 - Aug 2017
5 monthsInterim Manager
Concardis AG
- Managed post-acquisition integration of data flows for internal reporting and consolidation
- Harmonized legacy data sources (Sage, DATEV) and ERP systems into SAP
- Collaborated with key users and programmers on mergers and system consolidations
- Achieved fast close using SAP and LucaNet
Aug 2016 - Oct 2016
3 monthsInterim Manager
LR Health & Beauty Produkte GmbH
- Performed IFRS consolidations using existing software lacking critical features
- Improved transparency, reliability, and timeliness of reporting with less effort
- Employed Infor M3 and Cognos Controller
Nov 2015 - Apr 2016
6 monthsInterim Manager
Congatec AG
- Completed IFRS group financial statements and managed standalone issues like capitalization of transaction costs for IPO
- Prepared IFRS reporting package for subsidiaries
- Handled capital increase formalities, shareholder loans, distributions, HGB and tax considerations
- Applied percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and activation of in-house development costs
- Served as main auditor liaison and implemented cross-functional process improvements
Jun 2015 - Oct 2015
5 monthsInterim Head of Finance
Sengewald Klinikprodukte GmbH
- Led treasury, internal reporting, and controlling
- Converted from total cost to cost of sales accounting and supported cross-functional turnaround projects
- Reviewed purchase price allocation and acted as primary auditor contact
Nov 2013 - Nov 2014
1 year 1 monthProject Manager
Zodiac Aerospace Galley GmbH
- Managed post-acquisition carve-out of two business units into separate SAP FI/CO, MM, and SD booking circles
- Integrated internal and external reporting in SAP BFC replacing Hyperion
- Coordinated with parent company in Paris
Mar 2013 - Jun 2013
4 monthsInterim Manager
ATS Automation GmbH
- Controlled machine-building projects including PoC revenue recognition and cost planning from Baan/Infor ERP LN
- Tracked incurred costs in Infor Varial and MS Access
- Communicated with publicly traded parent in Canada on monthly, quarterly, and annual close
- Managed treasury and forecasting at company and project levels pre-order
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
2 monthsInterim Manager
Dambach GmbH
- Supported carve-out of a division from SAP into new company including master data and SD/MM/FI/CO movements
- Developed migration concept, testing, and final acceptance
- Oversaw project team, user orientation during testing, and auditor documentation
Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
2 monthsInterim Trainer
Zurich Versicherung
- Designed and developed training materials and concept for group-wide SAP New General Ledger migration
- Conducted user acceptance tests by role in collaboration with developers
- Reviewed IFRS impact statements for management
Aug 2012 - Nov 2012
4 monthsInterim Manager Finance and Administration
Lectra Deutschland GmbH
- Covered vacancy in finance during department turnover
- Closed Q3 and drafted IT improvement blueprint
- Collected data from Eastern European branches and provided IFRS knowledge transfer for fashion industry
- Managed PoC revenue recognition and contract revenue breakdown
- Imported data from Infor and uploaded to SAP BFC
Jul 2012 - Aug 2012
2 monthsInterim Consolidation Manager
KLS Martin Gruppe
- Built and internalized group consolidation processes and reporting infrastructure in SAP
- Created group reporting package including all required disclosures
- Gathered data from business units across regions
- Implemented revenue recognition for leased equipment
Apr 2011 - Mar 2012
1 yearInterim Regional Controller – Europe
aci eco-Tech GmbH
- Executed post-acquisition integration in controlling, finance, and HR for photovoltaic machinery manufacturer and wholesaler
- Calculated project costs, PoC revenue realization, and value assessments
- Controlled incurred costs on a cost-unit basis and produced interim cost reports
- Formed shared services team, managed liquidity, cash flow, discounts, budgeting, and credit limits
- Internalized external accounting and introduced IFRS reporting on cost of sales
- Achieved fast close for monthly, quarterly, and annual statements
- Addressed cross-cultural integration and banking relations using MS Navision and SharePoint
Jan 2011 - Apr 2011
4 monthsInterim Head of Group Controlling
Grammer AG
- Supported technical and functional aspects of SAP FI and ECCS group restructuring
- Managed merger of two entities into one booking circle
- Controlled group foreign currency risks and improved data gathering
- Conducted goodwill impairment tests and deferred tax calculations
- Prepared disclosures for notes and reviewed annual report in German and English
Nov 2009 - Jun 2010
8 monthsInterim Manager
