The University of Applied Management Studies (HdWM) is a private university in the heart of Mannheim that is accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities and officially recognized by the state. Since 2011, HdWM has been offering practice-oriented bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in management, business psychology, and social work, taught in both German and English. To provide students with practical and international experience, HdWM maintains a broad network of business and academic partners and pursues a strategic international orientation. HdWM is a member of the Stifterverband for German Science.

To professionally manage our commercial processes, we are looking

appoint, as soon as possible , a commercial manager who will be responsible for the HdWM (approx. 40 employees) and IB University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Sciences (approx. 70 employees) across all locations – in close consultation with the presidents and shareholders (direct reporting line) and in daily cooperation with the administrations.

Your tasks:

Finance & Controlling

• Responsibility for the entire accounting system of both universities, including monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with the German Commercial Code (HGB) (individual financial statements for each company)
• Multiple companies: Client/company support, including intercompany coordination and reporting at the institutional level
• Budget, forecast and liquidity planning, including scenario calculations; cost centre/project controlling (degree programmes, research/third-party funded projects)
• KPI and management reporting to the presidents and the group of shareholders in accordance with governance
• Further development of processes & tools (invoice workflow, digital receipts, ERP/interface optimisation; dual control principle, GoBD)
• Ensuring tax compliance (especially VAT in the education sector) and documentation of relevant guidelines
• Main contact person for tax advisors, auditors and the tax office

Strategic human resources (internal)

• Strategic consulting for managers; development of HR guidelines and benefits
• Establishment of HR key figures (e.g. time-to-hire, turnover, sickness rate) and support in the recruiting process
• Responsibility for communication with the HdWM works council

Leadership & cooperation

• Technical and disciplinary management of the associated teams, including resource planning, coaching and further development
• Close cooperation with the university administrations; coordination with other functional areas (teaching, research, IT, purchasing)
• Supplier and contract management (e.g. IT/service and rental contracts), including cost optimisation and SLA control at HdWM and in close cooperation with the administrative management of IB University

Governance & reporting (group of shareholders)

• Reporting line and duty to provide information: technical and disciplinary to shareholders

Your profile

Must-have

• Completed degree in business administration or commercial training with further education (e.g. accountant: IHK)
• 3–7 years of relevant experience in accounting/controlling and HR administration; confident in preparing HGB financial statements, routine in dealing with tax advisors/auditors
• Practical experience in budgeting/forecasting, liquidity planning and internal payroll management
• Management experience (team leader or deputy manager)
• Confident use of relevant software solutions; very good Excel skills
• Business fluent in German and fluent in English (at least B2/C1); structured, pragmatic approach to work.

Nice-to-have

• Experience in the higher education/education sector, project/third-party funding controlling and multi-entity setups
• Knowledge of VAT specifics in the education sector, GoBD/GDPR practice, contract/supplier management
• Experience in dealing with a works council

What we offer you

• Corporate benefits – employee benefits programme
• A responsible and varied role in the context of a private university
• A supportive, committed and friendly team in an open corporate culture

Applications from people with disabilities are welcome. We actively promote equal treatment of all employees. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, age, origin, disability, religion, ideology, sexual orientation and identity.

INTERESTED ?

We look forward to receiving your online application, stating your salary expectations and your earliest possible starting date , by 15 February 2026 an jobs@hdwm.org (Ms. Golowin).

QUESTIONS?
Feel free to contact Ms. Golowin at personal@hdwm.org .