The Role

This is a senior, ownership-driven position. You will run the day-to-day accounting of the Swiss entities end-to-end, drive the monthly close, and act as the CFO's right hand on reporting, audit, and compliance matters. You will work in a genuinely entrepreneurial environment: processes are being built and improved in real time, and you will have direct influence on how the finance function operates.

The right candidate combines strong technical accounting fundamentals with pragmatism, attention to detail, and the accountability to see issues through resolution.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting operations

• Own the general ledger for the Swiss entity: AP, AR, banking, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, and intercompany bookings

• Perform bank, POS, and card-settlement reconciliations and clear open items on a disciplined monthly cadence

• Maintain clean, well-documented journal entries with proper supporting evidence and audit trail

• Support liquidity management: cash flow monitoring, payment planning, and short-term liquidity forecasting

• Contribute to the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasts, and track performance against budget

Payroll accounting

• Book monthly payroll and reconcile social insurance, pension (BVG), accident and sickness insurance, and withholding tax positions

• Coordinate payroll data flows between the HR management system and the payroll accounting system

Monthly close and reporting

• Drive the month-end close to a fixed timetable; prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements under Swiss GAAP / Swiss Code of Obligations

• Prepare management reporting and variance analysis (actual vs. budget/forecast) with clear commentary

• Support intercompany reconciliation across group entities (CH, CZ)

Tax and compliance

• Prepare quarterly Swiss VAT returns and support VAT positions in cross-border and export flows

• Support corporate tax filings and coordinate with the external fiduciary (Treuhand) and tax advisors

• Stay current on Swiss accounting and tax developments relevant to the business

Audit and controls

• Act as primary day-to-day contact for external auditors and the fiduciary during statutory and tax audits; prepare complete, accurate documentation packages

• Help strengthen internal controls: segregation of duties, approval workflows, period locking, and reconciliation discipline

Process improvement

• Identify and implement improvements in financial/accounting workflows (AP automation, payment runs, reconciliation routines, reporting)

• Collaborate with operations, sales, and logistics teams to ensure transactions are captured correctly at source

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Swiss qualification (e.g., Fachausweis Finanz- und Rechnungswesen) is a strong plus

• 5–8 years of hands-on accounting experience, ideally in Swiss SMEs in production, wholesale, retail, or agriculture; international/multi-entity exposure preferred

• Solid command of Swiss GAAP and the Swiss Code of Obligations; working knowledge of Swiss VAT (incl. import/export mechanics) and payroll-related social insurances

• Strong ERP proficiency — Odoo experience is a significant advantage; advanced Excel skills expected

• Fluent English and German (both required)

• Precise, structured, and self-directed; comfortable taking full ownership of deliverables and deadlines in a fast-moving environment

• High integrity and comfort working with confidential information

What We Offer

Competitive compensation:
- Full-time position with a gross salary of 110,000 – 130,000 CHF per year (depending on experience and qualifications).
- Part-time employment is also possible with a gross salary of 85,000 – 105,000 CHF per year.
Full compliance with Swiss labor law — including 25 working days of paid vacation per year (pro-rata for part-time), public holidays, and all mandatory social benefits.
Professional development — opportunities for further training and career growth within the company.
Modern and flexible working environment — possibility to work part-time or with flexible hours.
Stable and secure employment in a well-established company.

Important requirements:

· We primarily consider Swiss citizens and candidates who already possess a valid Swiss work permit (B or C permit).

· Excellent command of Swiss German or German (minimum C2 level) and Upper-Intermediate level of English (minimum B2 level).

Essence Investment AG

Latest Jobs

Senior Accountant / Controller