Dywidag Systems International GmbH
- Guided capital restructuring, improved data exchange between treasury, controlling, accounting, and group consolidation
- Optimized hedging costs via internal currency management and implemented IFRS knowledge
- Drafted group notes including post-balance sheet events and prepared pro-forma financial position under new debt-equity structure
- Applied hedge accounting for interest rate swaps and disclosures under IAS 39, IFRS 7 and 9
- Managed leasing under IAS 17 and revenue recognition under IAS 18
- Achieved unqualified audit opinion and cost savings through audit coordination
Jan 2009 - Oct 2009
10 monthsInterim Manager
Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH
- Led implementation of Baan/Infor ERP LN finance module
- Built chart of accounts to mirror IFRS statements and automated consolidation tasks
- Handled IAS 17 leasing and IAS 18 revenue recognition topics
- Improved treasury management via prepayment policies to optimize supplier discounts
- Calculated IFRS reconciliation items for quarterly and annual reports
- Developed and delivered training on transition from total cost to cost of sales method
Mar 2008 - Dec 2008
10 monthsInterim Controller
Metzler Profiles GmbH
- Introduced SOx compliance in post-acquisition environment
- Supported local management on US GAAP procedures integration
- Improved cost accounting tools and accelerated closing processes
- Implemented knowledge transfer for moved revenue recognition methods
- Achieved monthly close five days faster with fewer queries
- Identified group ROI improvements using SAP and Hyperion HFM
Nov 2007 - Jan 2008
3 monthsInterim Manager
Pari Medical Holding GmbH
- Consolidated and implemented US GAAP through SAP ECCS go-live by end Q1 2008
- Created and rolled out accounting policies, budgeting and forecasting processes
- Trained US subsidiaries on transition from US GAAP to HGB with total cost method
- Defined US GAAP chart of accounts base for HGB compliance
Jun 2007 - Oct 2007
5 monthsInterim Manager
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty GmbH
- Optimized monthly reporting processes and led special projects for timely closing
- Managed group currency risks with timely measurement and reporting across units
- Streamlined reporting for existing and new entities using SAP R/3 FI/CO and Hyperion HFM
Jan 2007 - May 2007
5 monthsInterim Manager
Qimonda AG
- Supported external accounting during Q1 and Q2 closings for SEC reporting
- Researched and documented licensing issues and operational risk accounting
- Determined functional currency and filed Form 6-K
- Conducted SOx testing and process documentation including O2C using SAP R/3 FI/CO and Hyperion HFM
Nov 2006 - Dec 2006
2 monthsExternal Trainer
Resolution plc
- Delivered training for new consolidation software (Cognos Controller 2.3)
- Reviewed chart of accounts and developed exercises for administrators and reporting units
- Transferred skills for planning and forecasting authorship
Oct 2006 - Oct 2006
1 monthInterim Manager
Carl Zeiss AG
- Introduced IFRS topics at group level in shared services setup
- Handled IAS 18 revenue recognition, IAS 17 lease capitalization, and cash flow statement disclosures
- Ensured timely and accurate group financial statement production using SAP R/3
Dec 2004 - Sep 2006
1 year 10 monthsPrincipal Consultant
Cognos / frango! GmbH
- Provided pre-sales consultancy and implemented consolidation and controlling software
- Automated consolidation and reconciliation postings from local to group accounting under IFRS and US GAAP
- Configured reporting structures, chart of accounts mapping, cost centers, user roles, period management, and currency tables
- Delivered system training and report design support
- Coordinated specialist team to reproduce customer issues in test environment, securing €250k contract continuation
- Achieved Cognos Controller certification
Apr 2001 - Sep 2004
3 years 6 monthsFinance Director
accentua Pharma AG & Garderos Software Innovations GmbH
- Designed all finance workflows and processes
- Prepared investor presentations and reviewed contracts, terms, and licenses
- Selected and implemented Lexware Office Pro accounting software
- Managed cash flows and secured external financing
- Reported under HGB, US GAAP, and IFRS
- Negotiated with auditors, tax advisors, legal counsel, and banks
- Controlled budgeting and internal monthly reporting
- Participated in supervisory and advisory board meetings
- Contributed to business plan drafting and HR, insurance management
- Supported capital raises exceeding €3 million over three rounds
Sep 2000 - Mar 2001
7 monthsSenior Director, Financial Accounting
Ingram Macrotron Distributions GmbH
- Held procuration and led two departments with over 20 staff reporting to CEO
