Job Summary
The Head of Finance serves as a member of the Operations Team and is responsible for operational oversight of the Finance Team. The position requires the candidate to play an integral role in the implementation of ISZL's strategy.
Responsibilities:
* Be a natural team player who nurtures high standards of support within the Finance and Operations departments, as well as across divisions.
* Manage, motivate, lead and continuously develop the Finance Team, providing clear objectives, meaningful feedback and personal/professional development opportunities.
* Develop and set annual goals in line with the school's strategic plan.
* Prepare reports relevant to institutional bench-marking and data-driven decision making.
* Collaborate with external consultants, legal counsel and key stakeholders such as Cantonal and Community authorities and partners in Economic networks.
* Maintain and further develop the efficient and effective use of our Finance system (Abacus).
* Establish, maintain, continuously improve and supervise financial and accounting controls (Internal Control System, ICS) and procedures to ensure financial integrity.
* Support with the preparation of the annual operating and capital budget and take on the lead for this critical yearly process.
* Monitor budget and hold people accountable for agreed budget.
* Establish a solid framework for regular financial reporting.
* Produce the annual statutory accounts for ISZL, as well as year-end financial statements.
* Ensure preparation for the independent Annual Audit and for closing reviews.
* Support the development and implementation of the finance strategy.
* Identify needs and opportunities to continuously improve services provided by the Finance and Controlling Team.
* Supervise the accounts receivable and accounts payable.
* Supervise the preparation of invoices/reminders and monitor payments.
* Supervise insurance policies and work closely with our insurance broker.
* Define, implement and keep up to date relevant policies and procedures, to ensure accurate handling of financial resources.
Requirements:
* Proven leadership and people skills, including experience in leading teams during times of significant change.
* In-depth knowledge of finance, accounting, controlling and reporting.
* Knowledge and understanding of operating a robust internal control system.
* Chartered Specialist in Accounting and Financial Management with Federal Diploma of Higher Education, ideally with continuing education in economics, or equivalent.
* Experience of coordination and leading on the budgetary processes, in financial planning and analysis, investments and strategic planning.
* Strong business acumen and outstanding service ethos and mindset with a thorough understanding of working in an international, socially-responsible, service-oriented organisation.
* Integrity in all actions and communications.
* Ability to collaborate with various different personalities and groups of people at the same time in a very dynamic environment.
* Natural curiosity and willingness to continuously learn and improve.
* Fluent in German and English (written and spoken) and fully comfortable in leading finance related discussions in English.
* Advanced Excel skills are a must.
About Us:
We offer a modern, dynamic and collaborative work environment, open communication, short decision-making processes and flexibility. We provide generous holiday entitlement, paid insurance benefits, pension fund contributions, professional development opportunities and tuition discount.