Finance Controller

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

This role requires a strong Accounting and Financial Control foundation. FP&A and business partnering capabilities are important, but robust accounting, reporting, compliance, and governance leadership are considered critical success factors.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

Financial Control, Compliance & Risk Management

- Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment to safeguard company assets and ensure regulatory compliance • Lead internal and external audits, statutory reporting activities, tax compliance, and financial governance initiatives • Identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks • Manage cash flow, working capital, treasury activities, and credit risk to support business sustainability and growth • Ensure timely completion of tax filings, statutory submissions, and regulatory reporting requirements

Business Partnership & Performance Management

- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
- Collaborate with Business Units and stakeholders to improve business performance and operational efficiency.

Finance Transformation & Leadership

- Drive finance process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives • Lead ERP implementation, system enhancement, and digital transformation projects across Finance Operations • Collaborate with Regional and Global Finance teams to ensure alignment with SGS policies, governance standards, and best practices • Build, develop, and lead a high-performing finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement

Strong Accounting, Controllership, and Financial Reporting expertise is considered essential for success in this role, while FP&A experience is preferred but not mandatory

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and completeness of financial records in compliance with IFRS, local statutory requirements, and SGS policies • Own and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to local management, Regional Finance, and Group Finance • Review and approve financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, provisions, accruals, and key accounting assessments • Ensure the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with all applicable accounting standards, statutory regulations, and corporate policies • Serve as the primary accounting leader and subject matter expert on financial reporting, accounting treatment, and control-related matters

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification is highly preferred • Advanced degree (MBA or Master's in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration) is an advantage; Minimum 12-15 years of progressive finance experience, including significant responsibility in accounting, financial reporting, financial control, audit, and compliance • Proven leadership experience managing Accounting and Finance teams within a multinational corporation • Strong background in financial closing, statutory reporting, external audit management, and internal controls • Experience partnering with business leaders to support strategic decision-making and business performance improvement; Hands-on experience with ERP implementation, finance transformation, or process improvement initiatives is highly preferred • Experience in a shared service, matrix, or regional reporting environment is an advantage