Global Financial Controller – Business Assurance

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 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

At SGS, we have an open corporate and international culture. We offer a dynamic work environment in a leading global company. Our high professional standards and our sustainability approach guarantee you a future-oriented work environment. We invest in our employees for the long term and are committed to supporting your development within the company. Our business principles include: Integrity, Health, Safety & Environment, Quality & Professionalism, Respect, Sustainability, and Leadership.

Job Description

The role can be performed in a remote set-up, we are open to candidates based across Europe holding a valid work permit for their country of residence.

The position reports to the Global Head of Finance Business Assurance

Job Overview:

As part of the Business Assurance Global Finance Team, the role includes the global oversight of financial planning and analysis (FP&A), management reporting and controlling to ensure the performance delivery of the Certification business. Management of one direct report (FP&A Manager).

We seek a senior finance professional with global management experience and full P&L understanding, combining deep operational and technical financial expertise with a proven ability to drive organizational growth and a strong understanding of complex, multinational business environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Leadership & Global Controlling

• Lead global FP&A processes: budget KPIs, reforecast, monthly performance commentary and gap analysis.
• Preparation of deliverables to the Executive Committee, including presentations and ad hoc analyses.
• Provide cross-functional financial analysis to support corporate strategies and organizational priorities.
• Business partnering with Heads of Regions and Global functions (Sales, Marketing, IT).
• Support leadership in all figure-related tasks, ensuring high-quality outputs for decision-making and strategic discussions.
• Strong technical expertise in consolidations, transfer pricing, intercompany eliminations, multi-entity reporting, and foreign currency translation.
• Advanced knowledge of IFRS (and US GAAP where relevant) and global compliance frameworks.

2. M&A Activities

• Take part in screening M&A opportunities, challenge acquisition cases, and support due diligence processes.
• Support financial integration of acquired companies to align processes and group reporting requirements.
• Partner with teams on business growth initiatives, evaluating financial feasibility and conducting due diligence.
• Lead and support M&A activities, including financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and integration planning.
• Must have strong, hands-on experience in evaluating companies, assessing risk, and applying sound judgment with strategic oversight.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Partnering

• Point of contact with Group Corporate Finance (Group Control, Treasury, Finance Shared Service Centers).
• Act as the go-to person for Country Business Managers for finance topics and for local Finance teams regarding global business requirements.
• Must be resilient, agile and able to communicate clearly with affiliates, building trust and credibility with local and global stakeholders.

Qualifications

Key Requirements

1. Education & Certifications

• Minimum a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• CFA or ACCA certified is a strong plus.

1. Experience

• Extensive experience (minimum 15 years) in financial controlling, FP&A, or business partnering roles in multi-regional corporate environments.
• Proven track record in M&A: due diligence, integration processes, valuation, and supporting acquisition decisions.
• Experience working in a global, high-growth environment with full P&L understanding.

1. Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in financial tools and systems (Excel, BI). Oracle ERP experience.
• High data literacy and experience with dashboards, analytics, and automation tools (Power BI, Tableau).

1. Leadership & Personal Attributes.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage diverse responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Capacity to prioritise, manage heavy workloads, and remain resilient under pressure.
• High integrity, ethical values, and a strong moral compass.
• Ability to influence across cultures and time zones, with clear and concise communication skills.

1. Language skills

• Fluency in English in addition to local language is a must have.
• Fluency in German would be a very strong advantage.

Please send your CV in English.

We are only open to candidates with a valid work permit for the country of their residence. 

Additional Information

Why SGS?

• Global company, world leader in the TIC (Testing, Inspection and Certification) industry.
• Flexible schedule and hybrid model.
• SGS university and Campus for continuos learning options.
• Multinational environment where you will work with colleagues from multiple continents.
• Benefits platform.

Join Us: At SGS we believe in innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and personal development. 

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