What senior accountants and accounting experts will earn in 2026

Published date: 3 February 2026

The demand for experienced accounting professionals remains strong, and this is reflected in their salaries. Whether you progress to a Senior Accountant role, take the lead as Head of Accounting, or specialise in tax or treasury, accounting salaries are set to remain highly competitive in 2026.

Charlotte Jacobs, Senior Manager at Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters, provides an overview of the expected salaries for the most sought-after accounting roles in 2026, based on the Robert Walters Salary Survey.

Senior Accountant

The responsibilities of a Senior Accountant vary significantly depending on the type of organisation: an accounting firm, a SME, or a large international company.

Charlotte explains: “Depending on the sector and company size, the average gross annual salary ranges from 120k to 130k CHF.”

Head of Accounting

“As Head of Accounting, you are less involved in daily operational accounting tasks but hold overall responsibility for the entire accounting function from A to Z,” says Charlotte. “You also lay the foundations for financial analyses that will guide strategic decisions and company growth. Professionals in this role earn an average of 140k to 160k CHF gross per year.”

Tax Specialist

“A Tax Specialist advises the organisation on tax strategies and structures, ensures compliance with tax laws, and optimizes tax obligations,” Charlotte continues. “This role requires both deep technical expertise and the ability to adapt strategies to the organisation’s business needs.” The salary for a Tax Specialist ranges between 140k and 180k CHF gross per year, depending on experience and sector.

Treasury Manager

“A Treasury Manager manages the company’s cash flow, financing, and financial risks,” Charlotte explains. “This role demands excellent knowledge of financial markets, liquidity management, and risk management strategies. Depending on experience and sector, the salary ranges from 140k to 180k CHF gross per year.”