Cost controller

Company Description

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets. 

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2024, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.9 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 57,000 people worldwide and has 20 production and 16 development sites.  

Job Description

Business Controlling & Performance Steering

• Act as a business partner to plant management, supporting strategic and operational decision-making.
• Identify profit improvement opportunities and eliminate non–value-adding activities.
• Facilitate planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes within the assigned area.
• Identification of highlighting variations in cost and plant performance to the Factory controller and the plant Management.

Cost Control & Investments

• Monitor and control period expenses and variable costs against budget and forecast.
• Evaluate financial results and cost trends to identify issues and improvement opportunities.
• Support department leaders to manage department expenses.
• Support in analyzing CAPEX proposals and preparing investment requests.
• Control that accounting records are done accurately on the correct cost objects and in time.
• Ensure the necessity of purchasing requisitions and conformity to the planned limits.

Reporting

• Consolidate and validate financial inputs from departments to ensure accurate and transparent reporting.
• Prepare concise monthly performance reports for local and central management.
• Provide Head of controlling with Risk and Opportunities assumptions.
• Provide clear analyses of financial results and cost performance to support management decisions.

Systems & Data Management (SAP CO / FIRE)

• Ensure SAP set-up aligns with FRM requirements and cost accounting standards.
• Collaborate with FI, CO, and other SAP module teams to ensure system accuracy.
• Resolve issues and ensure data integrity within the CO module.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Adhere to company policies, rules, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent controlling processes with continuous improvement in data quality.
• Participate in local and cross-functional projects related to cost efficiency, process improvement, and investment control.
• Maintain and enhance professional and technical controlling skills.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3–5 years of experience in Controlling or Finance within a manufacturing or industrial environment​​​​​

Skills:

• Solid knowledge of SAP CO/FI modules and cost accounting standards.
• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variation analysis.
• Involvement in project tracking, investment approval, capitalization, and cost monitoring
• Proficiency in MS Excel and data analytics tools.

Competencies:

• Analytical and detail-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
• Good understanding of production and cost structures in a manufacturing setup.
• Proactive and self-organized, with the ability to manage deadlines and priorities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to collaborate across departments.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Additional Information

What We Offer

• Free lunch, uniform and company transportation.
• Housing allowance.
• Performance bonus.
• Provident fund.
• Flexible working program.  
• Family health care program.
• Group insurance (medical, dental).
• Inclusive and diverse culture.
• Good health and wellness program (e.g., sport clubs, fitness).

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.