Rüdiger (Dr.) Tiedemann
Interim Commercial Manager
Experience
Apr 2025 - Present
10 monthsInterim Commercial Manager
Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH
- Managed finance & HR for 120 employees and 4 direct reports
- ERP: DATEV
- Optimized accounting, cash, and payment processes
- Implemented modern HR software including AI features
- Restructured internal reporting including cost centers
- Increased automation in HR and finance
- Improved data quality and management decision-making capabilities
Nov 2024 - Feb 2025
4 monthsSenior Accounting Specialist
Alpha Trains Europa GmbH
- Leasing of rail vehicles, ERP: MS Dynamics 365
- Accounting for complex syndicated loans under IFRS 9
- Operational accounting for two subsidiaries in Italy and the UK
- Provided operational support to the CFO
Oct 2024 - Present
1 year 4 monthsCFO (part-time)
CMR CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH
- Biotech/pharma start-up with 4 employees, ERP: DATEV
- Established finance processes with external accounting
- Prepared business plan and seed pitch deck
- Aligned finances with medical leadership
- Developed investor-ready reports and financial planning
- Implemented an efficient structure for early-stage financing
Nov 2023 - Sep 2024
11 monthsFinance Manager / Senior Expert
Macaw netzkern GmbH
- Digital agency / online marketing, ERP: Unit4 and MS Dynamics NAV
- Led finance projects in Germany with 6 team members
- Prepared multi-year financial statements for three entities
- Developed monthly reports in LucaNet and Power BI
- Cleaned up balance sheets including provisions and intercompany items
- Restored closing capability and delivered audited financial statements
- Established standardized group-level reporting
Feb 2023 - Jun 2023
5 monthsFinance Consultant
Egon Zehnder AG
- HR services – executive search, leadership advisory, ERP: Oracle NetSuite
- Optimized finance processes across multiple offices
- Introduced purchase orders
- Implemented streamlined processes
Apr 2022 - Jan 2023
10 monthsCFO
Safran Data Systems GmbH
- Aerospace, part of the French Safran group, 75 employees, ERP: Infor M3
- Responsible for fast close & reporting locally and internationally
- Optimization of internal control systems (ICS)
- Migration of reporting tools from Hyperion to SQL
- Shortened closing cycles and improved group communication
- Strengthened internal control mechanisms
Aug 2021 - Mar 2022
8 monthsHead of Accounting
next e.GO Mobile SE
- Automotive startup, approx. 300 employees, ERP: eGecko / Penta
- Set up group accounting for IPO preparation
- IFRS conversion including IFRS 15/16
- Digitized the purchase-to-pay process
- IFRS-compliant close within four months
- Achieved audit readiness for IPO preparation
Mar 2021 - Feb 2022
1 yearHead of Finance / CFO
T-Balance Therapeutics GmbH
- Biotechnology startup, ERP: DATEV Unternehmen Online
- Established budget and cash management
- Developed pitch materials and investor reports
- Successfully prepared and supported the seed round
- Created financial transparency for investors
Oct 2020 - Jul 2021
10 monthsHead of Accounting / LCA
KVP Pharma + Veterinär GmbH
- Animal pharmaceuticals, carve-out from Bayer/Elanco, ERP: SAP R/3
- Took over accounting, treasury, and reporting in the carve-out
- Implemented SOX test plans
- Optimized P2P/O2C/R2R processes
- Acted as liaison between Bayer and Elanco during the exit
- Achieved successful SAP migration and international SOX audit readiness
Oct 2019 - Sep 2020
1 yearSenior Expert Finance
Interxion GmbH
- Data centers / IT infrastructure, ERP: SAGE, reporting: HFM
- Fixed asset accounting, CAPEX, and IFRS 16
- Reporting and SOX documentation for Digital Realty
- Supported US reporting and closing processes
- Implemented and automated standardized reporting structures
- Achieved successful IFRS-compliant accounting
Aug 2019 - Sep 2019
2 monthsSenior Expert Controlling
Groupe SEB
- Household appliances / consumer goods, ERP: SAP R/3
- Short-term project in commercial controlling
- Analysis of invoice terms (approx. 15,000 line items)
- Reconciliation of postings, contracts, and Excel reports
- Resolution of complex legacy items
- Improved traceability of provisions
Oct 2018 - Apr 2019
7 monthsSenior Expert Finance & Controlling
Jack Wolfskin
- Outdoor apparel and equipment, group sales of EUR 350 million, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV, SAP, AX
- Controlling of investments, OPEX, CAPEX, 1–3 year forecasts and budgets
- Operational reports for owners and management
