Finance Director, PE-Backed AI and Software Buy-and-Build Platform, Linz or Vienna, Austria - #25960

About our client

Our client is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial software and AI platform backed by an experienced private equity investor. Originating from a technology-driven background, the business has evolved significantly and is now pursuing an ambitious growth strategy with a clear buy-and-build agenda, complemented by strong organic growth.

Operating in a dynamic and performance-oriented environment, the company serves a demanding customer base and is in the process of professionalizing its internal structures to support its next phase of development. To enable this journey, they are looking for a Finance Director to build and shape the finance function from the ground up, with a clear long-term perspective to develop into a CFO role. The position is based in Linz (Vienna is optional), Austria, with on-site presence being a key success factor.

What the job involves

• Build and establish an internal finance function, transitioning from a largely externalised setup to a scalable in-house organisation
• Take ownership of accounting, reporting, and controlling in close coordination with external tax advisors and auditors
• Set up and professionalise liquidity management, cash planning, and working capital control
• Develop robust monthly reporting and management information, including meaningful KPIs and decision-relevant dashboards
• Act as the central finance interface to management, banks, external advisors, and the private equity investor
• Establish efficient finance processes and structures through hands-on implementation
• Support and further develop banking relationships and related reporting requirements
• Accompany M&A activities from a finance perspective, including financial due diligence, transaction support, and post-merger integration
• Contribute to the development of a buy-and-build strategy from a finance and governance perspective
• Gradually build and lead a small finance team as the organisation grows
• Develop into a trusted sparring partner for the management team and a key contributor to strategic decision-making
  
  

Who we are looking for

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (CFA or equivalent certification is an advantage)
• Several years of professional experience in finance roles, ideally with a background in tax advisory or auditing
• Strong practical expertise in accounting (UGB), reporting, controlling, budgeting, liquidity management and bank reporting
• Experience with accounting and controlling systems, ideally including system implementation or optimisation
• Experience in a software, IT, or technology-driven environment is a strong plus
• Exposure to PE-backed settings or M&A transactions is beneficial but not mandatory
• Hands-on, pragmatic, and willing to actively work in the details before building structures
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Assertive, confident, and able to interact effectively with management, investors, and external partners
• Curious, fast-learning, and comfortable taking responsibility in an evolving environment
• Strong interest in developing beyond pure accounting into a business partner role
• Good cultural fit for a young, tech-oriented organisation
• Willingness to be based in the Linz region or alternatively Vienna with frequent travel to Linz; cross-border commuting (e.g. from Germany) is not an option
• Fluency in German and English