Group Accounting Governance Specialist

Zurich (CHWP), ZH, CH, 8005

Barry Callebaut is the heart and engine of the cocoa and chocolate industry. We are looking for Group Accounting Governance Specialist in Switzerland (CH) for Zurich (CHWP). Our broad range of products and services span all aspects from cocoa sourcing to fine chocolate products, which are loved by people of all ages worldwide. We are passionate about our business and work hard every day to ensure that there is enough chocolate in the world. Nothing is more important to our success than the combined expertise of more than 11'000 Barry Callebaut employees around the world. Our international focus in the fascinating world of cocoa-growing and chocolate are the colorful backdrop for our many functions across a wide range of disciplines. In addition to sharing a passion for chocolate, Barry Callebaut employees live our other corporate values every day - customer focus, entrepreneurship, integrity and team spirit. We are committed to making sure that they have the right skills, know-how and deep understanding of our customers and their needs. Engaging and developing our employees is the key to our success. Because our business focus is so broad, the scope of career opportunities within Barry Callebaut can cover many functional areas.

We are currently looking for an experienced Group Accounting and Governance specalist to play a key role responsible for the implementation and monitoring of governance initiatives for the Group Accounting and Reporting team and act as a key point of contact for the Regional Accounting CoE.

Purpose of the role includes:

• This role develops, implements, and maintains governance frameworks for the Accounting and Reporting functions along with various subject matter experts, ensuring that they are functioning effectively, responsibilities are met, and effective collaboration is achieved.


• This role equally ensures that all supporting documentation and training material is relevant as well as up to date.


• This role promotes accounting guidelines / policies and best practices as well as enforces governance principles, thereby maximizing the Accounting and Reporting functions’ performance.


• The role builds communities and networks with internal stakeholders to uphold as well as renew expertise within the Accounting and Reporting functions.


• This role gets guidance and support from the Group Accounting Lead on complex activities, ad hoc requests, and key issues in the execution of duties.

Major Accountabilities:

• Establish approach / structure for group wide accounting governance in line with the Group’s operating model (including regular touch points COEs / key acct stakeholders / SSC)


• Drive harmonization and automation of global and local accounting and reporting processes


• Transformation lead for Group’s operational excellence projects (relating to Accounting and Reporting function) and governance


• Develop training model (web based / physical) in line with Group’s operational excellence methodology


• Prepare and roll-out standard training for key areas of accounting and reporting
  
  
  
  • Training materials for monthly and annual accounts
  
  
  • Onboarding training for new joiners to A&R functions
  
  
  • Training on key systems and tools (incl. SAP Financial Consolidation and Group Accounting Guidelines / Governance)
  
  
  • Key accounting topics (in collaboration with G&AR specialists) including IFRS 9: valuation of commodities (inventories, contracts, derivatives) and hedge accounting concept and documentation, intercompany processes (monthly closing instructions / cutoff tc.), and new standards incl. IFRS 15 and 16
  
  


• Overhaul accounting guidelines in compliance with IFRS


• Support on accounting projects managed by G&AR including IFRS changes


• Implement / roll out and training related to IFRS 16 and other new standards

Key performance indicators:

• Timely preparation of accurate monthly and annual financial reporting


• Ensuring proper processes, timely coordination and summarization of significant accounting and reporting matters


• Ensuring accurate accounting and reporting advice to local entities and regions with appropriate and high quality documentation


• Support and responses to accounting requests from business partners in a timely manner

Requirements / Capabilities:

• Education: university degree, preferably in Accounting, together with professional qualification (CA or CPA)


• Languages: fluent English, other languages considered a plus


• Experience: minimum 5-7 years in Big 4 accounting firm or blue-chip mulitinational environment


• System experience in SAP ERP and consolidation modules is considered a plus


• Demonstrate positive attitude and support for team decisions, and participate in knowledge sharing both in giving and receiving


• Able to work in cross-functional and multi-country environments


• Continuous improvement mentality


• Curiosity to understand complex topics


• Mindset to challenge existing norms and structures

Our strength comes from the passion and expertise of our people. As we strive to create an environment in which our people can continue to learn and develop their skills on an ongoing basis, it is our goal to encourage entrepreneurship and creativity. Apply for one of our interesting positions today and start a great career in the world of cocoa and chocolate.

Job Segment:Accounting, CPA, Finance