- Support for group consolidation (13 entities), IFRS 15/16, implementation of fast close
- Introduction of BI systems for sales controlling and ERP preparation
- Restructuring after Callaway Golf takeover with US GAAP/IFRS reconciliations
- Improved reporting quality and speed
- Successful transition to new P&L/balance sheet structure and chart of accounts
Jun 2018 - Sep 2018
4 monthsCo-CFO / Senior Finance Expert
New Flag GmbH
- FMCG / personal care, sales EUR 50 million, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
- Finance & controlling projects including BI systems and group consolidation (7 companies)
- Setup of P&L by products, key accounts, and sales channels
- Analysis of tax filings vs. payments, reclassifications, and pricing
- Implementation of robust structures for reporting and management metrics
- Significantly increased transparency in product and customer profitability
Aug 2016 - Jul 2018
2 yearsMulhouse, France
Finance Manager
Crane XOMOX
- Mechanical engineering (industrial valves), group sales of EUR 3 billion, ERP: QAD, HFM
- Head of finance and controlling in Mulhouse including HR, payments, and accounting
- US reporting, budgeting/forecasting, letters of credit, and credit management
- Setup of a shared service center in Lindau and outsourced payroll in France
- SOX compliance and internal audits
- Stabilization and integration of finance function after site migration
- Significant improvement of compliance and process quality
Apr 2016 - Jul 2016
4 monthsFinance Manager
Harman Connected Services GmbH
- Automotive software (connected car), entity sales EUR 10 million, ERP: MS Dynamics AX
- Year-end closing 2014/2015 and HR/payroll audit
- Support for expatriates and development of tax optimizations
- Audit-proof closings despite on-site gaps
- Stabilization of HR and tax processes on an interim basis
Feb 2016 - Feb 2016
1 monthFinance Consultant
Erasco/Continental Foods GmbH
- Food / FMCG, private equity (corporate venture capital), entity revenue €120 million, ERP: SAP R/3
- Analysis of sales processes, key account controlling and campaign tracking
- Improvement of sales controlling structure
Jun 2015 - Nov 2015
6 monthsMünster, Germany
Interim Treasury Manager
COMPO Expert GmbH
- Chemicals / premium fertilizers, ERP: SAP R/3
- Built the treasury function after a carve-out by PE firm Triton
- Introduced factoring within four weeks
- Developed liquidity planning and cash pooling
- Negotiated credit insurance and payment terms
- Secured liquidity quickly and implemented structured treasury processes in 20 entities
Mar 2015 - Apr 2015
2 monthsHartha, Germany
Financial Controller
Trimas Germany GmbH
- Automotive supplier, group revenue approx. €1 billion, entity revenue €15 million, ERP: Infor Syteline
- Led operational finance and controlling
- Monthly reporting to HQ including variance analysis
- Ensured continuity of finance function after the sudden departure of the finance director
Jan 2015 - Dec 2016
2 yearsCologne, Germany
Lecturer in Finance and Controlling
Fresenius / ISM
- Teaching IFRS, consolidated financial statements and international controlling (DE/EN)
- Developed practical course modules for students at international partner universities
Apr 2014 - Sep 2014
6 monthsVienna, Austria
Finance Manager
DIC Europe GmbH
- Specialty chemicals, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV and Magnitude
- Production controlling at the new Vienna plant
- Reporting to a US group using Magnitude
- Optimized finance and administration processes
- Established international reporting structures and fast close
Feb 2013 - Dec 2013
11 monthsBraunschweig, Germany
Head of Controlling
Essilor GmbH
- Medical technology / eyeglass lenses, ERP: Oracle and NAV
- Developed a Cubeware BI system for sales and gross profit
- Implemented QlikView sales reporting
- Business partnering with sales, HR, and SCM
- Integrated and automated planning and reporting
- Increased transparency of customer and product margins
Jan 2011 - Nov 2012
1 year 11 monthsMettmann, Germany
CFO
TechnikService24 GmbH
- Aftersales service for household appliances, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
- Commercial management after post-carve-out by PE investor ELBE
- ERP implementation and consolidation for investor reporting
- Negotiations with major clients and social plans during closures
- Supported insolvency process and successful sale
- Built a central IT/finance platform
Feb 2010 - Jan 2011
1 yearBerlin, Germany
Interim CFO
Medici Arts b.v.
