Description

Position Summary
The Embassy of Switzerland is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Finance Manager to lead the Embassy's financial management function. The Finance Manager is responsible for ensuring sound financial planning, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, internal controls, and stewardship of public funds. The position serves as the principal financial advisor to Embassy management and works closely with Headquarters in Switzerland while overseeing the daily accounting function in collaboration with a part-time accountant.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Lead and oversee the Embassy's financial management, ensuring sound financial planning, stewardship of public funds, and compliance with Swiss federal financial regulations and internal policies.
• Perform and coordinate the Embassy's accounting operations, including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, bank reconciliations, and financial close processes in collaboration with the part-time accountant.
• Provide functional guidance and review the work of the part-time accountant to ensure timely and accurate financial operations.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial records and reporting by reviewing accounting activities and financial statements prepared with the part-time accountant.
• Manage, and monitor the Embassy's annual budget, including budget preparation, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and financial planning.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Head of Mission and management through financial analyses, reports, forecasts, and recommendations.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial governance, and risk management, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and audit requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Headquarters, auditors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders on financial matters.
• Oversee procurement-related financial processes, ensuring budget availability, financial compliance, and appropriate authorization of expenditures.
• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Perform other finance- and administration-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:     

•       Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
•       Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance or accounting.
•       Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and financial analysis.
•       Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and financial management practices.
•       Experience with ERP or financial management systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
•       Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
•       High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
•       Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
•       Eligibility to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications;

•       Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, or equivalent.
•       Experience in an embassy, international organization, government, or non-profit environment.
•       Knowledge of French, German, or Italian.

We Offer:

•     A stimulating and international working environment at the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C. 
•       A challenging and diverse position with significant responsibility and autonomy. 
•       Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package under a U.S. local employment contract. 
•       Employer-matched 401(k) plan for eligible employees. 
•       Twenty days of annual leave, in addition to selected U.S. and Swiss public holidays. 
•       Convenient location in Northwest Washington, D.C

Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, résumé, and a brief statement of salary expectations (all in PDF format) by 14 July 2026 to [email protected]. Please indicate “Finance Manager” in the subject line to ensure timely processing of your application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.