As we enter a pivotal scale-up phase, we are looking for an experienced VP of Finance to be a driving force for our next growth chapter. Having navigated the start-up or scale-up environment before is crucial, as you'll be architecting and refining essential processes that will form the backbone of a scalable finance operation. 

This role is not just about overseeing finance; it's about leading us through a period of exciting expansion, setting the pace and direction for our financial strategy to raise 9-digit capital through various sources from equity to debt. 

Directly reporting to the CEO, Florian, you'll be at the strategic core of our financial operations, driving forward the finance function at Greenlyte.

Specifically, you will:

• Lead the financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, and planning process. Own the financial model that gives us an accurate financial forecast in terms of our key metrics, and charts a course to long-term success.

• Support the company's scaling by providing financial guidance on debt financing, resource allocation, expansion strategies, and new market entry.

• Prepare the company and assets for bankability and improve processes for hyperscaling (in a healthy way).

• Partner closely with the CEO and executive team to drive strategic initiatives, evaluate investment opportunities, and ensure the financial stability and growth of Greenlyte.

• Oversee cash flow management and perform scenario planning to safeguard our long-term financial stability. Identify potential financial risks to our business and develop sustainable mitigation strategies.

• Selectively recruit, build, and lead a high-performing finance A-Team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Be an active partner for future financing rounds; build and maintain strong relationships with investors for both debt and equity to educate and clearly communicate the story of Greenlyte to external stakeholders.

• Cultivate strong relationships with our investors through high-quality reporting and board materials, improving their understanding of key business drivers and Greenlyte’s long-term direction.

Your first 12 months in the role: expectations and deliverables.

Months 0-3: 

• Gain an overview of all current processes; working closely with the finance team to dig deep into processes.

• Work with the finance team to create a gap and white spot analysis: Where is the company compared to its stage, and what do we need to build to achieve scalability for future growth plans?

• Support the current finance team with expertise to improve short-term scalability.

Months 3-6: 

• Prioritization of process gaps and white spots; creation of an action plan to address these gaps.

• Networking and exploration of non-equity financing routes, especially debt.

• Successfully working with finance and business operations team to implement gaps and white spot plan.

Months 6-12: 

• Build an actionable roadmap and start the first steps on the roadmap to bankability.

• Begin building the business model 2.0 and finance engine with a scalable toolset.

• Explore non-organic growth opportunities through M&A.

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration or Finance.

• Ideally around 5–10 years of experience in banking or private equity or in a fast-growing hardware company at VP level.

• Proficient in fiscal management, financial benchmarking, tax compliance, and understanding relevant laws.

• Demonstrated experience in securing equity, debt financing or venture debt, with a strong understanding of financial structures and negotiation strategies.

• Strong skills in accounting, auditing, and developing financial models, with an emphasis on precision and accuracy.

• Ability to thrive in a startup environment, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively.

• Excellent leadership qualities, with the ability to mentor and develop a small but growing finance team. Ability to mentor company high-potential employees to their best performance.

• Fluency in business-level German and English is required.

• 30 days vacation, plus public holidays, to ensure you have the downtime needed to rest and recharge.

• The possibility to grow and shape your dream team.

• Opportunity to shape the financial processes of a fast-growing business.

• Working with founders who understand - and invest time in - the importance of building a healthy and sustainable organization.

• This role requires a presence onsite at the office but home office days are also possible. 

• We are committed to supporting your relocation for this role, if necessary.