International Accounting & Reporting Director

Bellevue Executive Search GmbH; Freiburg; On-site; CHF 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Bellevue Executive Search is supporting a leading global Medical Devices organisation to appoint an International Accounting & Reporting Director based in Fribourg. The role reports to the International Head of Financial Reporting & Accounting and leads international financial reporting across manufacturing operations.

It requires 15+ years in financial reporting, strong IFRS knowledge, and a track record of leading multinational accounting teams.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in Financial Reporting & Accounting, Group/Corporate accounting, or Technical Accounting.
• CPA, Chartered Accountant or equivalent.
• Strong IFRS and technical accounting expertise with complex judgements.
• Big Four audit experience advantageous, then in-house multinational exposure.
• Experience with Shared Service Centres/GBS models and international matrix structures.
• Manufacturing accounting exposure is highly relevant.
• Proven leadership of accounting teams across geographies.
• Fluent English; international travel expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Reporting & Accounting across international manufacturing operations.
• Lead HR Accounting, Fixed Assets, AUC, lease accounting and compliance internationally.
• Prepare and lead quarterly International Balance Sheet reviews with senior Finance leadership.
• Partner with Consolidations & Reporting on material accounting matters for Group.
• Act as senior Technical Accounting reference point for IFRS issues.
• Governance of International Balance Sheet and coordination of significant accounting matters.
• Drive consistency/harmonisation of accounting practices across the international organisation.
• Support M&A and Finance transformation initiatives.

Skills

IFRS expertise

Technical accounting

Leadership

Manufacturing accounting

Audit background

Global accounting

Fluent English

Education

CPA/CA or equivalent

Job description

International Accounting & Reporting Director

Fribourg, Switzerland | International scope

Bellevue Executive Search is supporting a leading global organisation in the Medical Devices industry, with approximately 26,000 employees, in appointing an International Accounting &Reporting Director based in Fribourg.

This is a newly created role, reporting to the International Head of Financial Reporting & Accounting (FRA), with potential for further growth after the first year. The successful candidate will join a close-knit and highly engaged team, proud to contribute to improving patients’ lives.

The role operates within a large and complex international Financial Reporting & Accounting organisation. Its geographical scope spans Europe, China, Japan, APAC and beyond, with a strong focus on international manufacturing operations.

The role is built around three pillars:

1. Leading Financial Reporting & Accounting across international manufacturing operations, as well as HR Accounting, Fixed Assets, Assets Under Construction, lease accounting and compliance.
2. Acting as the key International point of contact for Global Technical Accounting, ensuring that significant and unusual events affecting the International Balance Sheet are appropriately identified and reported.
3. Playing an active role in the ongoing Finance transformation, M&A activities, reorganisations and other strategic projects.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead Financial Reporting & Accounting across international manufacturing operations, including plant balance sheets.
• Lead HR Accounting, Fixed Assets, Assets Under Construction, lease accounting and compliance across the International region.
• Prepare and lead quarterly International Balance Sheet reviews with senior Finance leadership.
• Partner closely with Consolidations & Reporting to ensure that material accounting matters and their reporting implications are understood at Group level.
• Act as a senior Technical Accounting reference point for the International organisation, providing guidance on complex IFRS matters.
• Lead International Balance Sheet governance and coordinate significant and unusual accounting matters across countries and operations.
• Develop, document and defend accounting positions in collaboration with Global Technical Accounting and external auditors.
• Drive consistency and harmonisation of accounting practices across the International organisation.
• Work effectively within an operating model where transactional accounting and closing activities are supported by Shared Service Centres.
• Influence and coordinate senior stakeholders across countries and functions, including teams outside the direct reporting line.
• Actively support M&A projects, reorganisations and Finance transformation initiatives.

Candidate profile requirements:

• 15+ years of experience developed predominantly within Financial Reporting & Accounting, Group Accounting, Corporate Accounting, Technical Accounting or similar functions.
• CPA, Chartered Accountant or equivalent recognised accounting qualification.
• Strong IFRS and Technical Accounting expertise, with hands-on experience of complex accounting judgements and accounting policies.
• Ideally started their career in Audit, preferably within a Big Four environment, before moving into an in-house Accounting career within large international organisations.
• Significant experience within a large multinational organisation, ideally a listed company operating under IFRS.
• Strong understanding of Shared Service Centre / GBS operating models and how Corporate, Regional, Local and SSC Accounting responsibilities interact.
• Exposure to Manufacturing Accounting is highly relevant.
• Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to lead, develop and engage experienced Accounting teams across functions and geographies.
• International and matrix experience, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders across countries and functions.
• Strong leadership presence and the credibility to interact with senior Finance leadership, Global Accounting functions and external auditors.
• Fluent English.
• Open to Swiss or EU nationals.

The role is based in Fribourg, Switzerland and requires a meaningful on-site presence. International travel is expected, particularly during the first year. There is the option to work from the Geneva office up to two days per week.

This is not a Controlling or FP&A position.

We are specifically looking for candidates who have built their careers within Accounting and Financial Reporting and who combine deep Technical Accounting expertise with experience in complex international operating environments.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to every candidate. However, we will ensure that you receive an update on your application within the following weeks.