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 99,500 employees operate a network of 2,500 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Senior Accountant with a strong technical accounting background to take a key role within a lean and flat finance organization.
Accounting Ownership, Closing & Intercompany
-
Take ownership of the General Ledger (GL) across both entities
-
Lead and ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual closings
-
Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, provisions, and adjustments
-
Ensure balance sheet integrity through robust reconciliations
-
Review and validate intercompany balances and reconciliations prepared by SSC
-
Support the preparation of statutory accounts and ensure compliance with local requirements
Multi-Entity Compliance, Control & Risk Management
-
Ensure compliance with Group policies and local regulations
-
Implement key internal controls and check consistently applied across both entities
-
Identify and address main accounting risks and control gaps, especially between SSC and local activities
-
Review critical processes (e.g. billing, GL, intercompany) to ensure accuracy and proper controls
-
Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and clear ownership of processes
-
Maintain clear documentation and audit trail to support audit readiness
SSC Collaboration & Control
-
Work closely with the Shared Service Center (AP, Fixed Assets, Master Data, Cash Management, Intercompany, part of AR/billing)
-
Review key outputs and ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency
-
Act as a coordination and escalation point for complex or non-standard issues
-
Monitor service quality and contribute to continuous improvement of SSC processes
-
Ensure strong alignment between SSC and local activities
Team Collaboration & Projects
-
Work closely with two Senior Accountants and two Junior in a flat structure
-
Provide collaborative guidance and peer review when needed (no formal management responsibility)
-
Contribute to finance transformation initiatives (e.g. ERP improvements, process standardization)
Tax & Audit
-
Coordinate tax-related matters with SSC and external advisors
-
Actively participate in and support internal and external audits, VAT processes
Qualifications
Experience/Qualifications:
-
Minimum 7 years of experience in accounting with strong GL and closing expertise
-
Proven experience in a multi-entity and SSC environment
-
Comfortable operating in a lean, flat organization
-
Degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent
Technical Skills:
-
Strong expertise in financial accounting, reconciliations, and closing processes
-
Good understanding of SSC operating models and controls
-
Solid knowledge of intercompany accounting
-
Knowledge of IFRS and/or local GAAP
-
Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, etc.)
-
Advanced Excel skills
Soft Skills:
-
Strong ownership mindset and accountability
-
Ability to operate both hands-on and with a control perspective
-
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
-
Comfortable working in a matrix environment
-
Pragmatic, proactive, and solution-oriented
-
High level of integrity and attention to detail
Additional Information
The role covers two legal entities and operates in close collaboration with a Shared Service Center (SSC) and a local team composed of two Senior Accountants and one Junior. It is a hands-on, high-impact individual contributor position, with a strong emphasis on accounting ownership and internal control. Working closely with the Head of Finance, offering progressive exposure to broader finance responsibilities. This position offers a natural progression toward Head of Finance, providing:
-
Exposure to multi-entity and SSC environments
-
Ownership of core accounting and control topics
-
Close collaboration with senior leadership
-
Gradual expansion into broader finance responsibilities
