Finance Manager, Country

About VAT Group

At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions: integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.

MAIN ROLE AND ACTIVITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Coach and mentor finance team members, building capabilities and strengthening the overall competitiveness of the local Finance organisation.

• Lead daily finance and accounting operations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, Sales, cost of goods sold, general ledger, treasury and related activities.

• Oversee expense management and actively monitor OPEX, ensuring appropriate cost control and spending discipline.

• Lead month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing, ensuring accurate and timely completion and the integrity of financial statements.

• Ensure compliance with local accounting standards, IFRS, tax regulations and corporate policies.

• Prepare and analyse monthly management reporting, including TWC, PEC, FTE, inventory and flux/variance analysis.

• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly rolling forecasting for P&L, FTE and Capex, identifying key risks and opportunities.

• Partner with the General Manager and Sales team to prepare financial and business insights for monthly business reviews and management decision-making.

• Establish and continuously improve finance processes and internal controls, including ICS reviews and timely remediation of control gaps.

• Lead the annual statutory audit and financial statement preparation, coordinating effectively with internal and external auditors.

• Lead tax declarations and statutory reporting and manage communications with local tax authorities.

• Proactively anticipate financial issues, questions and challenges from management, auditors and other stakeholders, providing timely analysis and solutions.

• Avoid financial surprises by identifying risks early, escalating material issues promptly and keeping management informed of significant gaps and exposures.

• Demonstrate and promote a high standard of integrity, compliance and professional judgement.

• Perform ad-hoc financial analysis, reporting and other responsibilities assigned by the Line Manager.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & REMARKS

• Oversee finance-related HR administration, including annual leave administration, bonus calculations and payroll coordination.

• Partner with internal and external auditors on local accounting, audit and compliance matters.

• Coordinate and participate in physical inventory counts, ensuring inventory accuracy and appropriate financial controls.

KEY EXPERIENCES

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline; CPA, ACCA, CMA or equivalent qualification preferred.

• Solid professional experience in finance, accounting and controlling, preferably within an international or multinational organisation.

• Demonstrated experience in financial closing, reporting, budgeting and forecasting.

• Experience managing P&L, working capital, OPEX and Capex.

• Experience with IFRS, local accounting requirements, internal controls, statutory audits, tax compliance and external auditors.

• Demonstrated experience in business partnering with management, Sales and operational functions.

• Proven experience in leading, coaching and developing finance team members.

• Experience operating in a fast-growing or changing business environment is preferred.

• Strong ERP and financial systems knowledge, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis/reporting tools.

• Strong written and spoken English; local-language proficiency appropriate to the role.

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities

We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.