Sr Manager, Accounting & Reporting, Switzerland
Location:
Zurich, CH, 8005
At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!
About the Role
The Senior Manager Accounting & Reporting, Switzerland is responsible for the end‑to‑end integrity, accuracy, and governance of all accounting and financial reporting activities across the Swiss cluster. The role provides strategic leadership in accounting, statutory reporting, tax compliance, and internal controls, ensuring full alignment with IFRS, Swiss GAAP, and Group Accounting policies.
Operating within a matrix organization, the role collaborates closely with FP&A, Finance Business Partners, Corporate Services, Group Accounting, and Global Business Services (GBS). The Senior Manager leads a team of chief accountants and plays a key role in regional and Group‑level transformation initiatives, driving process excellence, automation, and continuous improvement across the finance function.
Key Responsibilities Include
1. Lead the end‑to‑end preparation and sign‑off of monthly AFINAN and statutory reporting for the Swiss cluster, ensuring full compliance with IFRS, Swiss GAAP, and Group Accounting policies
2. Act as the primary technical accounting authority, providing guidance on complex accounting matters, disclosures, and financial governance
3. Coordinate and lead the external audit process, ensuring efficient planning, high‑quality documentation, and timely resolution of audit queries while maintaining strong relationships with auditors and Group Accounting
4. Oversee direct tax compliance and proactively identify risks whilst collaborating with Group Tax on complex topics
5. Ensure robust internal controls by monitoring compliance, driving remediation, and leading automation and governance improvements across accounting processes
6. Own the balance sheet integrity framework for Switzerland, conducting regular reviews, ensuring accuracy and completeness
7. Partner closely with FP&A, Finance Business Partners, Corporate Services, and Group Accounting to ensure alignment between accounting outcomes, business performance, and strategic priorities
8. Provide accounting leadership for investment valuations, business cases, and capital funding requirements, ensuring accurate modelling and adherence to Group standards
9. Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and digitalization initiatives across the accounting and reporting landscape, leading cross‑functional projects and supporting system enhancements
10. Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning, while ensuring strong succession planning
About You
11. Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior accounting or reporting role
12. Experience managing external audits and resolving complex audit queries
13. Strong knowledge of tax compliance requirements, including indirect tax principles
14. Expertise in internal control systems and governance frameworks
15. Experience conducting balance sheet reviews and performing financial analysis
16. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and senior leadership
17. Track record of driving continuous improvement and implementing process enhancements
18. Project management experience is an advantage
19. Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or equivalent certification is mandatory
20. Extensive experience in financial accounting and reporting with strong expertise in IFRS and Swiss GAAP
21. Proven track record in managing external audits and ensuring compliance with tax regulations
22. Demonstrated experience operating in a matrix organization within a multinational environment
23. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex financial data
24. Strong communication and interpersonal skills
25. Fluency in German and English is mandatory (written and spoken)
26. Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to motivate, develop, and empower teams