International Accounting and Reporting Director

Alcon seeks an International Accounting and Reporting Director in Fribourg to lead strategic finance governance, IFRS compliance, and digital transformation across global markets.

This senior leadership position is designed to steer the strategic direction and governance of accounting and financial reporting for international operations. The role serves as a critical component of the finance leadership pipeline, providing enterprise-wide oversight of IFRS standards and company policies while ensuring transparency and control at scale. The incumbent will act as the primary accountable party for global technical accounting, consolidations, and risk management, driving consistency and high-quality financial outcomes across regions.

Responsibilities

• Transform the Financial Reporting and Analysis (FRA) function into a scalable international organization to support regional growth.
• Serve as the central point of accountability for global technical accounting, international FRA leadership, consolidations, and reporting decisions.
• Oversee quarterly international balance sheet reviews with the CFO and FRA Head to align on risks, judgments, and necessary actions.
• Drive the harmonization of accounting practices and own key international accounting processes across all regions.
• Champion digital transformation by advancing automation and innovation within accounting and reporting workflows.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to implement AI and automation in core financial activities to improve efficiency and quality.
• Lead the implementation of digital initiatives in collaboration with internal teams and external consultants.
• Conduct deep-dive reviews of critical balance sheet and income statement areas to enhance consistency, transparency, and control.
• Establish a robust risk identification and governance framework to ensure timely escalation and mitigation of accounting risks.
• Partner with the Internal Controls function to strengthen control environments across international markets.
• Shape regional revenue recognition strategies and ensure alignment with global technical accounting standards.
• Lead the resolution of complex and unusual accounting topics in partnership with Consolidations & Reporting and Global Technical Accounting.
• Strengthen controller capabilities by building a high-performing, future-ready finance talent bench in collaboration with regional teams.
• Partner with regional FRA and finance leaders to foster a high-performing controller community focused on quality and business partnership.
• Demonstrate influence through targeted initiatives such as IFRS training, technical workshops, and knowledge-sharing forums.
• Act as a key member of the FRA International governance body to oversee the responsible use of automation and AI capabilities.
• Elevate stakeholder experience by delivering reliable accounting outcomes and comprehensive balance sheet reviews.

Requirements

• Must hold Chartered Accountant (CA) or CPA certification.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in accounting, finance, internal controls, or advisory roles.
• Deep expertise in IFRS and complex accounting frameworks.
• Prior experience in Big 4 audit or Technical Accounting functions.
• Proven ability to operate effectively within complex, multinational matrix environments.
• Proficiency in SAP and other ERP platforms.
• Fluent proficiency in English.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in Mandarin or Japanese is considered an advantage.

What the company offers

• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Autonomy to manage personal workload and schedule while meeting established targets.
• A collaborative environment that encourages sharing best practices and learnings as work evolves.

About the company

Alcon is dedicated to enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. The company fosters an inclusive culture that recognizes individual contributions while encouraging fearless innovation and swift action to impact global eye health.

• Passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly.
• Innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health.
• Foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions.