External CFO (m/f/d)

About the company

Phaseform is a deep-tech business headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, developing an optofluidic wavefront modulator (DPP) that is helping reshape how adaptive optics are applied across microscopy, ophthalmology, and machine vision.

The company is in its second year of the EIC Accelerator programme, a highly competitive EU funding pathway for breakthrough innovation. Phaseform is now preparing for the next stage of expansion, with plans that include additional fundraising and international market growth. To support this scale-up, the finance function needs stronger structure and governance.

Role overview

Phaseform is hiring an experienced external CFO (m/f/d) to own financial planning, reporting, and grant-related financial management. The role is intended to evolve alongside the company as it enters its next growth phase.

Key responsibilities

• Build and manage financial plans covering profit and loss, cash flow, budgeting, forecasts, scenario analysis, runway planning, and investor-ready data room materials.
• Oversee liquidity planning across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons, including cash management and regular reporting.
• Handle the relationship with the tax advisor and ensure financial data is prepared in line with HGB requirements.
• Act as the finance contact for funding bodies, including cost reporting and financial documentation for new grants.
• Maintain clear intercompany and group reporting for investors and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a strategic sparring partner to the CEO.

Requirements

• Proven background as a CFO, Head of Finance, or senior Controller.
• Strong working knowledge of HGB, German tax law, and the ecosystem around tax advisors and auditors.
• Advanced financial modelling abilities suitable for investor-level analysis.
• Practical, execution-focused mindset and comfort operating in lean environments.
• Native-level German and professional working English.
• Experience in startups or venture-backed companies is an advantage, especially with investor due diligence processes.
• Exposure to public funding and cooperation with project management agencies is beneficial.
• Experience with multi-entity reporting and consolidation is a plus.

What’s on offer

• Flexible freelance-style collaboration.
• An engaging role in a deep-tech company.
• A strategically important position with direct influence on the company’s direction.
• Remote-first setup, with monthly visits to Freiburg at the beginning and quarterly visits later on.
• Close day-to-day interaction with the founders and managing directors.
• The chance to elevate the finance function to a higher level.

Additional information

This is an external CFO role based in Germany. The collaboration is remote-first, but occasional on-site presence in Freiburg is expected: monthly at first, then quarterly as the relationship develops. The position is described as flexible freelance collaboration.