Global Financial Controller – Business Assurance

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. The role manages one direct report (FP&A Manager).

Key Responsibilities

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.

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.

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

Education & Certifications

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

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.

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).

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.

Language Skills

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

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 continuous learning options.
• Multinational environment where you will work with colleagues from multiple continents.
• Benefits platform.