Role Overview
As Business Assurance continues to grow as a verticalized global business, SGS BA is seeking a Global Chief Accountant to establish and lead the accounting governance framework across the division. This newly created role will drive accounting consistency, financial governance and process harmonization across a global network of affiliates while supporting strategic initiatives including acquisitions, business integrations, pricing governance and digital transformation.
The successful candidate will partner closely with Regional Controllers, Group Accounting, Group Tax, M&A teams and senior business leaders to develop scalable, compliant and commercially effective financial practices across the organization.
The role will report to the Global Head of Finance (CFO) Business Assurance
Key Responsibilities:
Accounting Governance & Financial Reporting
- Develop, implement and maintain global accounting policies, standards and governance frameworks for Business Assurance.
- Ensure consistent application of accounting principles, financial reporting standards and revenue recognition practices across regions and legal entities.
- Standardize accounting treatment of accreditation-related costs and P&L account mapping.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Integration
- Support accounting workstreams related to acquisitions and integrations.
- Review historical financial statements and balance sheets of acquisition targets.
- Conduct accounting assessments and support financial due diligence activities.
- Review purchase price accounting, goodwill calculations and support post-acquisition reporting requirements & integration.
Pricing Governance & Profitability
- Establish standardized approaches to auditor day-rate calculations and service pricing.
- Improve transparency of cost allocation and profitability drivers.
- Ensure pricing models appropriately consider accreditation, travel, transfer pricing exposure and other service delivery costs.
Billing & Finance Transformation
- Support the development of centralized and efficient billing structures.
- Review and optimize revenue management and charging methodologies for internal support.
- Partner with Finance and Tax teams to ensure effective billing governance and compliance.
SGS Digital & New Business Models
- Support the accounting and governance framework for SGS BA Digital and investment priority in the digitalisation roadmap of BA
- Establish accounting processes for digital platforms and newly acquired businesses in collaboration with Group Finance and Group Tax.
- Ensure appropriate accounting treatment of software, intellectual property and related assets.
Stakeholder Management
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior management on accounting, reporting and governance matters.
- Partner with Regional Controllers, Group Accounting, Group Tax and business leaders globally.
- Drive adoption of new accounting structures, policies and governance frameworks across international teams.