Finance & Accounting Specialist – 60%

An international company with a well-established presence in Switzerland is looking for an experienced Finance & Accounting Specialist (60%) to join its local team near Zürich. This is a broad and varied finance position within a small team, combining accounting, controlling, reporting and financial administration. While accounting remains an important part of the role, this is not a purely transactional bookkeeping position. You will oversee and validate accounting activities performed by the Group Shared Service Centre, ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data, support local reporting and budgeting, and take responsibility for key internal controls and finance processes. You will work closely with the local team and Managing Director, as well as colleagues in the headquarters and Shared Service Centre. The role offers considerable autonomy and the opportunity to contribute directly to the continuous improvement of the company's financial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for day-to-day accounting activities and oversee monthly and annual closing processes in collaboration with the Shared Service Centre
• Review and control accounting entries and ensure bookings processed by the Shared Service Centre are accurate, complete and compliant with local requirements
• Prepare Swiss tax filings and declarations, including VAT, corporate income tax and withholding tax
• Support and execute Group consolidation activities
• Prepare, analyse and provide internal financial reporting for local and Group stakeholders
• Support the annual budgeting and planning process, including analysis of variances and financial performance
• Take responsibility for the Internal Control System (ICS) and ensure appropriate financial controls are maintained
• Work closely with the Shared Service Centre to resolve accounting issues and ensure high-quality financial data
• Support selected local HR administration, including employment contract management, master data maintenance and coordination of externally managed payroll
• Identify opportunities to improve and streamline accounting and financial processes
• Act as a knowledgeable finance partner to the local business, supporting the team with accounting and controlling-related matters
• Liaise with colleagues at Group HQ and other international functions as required

Your Profile

• Several years of relevant experience in accounting and finance, ideally gained within the Swiss market
• A completed qualification as a Certified Accountant / Bilanzbuchhalter or equivalent professional qualification
• Experience working in a commercial, trading or international corporate environment is advantageous
• Solid understanding of Swiss accounting and tax requirements
• Experience working with SAP or other SAP finance tools; SAP S/4HANA experience is advantageous but not essential
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data; experience with Hyperion or similar reporting/consolidation systems would be a plus
• Good understanding of controlling, budgeting, reporting and internal controls
• Comfortable reviewing and challenging accounting work performed by a Shared Service Centre rather than simply processing transactions yourself
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, combined with a hands-on and pragmatic approach
• Structured, independent and highly organised working style
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and reliability
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with both local and international stakeholders
• Fluent German is essential, alongside very good written and spoken English
• Established professional experience in the Swiss market, ideally for at least several years

What the Role Offers

• A varied 60% position combining accounting, controlling and financial oversight
• A key finance role within a small, collaborative local team
• Significant autonomy and responsibility
• International exposure and close cooperation with Group HQ and a Shared Service Centre
• The opportunity to influence and improve financial processes and controls
• A professional environment where your accounting expertise is complemented by broader controlling and business responsibilities
• Conveniently located office in the Zürich area

Recruitment Process

The process is expected to consist of an initial video interview, followed by an on-site meeting with the local team and relevant management. The final stage will provide an opportunity to meet the local leadership team and gain a better understanding of the business and working environment.