Director of Finance, EMEA
Skills
About the Role
You will lead regional finance operations from the European headquarters in Lugano and act as the primary finance leader for EMEA. You will own accounting operations including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll coordination, manage month-end and quarter-end close, and ensure IFRS and Group GAAP compliance. You will drive budgeting, forecasting, FP&A and cash flow planning, coordinate with treasury, and analyze variances to deliver actionable insights. You will oversee revenue recognition and complex contract accounting under IFRS 15 / ASC 606, manage audits and statutory reporting, maintain internal controls and SOX-aligned processes, and handle regional tax compliance and filings. You will build and develop the EMEA finance function, operate hands-on in the ERP and reporting environment, and lead process standardization and automation initiatives.
Requirements
- Minimum 8+ years progressive finance or accounting experience including leadership roles in international or EMEA regional organizations
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field
- CPA, ACCA or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred
- Big 4 or top-tier public accounting experience strongly preferred
- Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and solid understanding of US GAAP
- Familiarity with financial and regulatory regimes including Switzerland, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands
- Experience with revenue recognition, contract accounting and multi-entity structures
- Demonstrated ability to manage audits, internal controls and statutory compliance
- Strong business partnering skills and ability to work across cultures and functions
- Fluency in English and Italian; professional working proficiency in German; French preferred
- Comfortable operating in both strategic and hands-on execution modes
Responsibilities
- Lead regional finance operations
- Oversee accounting operations including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll coordination
- Manage month-end and quarter-end close processes
- Ensure compliance with IFRS and Group GAAP / PCAOB reporting standards
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities
- Analyze actuals versus budget and deliver actionable insights
- Oversee cash flow planning and working capital management
- Support revenue recognition under IFRS 15 / ASC 606 and review non-standard contracts
- Act as primary EMEA contact for external and statutory auditors
- Maintain internal controls and support SOX-aligned processes
- Oversee regional tax compliance and statutory filings
- Build, manage and develop the EMEA finance team
- Drive ERP optimization, reporting standardization and automation