Finance Director, Europe
Ascend Elements (AE) is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.
As part of our European expansion, Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology has awarded Ascend Elements up to PLN 1.22 billion (approx. $320 million USD) in support of constructing a precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and lithium extraction manufacturing facility in Opole (Wrzoski), Poland. In addition, Ascend Elements operates its European joint venture, AE Elemental, in Zawiercie, Poland, which specializes in lithium-ion battery recycling and plays a key role in building our regional closed-loop supply chain. In connection with the implementation of our strategic investment project (APEX2), we are seeking an experienced finance leader to assume a key role across finance, accounting, and investment financing, while supporting the development of our European battery recycling joint venture.
Primary Location: Opole / Wroclaw
Role Objective
Provide end-to-end leadership of the financial and accounting functions for the investment project, including oversight of accounting operations, statutory and tax compliance—with particular emphasis on VAT and real estate tax—as well as responsibility for securing and administering external financing and public aid funding. The role also supports the financial development and governance of Ascend Elements’ European battery recycling joint venture, while ensuring close coordination with the U.S. organization and alignment with US GAAP reporting and group financial standards.
Scope of Responsibilities
Accounting & Finance
- Supervision of full accounting for project companies (SPVs).
- Managing cooperation with external accounting firms.
- Control of period closings and financial reporting.
- Cooperation with auditors and advisors.
- Organization and alignment with US GAAP reporting and group financial standards
Taxes
- Supervision of VAT settlements and refunds (including investment VAT).
- Management of real estate tax.
- Cooperation with tax advisors and public administration.
Public Aid & Financing
- Settlement of grants and public aid.
- Management of external financing (including, banks) and due diligence process management
- Monitoring covenants and reporting to financing institutions.
Liquidity & Investment Control
- Monitoring project cash flow.
- Supervision of CAPEX expenditures and use of financing.
Requirements
- Minimum several years of experience in a similar position.
- Experience in managing accounting and external accounting firms.
- Practical experience in settling investment VAT refunds.
- Experience with public aid and external financing is an advantage.
- Cooperation with financial institutions (e.g., banks).
- Very good knowledge of Excel and financial-accounting systems (ERP/FK).
- Knowledge of financial modeling.
- Knowledge of US GAAP
Additionally Preferred
- Experience in greenfield / real estate / manufacturing projects.
- Knowledge of SPV structures.
- Participation in due diligence or project finance processes.
Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