- Delivered external reporting under HGB and internal US GAAP for US parent
- Acted as primary liaison for external and internal auditors
- Coordinated liquidity planning with central treasury
- Represented company in supplier negotiations and process optimization projects
Nov 1999 - Aug 2000
10 monthsHead of Group Accounting
Continental AG
- Led group accounting department with six direct reports
- Consulted with auditors on restructuring and first US GAAP group note
- Edited and issued internal US GAAP accounting policies
- Managed central oversight for over 160 consolidated entities
- Secured unqualified audit opinion on first US GAAP group financial statements
Sep 1997 - Oct 1999
2 years 2 monthsAudit Manager
Deloitte & Touche CIS
- Served international trade and manufacturing clients across CIS
- Prepared and audited financials under IFRS, US GAAP, and Russian regulations
- Supervised up to 15 staff per engagement
- Worked in Siberia, Komi, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus
- Managed project budgets and drafted sector-specific proposals
- Restabilized practices and client base post-1998 ruble crisis
- Delivered on-the-job training in business English, audit techniques, and IFRS/GAAP
Sep 1991 - Sep 1996
5 years 1 monthAudit Supervisor / Audit Manager
KPMG
- Managed audit engagements for new German clients in Moscow
- Acquired and negotiated audit contracts, budgets, and staffing
- Controlled project budgets and supervised teams across locations
- Gained international experience auditing Siemens, BMW, Deutsche Aerospace, Osram, Dornier, and others
- Strengthened assertiveness, goal orientation, and adaptability in Russian environment
- Contributed to winning Siemens Canada audit via proposal team
Sep 1988 - Aug 1991
3 yearsAuditor / Audit Senior
Price Waterhouse
- Audited public and private companies across all cycles and account balances
- Supervised teams of up to six from second year onwards
- Acquired IT skills, time management, and teamwork
- Achieved Chartered Accountant title in second year with top-tier grades
- Received relocation offer to Vienna and secured CAD 100k customs refund for a client
Skills
- I Bring Over 35 Years Of Professional Experience In Leadership Roles In Finance And Accounting, Big Four Audit, Controlling, Process Optimization, Sox, Erp Migrations, Carve-outs, Consolidated Financial Statements, Ifrs Reporting With A Primary Hgb Ledger; More Than Ten Years Of Experience In The Auditing Industry, Including Extensive Experience In Team Building And Project Management In Multicultural Environments In Germany, Canada, And Russia;
- As An Interim Manager Since October 2006, I Quickly Get To The Heart Of The Matter And Always Focus On What’s Most Important;
- Supporting Companies With A “Common Denominator” – Change;
- The Core Of My Service Offering Over The Years Has Been Process Optimization Including Sox;
- Further Focus On Commercial Problem Solving, Change Management, And Support For Post-acquisition Integration With Manufacturing Companies;
- Month, Quarter, And Year-end Closings For Internal As Well As External Reporting;
- Preparation Of Notes And Management Reports;
- Presentations To Executive Management And Investors On Actual Results And Planning;
- Group Accounting At The Head Office And Subsidiaries With A Focus On Intercompany Transactions And Balances;
- Coordination Of Audits With External Auditors, Tax Auditors, And Internal Audit;
- Professional And Disciplinary Leadership Experience In Managing Projects;
- Creation Of Forecasts And Annual Planning Scenarios With Input From All Departments;
- Strong It Skills In Erp Migrations Of Sap Fi/co/mm/sd, Bcs, Bw, Bfc, Eccs, R/3 As Well As New General Ledger, Datev, Infor Erp Ln (Baan), Infor Varial, And Sage As A User And Administrator;
- Comprehensive Role In Finance For Startup Companies As Finance Director Including Budgeting, Controlling, Treasury Including Cash Flow And Currency Management, Derivatives, Accounting, Reporting, Human Resources, And Contract Review;
- Working Style: Leading By Example, Persuasion Instead Of Instruction;
- Motto: “Some Wait For Time To Change, Others Seize It And Take Action.” (Dante)
With The Breadth Of My Practical Experience And Knowledge, I Can Quickly And Efficiently Meet My Clients' Requirements.
Languages
English
NativeGerman
AdvancedRussian
ElementaryEducation
Sep 1986 - Aug 1988
Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants
CA Programme · Chartered Accountants · Canada
Sep 1983 - Jun 1986
McMaster University
Bachelor of Arts, History · History · Hamilton, Canada
Certifications & licenses
Certified Public Accountant
Chartered Accountant
Cognos Controller
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