Business Controller, R&D

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At IQM, we build world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind. We design systems to tackle computational challenges beyond the practical limits of classical machines. Our work sits at the edge of science and engineering. It's complex, demanding, and deeply collaborative. We turn deep research into reliable, full-stack systems that drive discoveries in fields like medicine, energy, and technology, reshaping how the world computes. Join the team that gives quantum a heartbeat. The work Breakthrough technology requires breakthrough financial discipline. As a Business Controller for R&D, you'll become the financial partner to the teams building the future of quantum computing. Working closely with R&D leaders, engineers, finance colleagues, and external stakeholders, you'll provide the financial visibility needed to turn ambitious research into scalable products. You'll own project cost visibility across a complex R&D portfolio, helping leaders understand where resources are being invested, identifying risks early, and supporting decisions that shape IQM's technology roadmap. You'll also play a critical role in managing grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance while maximizing the impact of public funding. You'll join our Finance team and work cross-functionally with R&D, Engineering, Reporting, Treasury, and executive leadership, including the CFO, in a fast-growing environment where strong financial insights directly influence business outcomes. What you'll actually do - Own R&D financials, including project cost tracking, cost allocation validation, and financial performance analysis across development programs. - Monitor projects spend against budgets and forecasts, identifying variances, risks, and potential overruns before they become issues. - Partner closely with R&D and Engineering teams to provide financial insights that support prioritization, resource allocation, and investment decisions. - Build and maintain financial models that translate technical development activities into clear business and financial outcomes. - Manage the financial aspects of grants and public funding programs, including compliance, reporting, eligible cost tracking, and funding utilization. - Drive budgeting, rolling forecasting, and scenario planning processes, ensuring alignment between operational plans and financial expectations. - Improve R&D financial processes, reporting frameworks, and project tracking tools to support a growing organization. - Collaborate with Accounting, project teams, auditors, and external advisors to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and strong internal controls. - Provide visibility into project economics, timelines, and financial impact to support strategic decision-making across the business. - Take ownership of data quality, documentation standards, and scalable reporting processes that enable informed decisions as IQM continues to grow. What we're looking for - Minimum 5 years of experience in Financial Controlling, Business Controlling, FP&A, or a similar finance role, ideally in project-based, technology-driven, startup, or scale-up environments. - Strong understanding of project economics, cost drivers, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. - Experience controlling R&D, engineering, product development, or other innovation-focused functions. - Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience is also valued. - Ability to work effectively with complex, incomplete, and evolving data while maintaining a structured and detail-oriented approach. - Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence technical teams and challenge assumptions through data-driven insights. - Excellent communication skills, capable of translating technical activities into clear financial implications for both finance and non-finance audiences. - Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy, ownership, and execution. Nice to have - Experience managing grant-funded projects, particularly EU or public funding programs. - Knowledge of IFRS and local GAAP requirements within R&D-intensive organizations. - Experience working with ERP systems, project accounting, or advanced reporting and planning tools. - Previous experience in deep tech, semiconductor, hardware, manufacturing, or high-growth technology environments. Why IQM? - Full-stack quantum computing: From quantum hardware to software layers and beyond, we build across the full-stack. - High-performance playground: We aim high, and we know sustainable performance only works when life outside work does too—hybrid setups, flexible hours. - Never the smartest: Expect to learn constantly. You won't always be the smartest person in the room, and that's the point. - Approachable leadership: Flat hierarchy, direct access. Feel free to approach any leaders. They're friendlier than they look! - The sweet spot: Big enough to matter. Small enough to move fast. Growing between a startup and a corporation. We’re in the phase where top performers get noticed. - Bigger than IQM: Our people build know-how for the entire quantum ecosystem. We publish papers, run hackathons, and help shape a market that's still being defined. The future of computing won’t build itself. You might be one of the few who do. Meet our people and learn more about IQM on our stories page. Explore our scientific publications. We'll start interviews and move forward with hiring as soon as we meet strong candidates. Please submit your application soon. 600M€+ Total Funding | 400+ Team Members | 30+ Quantum Computers Built | 300+ Patents Filed | 10 Location Globally