Head of Accounting

Our client is a privately owned Swiss group with activities spanning several complementary business areas and a growing portfolio of projects and investments. With an entrepreneurial culture, short decision-making paths and ambitious growth plans, the business is now looking to strengthen its finance organisation with an experienced Head of Accounting.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys having genuine ownership, working closely with senior management and improving the way things are done, rather than simply maintaining an established accounting function.

Your role

Reporting directly to the CFO and working closely with the wider management team, you will take overall responsibility for the Group's accounting activities and lead a small team of experienced accounting professionals.
Beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to shape how the accounting function develops as the business continues to grow.
The business is becoming increasingly complex, with multiple legal entities and growing reporting requirements. As a result, there is significant scope to improve processes, systems and ways of working.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing a team of around three accounting professionals
• Taking overall ownership of the Group's accounting, including general ledger and sub-ledgers
• Managing monthly, quarterly and annual closing activities and ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently met
• Preparing financial statements under Swiss GAAP FER and Swiss Code of Obligations (OR)
• Supporting group accounting, consolidation and the accounting of individual legal entities
• Coordinating external auditors and supporting the smooth execution of interim and year-end audits
• Overseeing tax accounting and coordinating tax compliance activities together with external specialists
• Reviewing tax and VAT filings and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
• Working closely with external advisors on specialist accounting and consolidation matters
• Ensuring accounting processes, controls and documentation are robust and fit for purpose
• Identify inefficiencies and propose practical solutions
• Improve processes, controls and reporting structures
• Contribute to further digitalisation of the finance function
• Explore opportunities to use technology and AI to make finance more efficient
• Prioritise initiatives according to their actual business impact
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider organisation
• Bring ideas to the table rather than simply following existing processes

What you bring

• Several years of experience in accounting, group accounting, audit or fiduciary services
• A recognised Swiss accounting qualification such as Fachausweis Finanz- und Rechnungswesen, Swiss Certified Expert in Accounting and Controlling, or an equivalent background
• Strong knowledge of Swiss GAAP FER and OR
• Experience with group accounting and/or consolidation
• A good understanding of Swiss tax and VAT matters
• Previous experience leading or supervising a small team
• Fluent German and good English communication skills
• Excellent Excel skills; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an advantage
• Experience in real estate, construction or another multi-entity environment would be beneficial