Wednesday, May 27, 2026 · No. 146
Financepart-timeHybrid

Finance and Administration Manager

Sotheby's · Germany · Posted 27 May 2026

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

JOB TITLE: FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER , GERMANY 

LOCATION: MUNICH – travel to Cologne on a quarterly basis 

DIRECT MANAGER: MANAGING DIRECTOR, GERMANY  

Part time role: 50 to 60% 

 

OVERVIEW OF ROLE: 

The Finance & Administration Manager is responsible for the financial and operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with German accounting standards, tax laws, and regulations. This role involves overseeing financial transactions, accurate reporting, managing tax filings, payroll processing, supplier invoicing, and maintaining overall compliance with local regulations and internal policies. 

This is a part-time position, in the office three days a week, on a 12-month contract. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE: 

Administration & Operations 

  • Procurement - Ensure all supplier invoices are processed via Concur / SAP, ensuring compliance with the procurement policy and VAT regulations. 
  • Payments - Review request and approval of supplier payments (coordination with AP team), ensuring timely payments of suppliers, release supplier payments at bank 
  • Payroll – Liaise with HR London Team and payroll team to ensure timely execution of payroll and compliance with local payroll reporting, release payroll payments at bank 

Financial Management 

  • Accounting – Liaise with European finance team to ensure that documents related to monthly balance sheets and P&L, including accruals, prepayments, and taxes are recorded - ensuring that all balance sheet accounts are correctly updated by quarter-end and year-end. 
  • Accounting - Liaise with external accounting firm to ensure statutory financial statements are prepared and submitted timely 
  • Budgeting – Prepare and submit Budget and Forecast in Pigment (with support from the European Finance team) 
  • Cash Flow Management – Review cash level on a daily basis and manage funds from / to the Cash pool 
  • Internal Process – optimize internal process 

Tax Management & Fiscal Compliance 

  • VAT - Liaise with London Tax team to ensure timely and accurate VAT reporting, including filing VAT returns annually and monthly filings. 
  • Corporate Tax - Liaise with external accounting firm for timely submission of the annual tax declaration , and for the review of correspondence with tax authorities  
  • Corporate tax – Prepare and submit Quarterly tax package to Corporate tax group 

Governance & Compliance 

  • Ensure legal and tax compliance, risk management, and serving as the main point of contact for auditors and banks.  
  • Collaborate with tax consultants for ongoing tax compliance and to assist with transfer pricing documentation. 
  • Report any compliance or legal matters to Internal compliance and legal team 

 

PROFILE: 

Key Experience: 

  • 35 years of experience in accounting or finance roles with a wide range of responsibilities. 
  • Experience working within a local entity of a larger international groupoperating in a hands-on and autonomous capacity. 
  • Proven track record in managing German tax and regulatory compliance, including VAT and fiscal declarations. 
  • Familiarity with local payroll coordination, and experience liaising with external payroll consultants. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple finance functions end-to-end. 
  • Experience in cross-functional collaboration with global finance, tax, and compliance teams. 

 

Knowledge & Expertise: 

  • Strong understanding of German GAAP and tax laws, including payroll-related obligations and local filings. 
  • Working knowledge of fiscal processes and platforms, including electronic invoicing and local tax portals. 
  • Solid command of SAP or similar ERP systems, and strong Excel skills. 
  • Familiarity with international accounting standards (IFRS/GAAP) and their application in a local context. 
  • Understanding of internal control procedures and compliance requirements under German regulations. 

 

Skills & Competencies: 

  • Hands-on, self-sufficient, and proactive, able to manage both recurring operations and ad-hoc needs. 
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance. 
  • Excellent communication skills, able to explain local matters clearly to non-local teams. 
  • Fluent in German, with professional proficiency in English. 
  • Able to prioritize and multitask in a deadline-driven environment. 

 

Desirable: 

  • Experience in the auction, art, or luxury sectors is a plus.. 
  • Accounting certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, or local German equivalent) is appreciated. 

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please click here.

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please click here.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

Finance and Administration Manager at Sotheby's · Germany | Cultural Signal Careers | The Cultural Signal