Schaeffler Group’s finance function plays a critical role in the company’s global operations and strategic direction. As a leading automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler manages substantial financial resources across numerous subsidiaries and business units worldwide. The finance department is responsible for ensuring the stability and growth of the company through effective planning, control, and reporting. One of the core responsibilities of Schaeffler Finance is financial planning and analysis (FP&A). This involves developing and monitoring budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans. The FP&A team analyzes market trends, competitor activities, and internal performance data to provide insights that inform strategic decision-making. These analyses help management allocate resources effectively, identify opportunities for cost optimization, and mitigate potential risks. A key focus is on ensuring alignment between financial performance and strategic goals. Accounting and controlling are also central functions. The accounting team is responsible for maintaining accurate and transparent financial records in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This includes managing the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, and preparing financial statements. Controlling, on the other hand, focuses on analyzing costs, monitoring profitability, and providing management with performance reports. They are instrumental in identifying areas where operational efficiency can be improved and ensuring compliance with internal controls. Treasury management is another vital aspect of Schaeffler Finance. This involves managing the company’s cash flow, investments, and financial risks. The treasury team ensures that Schaeffler has sufficient liquidity to meet its operational needs and strategic objectives. They also manage the company’s debt portfolio, hedging strategies, and relationships with banks and other financial institutions. Effective treasury management is essential for minimizing financial risk and optimizing the return on the company’s assets. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are also within the scope of the finance department, especially the Corporate Development teams. When Schaeffler pursues strategic acquisitions or divestitures, the finance team plays a key role in due diligence, valuation, and deal structuring. They assess the financial implications of potential transactions, negotiate terms, and manage the integration of acquired businesses. This ensures that M&A activities create value for shareholders and support the company’s long-term growth strategy. Furthermore, Schaeffler Finance is committed to digitalization and innovation. They are investing in advanced technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA) and data analytics to improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. These technologies enable the finance team to automate repetitive tasks, gain deeper insights from financial data, and provide more timely and relevant information to management. The ongoing digital transformation is helping Schaeffler Finance become more agile and responsive to the changing needs of the business. In conclusion, Schaeffler Finance is a multifaceted function that plays a critical role in supporting the company’s growth and profitability. Through effective financial planning, control, treasury management, and M&A activities, the finance team ensures that Schaeffler is well-positioned to compete in the global automotive and industrial markets. Its commitment to digitalization and innovation further strengthens its ability to support the company’s long-term success.