Global Senior Chief Accountant, Business Assurance

Company Description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

At SGS, we have an open corporate and international culture. We offer a dynamic work environment in a leading global company. Our high professional standards and our sustainability approach guarantee you a future-oriented work environment. We invest in our employees for the long term and are committed to supporting your development within the company. Our business principles include: Integrity, Health, Safety & Environment, Quality & Professionalism, Respect, Sustainability, and Leadership.

Job Description

Role Overview

As Business Assurance continues to grow as a verticalized global business, SGS BA is seeking a Global Chief Accountant to establish and lead the accounting governance framework across the division. This newly created role will drive accounting consistency, financial governance and process harmonization across a global network of affiliates while supporting strategic initiatives including acquisitions, business integrations, pricing governance and digital transformation.

The successful candidate will partner closely with Regional Controllers, Group Accounting, Group Tax, M&A teams and senior business leaders to develop scalable, compliant and commercially effective financial practices across the organization.

The role will report to the Global Head of Finance (CFO) Business Assurance

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Governance & Financial Reporting

• Develop, implement and maintain global accounting policies, standards and governance frameworks for Business Assurance.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting principles, financial reporting standards and revenue recognition practices across regions and legal entities.
• Standardize accounting treatment of accreditation-related costs and P&L account mapping.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Integration

• Support accounting workstreams related to acquisitions and integrations.
• Review historical financial statements and balance sheets of acquisition targets.
• Conduct accounting assessments and support financial due diligence activities.
• Review purchase price accounting, goodwill calculations and support  post-acquisition reporting requirements & integration.

Pricing Governance & Profitability

• Establish standardized approaches to auditor day-rate calculations and service pricing.
• Improve transparency of cost allocation and profitability drivers.
• Ensure pricing models appropriately consider accreditation, travel, transfer pricing exposure and other service delivery costs.

Billing & Finance Transformation

• Support the development of centralized and efficient billing structures.
• Review and optimize revenue management and charging methodologies for internal support.
• Partner with Finance and Tax teams to ensure effective billing governance and compliance.

SGS Digital & New Business Models

• Support the accounting and governance framework for SGS BA Digital and investment priority in the digitalisation roadmap of BA
• Establish accounting processes for digital platforms and newly acquired businesses in collaboration with Group Finance and Group Tax.
• Ensure appropriate accounting treatment of software, intellectual property and related assets.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management on accounting, reporting and governance matters.
• Partner with Regional Controllers, Group Accounting, Group Tax and business leaders globally.
• Drive adoption of new accounting structures, policies and governance frameworks across international teams.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Chartered Accountant qualification (ACCA, CPA, CA or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience within international organizations.
• Strong technical accounting expertise, including IFRS, financial reporting and accounting governance.
• Experience within a Big Four environment completed by an operative experience in a multinational organization.
• Proven experience supporting acquisitions, due diligence and post-acquisition integration activities.
• Experience establishing accounting policies, controls and governance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of tax and transfer pricing considerations.
• Data literacy and experience with dashboards, analytics and automation tools is desired.
• Advanced proficiency in financial tools and systems (Excel, BI). Oracle ERP experience would be a strong plus.
• Fluency in English. German and/or French would be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong accounting governance and controllership expertise.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
• Ability to build processes, drive change and implement new structures.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to balance strategic and operational priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across diverse international teams.

Additional Information

Why SGS?

• Global and very stable company, world leader in the TIC (Testing, Inspection and Certification) industry.
• Flexible schedule and hybrid/remote model.
• SGS university and Campus for continuos learning options.
• Multinational environment where you will work with colleagues from multiple continents.
• Benefits platform.

Join Us: At SGS we believe in innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and personal development.