Sempach
Head of Finance Department
- 21 October 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Permanent position
- German (Fluent), English (Basic knowledge)
About the job
Finance with purpose: Take responsibility for the financial management of a nationally significant Swiss foundation for ornithology and bird protection.
The Swiss Ornithological Institute Sempach is a non-profit foundation active throughout Switzerland for ornithology and bird protection. With over 180 employees, it monitors the native bird population, researches their way of life, and advocates for endangered species. Professional, forward-looking, and sustainable financial management is central to ensuring that the diverse research, protection, and service tasks can have a lasting impact. Due to the retirement of the current post holder, we are seeking from August 2027 or by arrangement a strong leadership and implementation-oriented personality for the
Head of Finance, 80 – 100 %
In this key role, you are responsible for controlling and accounting and support the institute management and the board of trustees in implementing the investment and financial strategy. You manage budgeting, financial and liquidity planning, prepare financial statements and meaningful reports, and ensure reporting to the institute management, board of trustees, and Zewo. You are the contact person for the auditors and a member of the investment committee. In addition, you are responsible for the financial processing of research and third-party funded projects, donations, and legacies and are a competent contact for tax matters. Together with the two-person team, you ensure stable processes, timely handling of day-to-day business, and targeted further development of financial processes, financial applications, and internal control systems. In doing so, you pragmatically advance projects and create reliable foundations for current development topics such as digitalisation, CRM, and sustainability.
You have a solid education in finance and accounting, ideally complemented by business management training, and bring several years of practical experience. You are familiar with Swiss GAAP FER, Abacus, contract management, as well as confident handling of IT and financial applications. We are looking for an entrepreneurial-minded personality with a high degree of personal responsibility, strategic vision, a pronounced hands-on mentality, and enjoyment in practically further developing processes. Good German and English skills complete your profile.
You can expect a committed team, an inspiring working environment, and room for personal responsibility. Would you like to contribute your expertise and energy to the social mission of the Swiss Ornithological Institute? Then we look forward to receiving your application.
Contact: Stephanie Briner
René Barmettler
