Senior Accountant / Accounting Manager

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Accountant / Accounting Manager to join the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics in Lausanne. The role ensures reliable day‑to‑day accounting operations and provides analytical support to the Head of Accounting.

Key responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day accounting operations
• Manage and reconcile balance‑sheet accounts
• Ensure accurate and timely statutory and tax reporting
• Prepare VAT returns and liaise with the Federal Tax Administration
• Participate actively in the annual financial closing process
• Prepare periodic financial reports and contribute to budgeting and its monitoring
• Support group/department directors with budget‑related requests
• Provide backup support for monthly payroll processing
• Participate in cross‑functional projects
• Drive process improvements and automation initiatives

Required profile

• Bachelor degree plus 7 years of relevant professional experience (equivalent qualifications accepted)
• Federal Diploma in Accounting is a plus
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
• Good stakeholder management abilities
• Capacity to conceptualise, analyse and propose improvements
• Ability to respect deadlines and work proactively
• Independent ownership of accounting processes
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Strong team player
• French: excellent written and spoken skills
• English: good written and spoken skills (ideally C1)

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of financial accounting concepts
• Experience with year‑end closing activities and financial reporting
• Knowledge of analytical accounting concepts
• Experience in payroll processing and withholding tax
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)