Head Accounting (FRA) France

Sandoz

Sandoz is the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a growth strategy driven by our Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz annually. Becoming an independent listed company in October 2023 marked the beginning of an exciting multi‑year journey of transformation and growth. Our momentum is driven by our talented and ambitious colleagues who thrive in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive culture.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Accounting – France to lead the accounting function for two French legal entities: Sandoz SAS (commercial entity) and Sandoz Biologics France (development & manufacturing site). Reporting directly to the CFO, Sandoz France, this role ensures financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and robust governance in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment. The role is full‑time and a CDI.

Key Responsibilities

• Full accountability for statutory accounting and financial statements under French GAAP (PCG)
• Ownership of IFRS group reporting and alignment with global accounting policies
• End‑to‑end responsibility for tax compliance in France, including:
• Preparation, review, and submission of French tax declarations
• Indirect tax (VAT & intrastat)
• Pharmaceutical‑specific taxes and contributions
• Transfer pricing implementation and documentation
• Leadership and development of a local accounting team (4 direct reports)
• Collaboration and oversight of global competence centres concerning all activities performed for French entities including Month End Closing
• Management of strategic and cross‑functional projects, including:
• Roll‑out of e‑invoicing, implementation of SAP S/4 HANA
• End‑to‑end process improvements, including processes performed by Global Competence Centre on behalf of France (P2P/T&E, O2C, R2R, TCM, Others)
• Primary point of contact for statutory and group auditors
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, internal controls, and group governance standards

Educational Requirements

• Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance (Bac+5 or equivalent)
• Recognised French qualifications such as DSCG, DEC, or Grande École diploma with accounting specialisation – a plus

Professional Experience

• Significant experience (>10 years) in accounting and financial reporting within mid‑to‑large international companies or Big 4 firms
• Proven expertise in French GAAP and IFRS in a group reporting environment
• Knowledge of SAP R/3 and/or S/4
• Prior people‑management experience
• International exposure is a strong plus

Languages

• Fluent in French and English (written and spoken)

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and stakeholder‑management skills
• Structured, reliable, and comfortable managing complexity
• Proactive and solution‑oriented
• Technically savvy with strong financial and data analysis capabilities

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including attractive participation and intéressement schemes
• Meal vouchers (ticket restaurant) and comprehensive benefits
• Regular travel to Toulouse and occasional travel to other group locations
• A culture that values diversity, inclusion, and personal growth
• Opportunities to shape the future of a global leader in generics and biosimilars