Financial services firms compete for controllers and accounting professionals with specialised skills

Rising expectations, new competency profiles and strong demand in private equity and capital markets are shaping the labour market in German-speaking Switzerland

Persistent skills shortage in the financial services sector

The labour market for controllers and accounting professionals within the financial services sector in German-speaking Switzerland remains tight. Banks, insurers, private equity firms and other financial services providers are under sustained pressure to attract and retain qualified finance professionals. Current market analyses by Robert Walters Switzerland show that professionals are open to change, but set clear expectations in terms of role content, remuneration and working environment.

Demand for controllers and accounting experts continues to exceed available supply. The consequences of prolonged vacancies in key finance roles are becoming increasingly visible across financial services firms. Delays in financial reporting, longer and more costly audit processes, and operational bottlenecks are among the most common effects.

“In practice, we see that gaps in finance teams quickly impact the wider organisation,” says Valentina Ciherean, Senior Consultant Financial Services at Robert Walters Switzerland. “From delayed reporting cycles to increased audit complexity and slower day-to-day operations such as approvals, payments or transaction execution.”

In addition, prolonged understaffing can lead to increased regulatory exposure and additional scrutiny from internal and external stakeholders.

Specialist skills evolve towards hybrid finance and technology profiles

“Profiles with expertise in funds management and strategic financial management remain in high demand,” says Valentina Ciherean. “At the same time, we are seeing a clear shift: companies are increasingly looking for hybrid professionals who combine a strong finance background with technological and programming skills, including experience in automation and artificial intelligence.”

This growing demand reflects a broader transformation within finance functions. Employers are no longer looking exclusively for traditional accountants or controllers. Instead, they seek professionals who understand business processes in depth and can actively improve them by applying digital tools and data-driven approaches.

Demand is therefore particularly high among employers in private equity, credit intermediation and capital markets. In these segments, rising regulatory requirements coincide with the need to increase efficiency and streamline processes. Hybrid profiles that bridge accounting or controlling with technology play a key role in enabling more efficient reporting, improving data quality and supporting faster, better-informed decision-making.

High willingness to move combined with a positive outlook

At the same time, candidate expectations are evolving. Approximately sixty-six per cent of finance professionals state that they are open to a job change. In parallel, more than half remain optimistic about developments in their sector. This combination has further strengthened the bargaining position of qualified professionals.

Candidates cite autonomy, challenging tasks and flexible working arrangements as key criteria when choosing an employer. In addition, around fifty per cent expect a salary increase in the near future. Employers are increasingly responding by adjusting their remuneration structures.

Salary trends for 2026

Findings from the Robert Walters Salary Survey indicate a moderate increase in salary bands across the financial services sector in 2026.

Accountants in corporate functions with 1–5 years of professional experience can expect annual salaries ranging from CHF 90,000 to CHF 125,000. With 6+ years of experience, salaries range between CHF 120,000 and CHF 175,000.

Financial Controllers in corporate functions with 1–5 years of experience earn between approximately CHF 90,000 and CHF 135,000 per year in 2026. For professionals with 6+ years of experience in permanent roles, salaries range from CHF 130,000 to CHF 185,000.

“These figures show that companies are willing to make financial adjustments,” explains Valentina Ciherean. “At the same time, many candidates do not base their decisions on salary alone. They assess very carefully how much responsibility and scope for influence a role truly offers.”

Digitalisation continues to reshape roles

Digitalisation is having a further impact on role profiles. Automated processes are changing traditional accounting tasks, while controllers increasingly act as business partners and as interfaces between management, risk and compliance functions. Professionals with experience in data-driven analysis, modern enterprise resource planning systems and regulatory reporting are becoming key profiles.

Outlook: competition to remain intense through 2026

The outlook remains challenging. Forecasts suggest that competition for controllers and accounting professionals in the financial services sector across German-speaking Switzerland will remain intense. Companies that do not further develop their role profiles and working models risk longer vacancy periods and rising recruitment costs.

Organisations looking to prepare for a candidate-driven market are placing greater emphasis on retention strategies, including competitive compensation, manageable workloads, clear career progression and leadership that prioritises employee development and flexibility.

At the same time, the speed and structure of hiring processes are becoming critical success factors.

In a highly competitive market, delays in decision-making can result in losing strong candidates

notes Valentina Ciherean.

In parallel, many firms are investing in modern finance technology and broadening their view of talent beyond traditional industry backgrounds. Organisations that invest early in culture, infrastructure and workforce planning are better positioned to attract and retain high-performing finance professionals as market conditions tighten.