An established international service-based organization is seeking an experienced Manager, Accounting & Finance to lead the finance operations of its European regional business. The organization operates globally, bringing together professionals, industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders to advance innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional excellence in highly regulated sectors.
This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and hands-on finance leader to serve as a key member of the regional leadership team while partnering closely with global finance and European regional operations. The successful candidate will oversee all accounting, treasury, financial planning, and financial analysis activities across the European region and play an integral role in supporting organizational growth and operational excellence.
Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of Basel, Switzerland will be considered for this role.
Position Summary
Supporting regional and global leadership, the Manager, Accounting & Finance will be responsible for the financial stewardship of the European region. This role combines strategic financial planning with operational accounting leadership and requires a strong understanding of cross-border business operations, international accounting standards, treasury management, and regulatory & tax compliance.
The successful candidate will provide financial insight, business partnership, and operational leadership to support both regional and global objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Business Partnership
- Serve as the primary finance partner to regional leadership.
- Provide recommendations regarding financial performance, risk management, and long-term business sustainability.
- Support regional strategy development through financial modeling, business case analysis, and evaluation of new opportunities.
- Participate actively as a member of the European regional leadership team.
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Lead and manage all regional accounting activities, ensuring compliance with local statutory requirements and internal policies.
- Oversee general ledger activities, month-end and year-end close processes, and financial reporting.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of management reports and financial analyses.
- Coordinate with global finance teams to maintain consistency in accounting and reporting practices.
Treasury, Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable
- Manage banking relationships and regional cash management activities.
- Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable functions.
- Monitor cash flow and working capital requirements.
- Support treasury planning and financial risk management activities across the region.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting activities.
- Develop monthly financial forecasts and cash flow projections.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and develop corrective action plans in collaboration with regional leaders.
- Prepare ad-hoc and insightful profitability, cost-benefit, and break-even analyses to support strategic decision-making.
Compliance, Audit & Risk Management
- Maintain compliance with relevant accounting, tax, VAT, and regulatory requirements throughout as it pertains to the organization’s operations.
- Monitor changes in financial and tax legislation and implement necessary process updates.
- Support annual external audits and coordinate with auditors as required.
- Review contracts alongside local leadership and external legal advisors to minimize risk exposure and ensure compliance.
People & Vendor Management
- Oversee payroll and benefits administration.
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel, tax advisors, banking institutions, and other statutory authorities.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and oversight to two (2) finance staff and internal operational team members as applicable.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting capabilities, controls, and operational efficiencies.
- Participate in global initiatives to enhance financial systems, planning processes, and reporting tools.
- Drive continuous improvement across finance operations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Professional accounting qualification and/or prior auditing experience are highly preferred.Minimum 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience.
- At least 5 years in an Accounting Manager or equivalent leadership role.
- Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
- Extensive experience overseeing: General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Bank Accounts, Financial Reporting, and Budgeting and Forecasting.
- Experience working within a service-based organization.
- Previous experience working for a subsidiary of an international parent organization.
- Demonstrated experience evaluating cross-border financial transactions and business activities.
Technical Expertise
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Strong knowledge of European accounting standards and financial reporting requirements.
- Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and auditing standards.
- Understanding of Swiss and EU tax regulations, VAT requirements, and fiscal policies.
- Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial databases.
- Strong analytical, planning, and financial modeling skills.
- Experience with multinational financial operations and currency management.
Language Requirements
Fluency in German required with a strong professional proficiency in English required as well.
Personal Characteristics
We are seeking a professional who demonstrates:
- Strategic thinking and sound business judgment.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills.High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, international environment.