- Classical film production & distribution, US media group
- Restructuring and liquidity management
- Daily liquidity planning and creditor negotiations
- Restructuring and transfer of rights
- Due diligence and sale preparation of multiple units
- Business continuity and successful sale preparation
Oct 2009 - Jan 2010
4 monthsLudwigshafen, Germany
Consultant
Pfalzwerke AG
- Energy supplier, ERP: SAP R/3
- Cost optimization in purchasing and fleet management
- Analysis and identification of savings potentials in operating expenses
- Presented results to management
- Uncovered significant optimization opportunities
Oct 1996 - Mar 2009
12 years 6 monthsCologne, Germany
Finance Director
TASCHEN GmbH
- Publishing / media / retail, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
- Group-wide finance leadership with 150 staff across 9 entities
- Implemented NAV ERP system in seven countries
- Established group consolidation and MIS
- Responsible for treasury, controlling, HR, and M&A
- Shortened closing cycle from D7 to D3
- Established global financial integration and reporting
Sep 1995 - Jul 1996
11 monthsBerlin, Germany
Consultant
GrundyUfa TV Produktions GmbH
- TV production / media
- Commercial management on a project basis
- Setting up a contract database and budget planning
- Optimizing marketing, merchandising, and music production
- Increasing contract transparency and improving budget control
Mar 1994 - Mar 1995
1 year 1 monthDüsseldorf, Germany
Consultant
Droege & Comp.
- Management consulting
- Process optimization in retail, manufacturing, and banking
- Projects for cost reduction and efficiency improvement
- Achieved measurable cost savings across multiple engagements
Summary
Experienced CFO and interim finance executive with over 30 years of leadership in medium-sized and international corporate environments. Specialized in restructuring, carve-outs, post-merger integration, IFRS/US-GAAP, treasury, and ERP rollouts. Supports owners, investors, and founders with setup, transformations, exit preparation, and digitalization in companies with revenues from €0 to €25 billion. 2 years in business consulting and projects, 13 years as a CFO in owner-managed mid-sized companies and hidden champions, and 16 years as an interim.
Skills
Core Competencies
- Fp&a, Cash Flow Management, Treasury, Audit, Consolidation
- M&a, Carve-outs, Pmi, Ipo Readiness, Private Equity Reporting
- Restructuring, Transformation, Shared Services
Accounting Standards
- Hgb, Ifrs, Us-gaap, Local Gaaps (De/uk/fr/es/jp/cn)
Systems And Tools
- Erp: Sap R/3, Microsoft, Datev, Oracle, Sage, Infor, Qad, Egecko
- Bi: Lucanet, Power Bi, Hfm, Cubeware, Qlikview, Professional Planner
- Hr/payroll: Personio, Datev Payroll
- Office: Ms Office Suite Incl. Excel (Pivot Tables, Powerquery), Powerpoint, Word, Outlook
Languages
German
NativeEnglish
AdvancedFrench
AdvancedSpanish
IntermediateEducation
Oct 1990 - Jun 1993
University of Cologne
PhD · Economics · Cologne, Germany
Oct 1984 - Jun 1990
University of Münster & Cologne
Diploma in Business Administration · Business Administration · Cologne, Germany
Certifications & licenses
CINA IFRS Certificate
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