Finance Controller

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

This role requires a strong Accounting and Financial Control foundation. FP&A and business partnering capabilities are important, but robust accounting, reporting, compliance, and governance leadership are considered critical success factors.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Lead and oversee all accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and completeness of financial records in compliance with IFRS, local statutory requirements, and SGS policies
• Own and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to local management, Regional Finance, and Group Finance
• Review and approve financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, provisions, accruals, and key accounting assessments
• Ensure the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with all applicable accounting standards, statutory regulations, and corporate policies
• Serve as the primary accounting leader and subject matter expert on financial reporting, accounting treatment, and control-related matters

Financial Control, Compliance & Risk Management

• Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment to safeguard company assets and ensure regulatory compliance
• Lead internal and external audits, statutory reporting activities, tax compliance, and financial governance initiatives
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks
• Manage cash flow, working capital, treasury activities, and credit risk to support business sustainability and growth
• Ensure timely completion of tax filings, statutory submissions, and regulatory reporting requirements

Business Partnership & Performance Management

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Collaborate with Business Units and stakeholders to improve business performance and operational efficiency.

Finance Transformation & Leadership

• Drive finance process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead ERP implementation, system enhancement, and digital transformation projects across Finance Operations
• Collaborate with Regional and Global Finance teams to ensure alignment with SGS policies, governance standards, and best practices
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement

Strong Accounting, Controllership, and Financial Reporting expertise is considered essential for success in this role, while FP&A experience is preferred but not mandatory

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related discipline
• CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification is highly preferred
• Advanced degree (MBA or Master's in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration) is an advantage

Experience

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressive finance experience, including significant responsibility in accounting, financial reporting, financial control, audit, and compliance
• Proven leadership experience managing Accounting and Finance teams within a multinational corporation
• Strong background in financial closing, statutory reporting, external audit management, and internal controls
• Experience partnering with business leaders to support strategic decision-making and business performance improvement
• Hands-on experience with ERP implementation, finance transformation, or process improvement initiatives is highly preferred
• Experience in a shared service, matrix, or regional reporting environment is an advantage

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Fluent communication skills in Korean and English.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, local statutory accounting requirements, financial reporting standards, and corporate governance principles
• In-depth understanding of financial controls, audit processes, risk management, taxation, treasury, and compliance frameworks
• Proven expertise in financial closing, statutory reporting, management reporting, and financial statement analysis
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex accounting issues and provide practical solutions in a dynamic business environment
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization
• Proficiency in ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to lead change initiatives, process improvements, and digital transformation projects
• High level of integrity, professional judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance and ethical business practices

Work Environment

• Operates within a dynamic multinational organization with frequent interaction across local, regional, and global stakeholders
• Works closely with Business Unit leaders, Regional Finance teams, external auditors, tax advisors, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities
• Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, tight reporting timelines, and evolving business requirements