Global R&D & CAPEX Controller - Paris, France

Global R&D & CAPEX Controller

Role objective

As a member of the Finance team, the R&D Controller plays a key role in supporting the company's innovation and product development activities by providing financial transparency, controlling, and decision support to the global R&D organization.

Reporting lines and interactions

This position reports directly to the Group Controller in Switzerland. Close collaboration with Finance & Administration team.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end R&D capitalization lifecycle. Ensure cost eligibility and full compliance with accounting standards by aligning operational time‑tracking (hourly rate sheets) with analytical accounting
• Develop, maintain, and monitor R&D & CAPEX budgets and rolling forecasts in coordination with the CTO and project leaders, but also cashoutflow forecasts
• Control and analyze R&D project costs, ensuring correct allocation of expenses (labor, materials, external services, prototypes, testing, etc.)
• Track and report actual versus budgeted spending per project and per cost category, highlighting deviations and proposing corrective actions
• Support monthly closings and accruals related to R&D activities (capitalization of development costs, provisions etc.)
• Develop, prepare and maintain R&D & CAPEX dashboards and KPIs to measure performance, efficiency, and project progress
• Support the preparation of business cases and financial models for new product development
• Contribute to grant applications and R&D funding reports (eg. Innosuisse, EU programs)
• Actively contribute to process improvements and to the digitalization of R&D controlling processes within the ERP (Odoo)

Qualifications

University degree in Finance, Business Administration, or Industrial Engineering (Bachelor’s or Master’s level). A specialization in Controlling and Cost Accounting is a strong asset.

Experience / Skills

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in controlling, preferably in a technology-driven company
• Strong understanding of R&D processes, project controlling, and cost allocation methodologies
• Experience with ERP systems (Odoo experience is a plus) and excellent command of Excel
• Proficiency in Business Intelligence tools being a strong plus
• Sound knowledge of accounting principlesStrong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with high attention to detail
• Fluent in English and French, German is an advantage
• Proactive, structured and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively with technical teams
• Strong communication skills, able to translate complex financial data into actionable insights