Head of Technical Accounting and External Reporting

Head of Technical Accounting and External Reporting

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Head of Technical Accounting and External Reporting to lead the company’s external financial reporting and technical accounting function. In this role, the Head of Technical Accounting and External Reporting will collaborate with various IWG stakeholders to lead the external reporting process, ensuring compliance with IFRS, US GAAP and consideration of both UK listing and US SEC reporting requirements. The ideal candidate will be a key contributor to the interpretation of accounting policies and their application, oversee the preparation and filing of quarterly reports (which in the future may include filing Forms 10Q and 10K with the SEC), and work cross-functionally to support complex accounting transactions and policy development.

This role plays a critical part in the Company’s first-time adoption of US GAAP and potential SEC reporting requirements, as well as upholding the integrity of the company’s current financial statements under IFRS, supporting external audits, and developing and maintaining internal controls over financial reporting.

This role reports into the Financial Controller in Zug, Switzerland.

Key Responsibilities

External Reporting

• Lead the preparation of the Company’s financial statements, MD&A and disclosures under IFRS, US GAAP and UK Listing/SEC reporting standards.
• Partner with various teams across the Company to ensure timely and accurate filings.
• Redesign and implement financial reporting processes, systems and controls underpinning successful transition to US GAAP and potential SEC reporting.
• Build a robust and sustainable IFRS/US GAAP and external reporting function.

Technical Accounting

• Establish, draft and maintain technical accounting policies.
• Research US GAAP and IFRS standards and prepare technical memorandums ensuring appropriate accounting for key transactions.
• Lead interactions with external auditors on key technical accounting and financial reporting matters.
• Ensure complex transactions are appropriately accounted and reflected in the financial statements.

Other

• Lead the quarterly impairment assessment of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets portfolio, including modelling and documenting key assumptions.
• Manage day to day relationships with external auditors and oversee the delivery of audit request support.
• Support investor relations and the executive team with external financial reporting.
• Provide leadership and coaching to the Switzerland-based consolidation and external reporting team.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, CPA preferred.
• 8+ years progressive accounting experience, including Big 4 public accounting or relevant industry experience in a publicly traded company.
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP and UK Listing/SEC regulations for the preparation of external financial filings.
• Proven ability in problem solving, directing/leading and motivating others and working in a cross-functional team.
• Experience in a multinational organization.
• Strong work ethic, integrity and commitment to excellence.
• Experience with financial reporting software and ERP systems (i.e. Dynamics 365, Oracle FCCS) preferred.
• Experience of applying US GAAP and IFRS to technical and judgemental accounting matters including leases, business combinations and annual impairment reviews.
• Adherence to critical deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, with an ability to communicate complex financial information to a wide group of stakeholders.
• Fluent in English.