Global Senior Chief Accountant, Business Assurance

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.