Head of Financial Reporting & Accounting (m/f/d)

DE61 (FCRS = DE061) Novartis Business Services GmbH; München; Hybrid; EUR 118,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Hybrid working options

14 weeks parental leave

Job summary

Novartis AG is seeking a Head of Financial Reporting & Accounting to lead global and regional financial reporting, drive digital innovation, and shape strategic direction within the finance organization. You will manage high-performing teams, ensure compliance, and partner with senior leaders to deliver actionable insights across complex environments.

The role emphasizes talent development, automation, and data-driven decision making, with a focus on transforming finance through modern

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field with a recognized accounting qualification.
• Extensive experience in financial reporting, technical accounting, statutory reporting, and financial controls.
• Proven track record leading large teams, developing talent, and driving organizational change.
• Strong knowledge of German accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements within multinational organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading transformation initiatives, simplifying processes, and improving business performance.
• Experience applying digital, automation, and artificial intelligence solutions while exercising strong professional judgment.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills across global and senior leadership audiences.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute Financial Reporting and Accounting strategy aligned with regional and global business priorities.
• Lead, develop, and inspire high-performing Financial Reporting and Accounting teams across complex organizational structures.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement of finance processes, systems, controls, and operating models.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring to support strategic decision making.
• Oversee risk management activities and proactively address accounting, regulatory, and compliance risks.
• Partner with senior leaders to deliver business insights and drive operational and financial excellence.

Skills

Financial reporting

Technical accounting

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Automation & AI

Talent development

Education

Accounting qualification

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Salary Range: €117,700.00 - €176,500.00

Job Description Summary #LI-Hybrid Location: Munich, Germany Relocation Support: Yes

Are you ready to shape the future of financial reporting and accounting at one of the world's leading healthcare companies? As Head of Financial Reporting & Accounting, you will play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Novartis' finance organization, driving strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial integrity across complex global and regional environments. This is a unique opportunity to lead high-performing teams, influence senior stakeholders, champion digital innovation, and help transform finance through modern technologies, automation, and data-driven decision making. If you are a collaborative finance leader who thrives on delivering impact while developing talent and inspiring change, we would love to hear from you.

Job Description Key Responsibilities

• Shape and execute Financial Reporting and Accounting strategy aligned with regional and global business priorities.
• Lead, develop, and inspire high-performing Financial Reporting and Accounting teams across complex organizational structures.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement of finance processes, systems, controls, and operating models.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring to support strategic decision making.
• Oversee risk management activities and proactively address accounting, regulatory, and compliance risks.
• Partner with senior leaders to deliver business insights and drive operational and financial excellence.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field with a recognized accounting qualification.
• Extensive experience in financial reporting, technical accounting, statutory reporting, and financial controls.
• Proven track record leading large teams, developing talent, and driving organizational change.
• Strong knowledge of German accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements within multinational organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading transformation initiatives, simplifying processes, and improving business performance.
• Experience applying digital, automation, and artificial intelligence solutions while exercising strong professional judgment.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills across global and senior leadership audiences.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within German, Austrian, or Swiss finance and regulatory environments.
• Combined experience in a Big Four professional services firm and industry finance leadership roles.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 117,700 EUR to 176,500 EUR The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process. Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities

The law provides for severely disabled / equal applicants the opportunity to involve the local representative body for disabled employees (SBV) in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.

Skills Desired

Critical Thinking, Financial Accounting Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.