Sephora Controlling Manager

About Sephora

Sephora is a global prestige beauty leader, renowned for redefining the retail experience through creativity, inclusivity, and expert service. Founded in France and now part of LVMH, the company brings together an exceptional portfolio of beauty brands with a distinctive culture of discovery and innovation. As an employer, Sephora offers a dynamic, customer-centered environment where talent is encouraged to learn, experiment, and grow across retail, digital, merchandising, operations, and corporate functions. Its teams are united by a passion for beauty, entrepreneurship, and belonging, making Sephora a compelling workplace for professionals seeking impact within a fast-moving international brand.

Sephora is hiring a Controlling Manager for a permanent, full-time maternity cover at its Düsseldorf headquarters. The role oversees P&L management, budgeting, reporting and closings across Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia, and manages a team of approximately four controllers.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manage daily business in close collaboration with the Finance Director.
• Act as a sparring partner to the Finance Director and internal departments, and collaborate closely with European headquarters.
• Manage the full P&L, including sales and cost controlling, for retail and web businesses in Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia.
• Prepare and monitor budgets and revisions, including cash and balance sheet forecasts, and follow up closely with budget owners.
• Consolidate country results at total HUB level.
• Standardize and enhance controlling processes with the HUB.
• Prepare ad hoc requests.
• Prepare, analyze and present weekly and monthly reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Manage and control monthly, quarterly and annual closings.
• Serve as the contact person for auditors on controlling matters.
• Manage a team of approximately four controllers and collaborate closely with the Controlling Project Manager.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business economics, majoring in finance and controlling.
• At least 8 years of professional experience in controlling, preferably in a retail environment; the role also requires several years of people-management experience.
• Knowledge and experience of monthly and annual closing in accordance with HGB and IFRS guidelines.
• High proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with SAP.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Fluent written and spoken English; German and French are a plus.
• High degree of self-initiative.
• Ability to cope with stress.
• Flexibility and a strong hands-on mindset.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Experience in managing multiple stakeholders.

Skills

Experience

At least 8 years of professional controlling experience, preferably in retail, and several years of people-management experience; minimum 5 years.

Education

Master’s degree in business economics, majoring in finance and controlling.

Workplace

Benefits

A community that embraces authenticity and values differences; an empowering culture that supports learning and growth; opportunities to learn, innovate and lead; fulfilling work.

Culture

Sephora fosters a dynamic, inclusive workplace where creativity, curiosity, and a passion for beauty are encouraged at every level. As an employer, it is distinguished by its focus on empowerment, continuous learning, and a collaborative retail culture that celebrates individuality and client-centric innovation.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.