International Accounting & Reporting Director

Bellevue Executive Search is supporting a leading global organisation in the Medical Devices industry, with approximately 26,000 employees, in appointing an International Accounting &Reporting Director based in Fribourg.

This is a newly created role, reporting to the International Head of Financial Reporting & Accounting (FRA), with potential for further growth after the first year. The successful candidate will join a close-knit and highly engaged team, proud to contribute to improving patients’ lives.

The role operates within a large and complex international Financial Reporting & Accounting organisation. Its geographical scope spans Europe, China, Japan, APAC and beyond, with a strong focus on international manufacturing operations.

• Lead Financial Reporting & Accounting across international manufacturing operations, including plant balance sheets.
• Lead HR Accounting, Fixed Assets, Assets Under Construction, lease accounting and compliance across the International region.
• Prepare and lead quarterly International Balance Sheet reviews with senior Finance leadership.
• Partner closely with Consolidations & Reporting to ensure that material accounting matters and their reporting implications are understood at Group level.
• Act as a senior Technical Accounting reference point for the International organisation, providing guidance on complex IFRS matters.
• Lead International Balance Sheet governance and coordinate significant and unusual accounting matters across countries and operations.
• Develop, document and defend accounting positions in collaboration with Global Technical Accounting and external auditors.
• Drive consistency and harmonisation of accounting practices across the International organisation.
• Work effectively within an operating model where transactional accounting and closing activities are supported by Shared Service Centres.
• Influence and coordinate senior stakeholders across countries and functions, including teams outside the direct reporting line.
• Actively support M&A projects, reorganisations and Finance transformation initiatives.

• 15+ years of experience developed predominantly within Financial Reporting & Accounting, Group Accounting, Corporate Accounting, Technical Accounting or similar functions.
• CPA, Chartered Accountant or equivalent recognised accounting qualification.
• Strong IFRS and Technical Accounting expertise, with hands-on experience of complex accounting judgements and accounting policies.
• Ideally started their career in Audit, preferably within a Big Four environment, before moving into an in-house Accounting career within large international organisations.
• Significant experience within a large multinational organisation, ideally a listed company operating under IFRS.
• Strong understanding of Shared Service Centre / GBS operating models and how Corporate, Regional, Local and SSC Accounting responsibilities interact.
• Exposure to Manufacturing Accounting is highly relevant.
• Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to lead, develop and engage experienced Accounting teams across functions and geographies.
• International and matrix experience, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders across countries and functions.
• Strong leadership presence and the credibility to interact with senior Finance leadership, Global Accounting functions and external auditors.
• Fluent English.
• Open to Swiss or EU nationals.

The role is based in Fribourg, Switzerland and requires a meaningful on-site presence. International travel is expected, particularly during the first year. There is the option to work from the Geneva office up to two days per week.

This is not a Controlling or FP&A position.

We are specifically looking for candidates who have built their careers within Accounting and Financial Reporting and who combine deep…