Accountant/Financial Controller (80%-100%)

The International School of Lausanne (ISL) is a leading not-for-profit, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School set in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Our school is committed to excellence in education. We strive to recognise the unique potential of each student, and to equip them to play an active and responsible role in a complex, multicultural world. The school employs approximately 250 members of staff on its campus where we welcome approximately 850 students from over 60 nationalities, from 3 to 18 years of age.

From 1 September 2026

Being part of a team of four people, in this dual-faceted role, you will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of our financial data while providing the strategic insights necessary to drive the school’s financial performance. You will bridge the gap between daily bookkeeping and high-level financial planning.

Main responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the accounting team to ensure the accuracy of the financial data; drive changes of current procedures when needed
• Oversee accounting operations including month-end and year-end closing processes
• Coordinate with external auditors to ensure smooth annual audits
• Perform regular reporting; standardise, develop and improve current processes
• Analyse variances between actuals and projections, providing actionable insights to leadership
• Develop and monitor annual budgets and rolling forecasts; Increase awareness and support all departments in understanding their results and in performing their forecast
• Create, develop and enhance cost analytical tools and KPIs to identify areas of improvement; provide guidance on potential solutions
• Perform cost calculations and analyse the performance of our different services
• Support the Head of Finance in preparing monthly management reporting packages for the executive team
• Business Administration Bachelor's Degree, Brevet Fédéral de spécialiste en finance et comptabilité, or equivalent finance qualification
• 5+ years of experience in finance from which 3 years minimum in a dual accounting and controlling role
• Solution-oriented: proactive problem-solver who looks for ways to improve processes rather than just reporting on them.
• Exceptional attention to detail balanced with the ability to see the “big picture”
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial staff and international stakeholders
• Strong team spirit with the ability to work independently
• Advanced technical skills: proficiency in Excel (incl. Power Query and Power Pivot) and strong experience with ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central)
• Fluent in English with advanced skills in French (C1)

Desired profile:

Due to work permit limitations, preference will be given to candidates having a Swiss / EU citizenship or holding a Swiss work permit.

What we offer:

• International and dynamic work environment
• 6 weeks of holidays per year
• Generous pension plan and social insurances coverage
• Free well-being and sport activities
• Social events organised on a regular basis

Interested?

To apply please send the following documents to recruitment@isl.ch:

• résumé/CV
• personalised motivation letter
• copies of diplomas and work certificates or reference letters
• copy of work permit (if applicable)

We care for children

The International School of Lausanne is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all of our staff to share this commitment. A complete reference check and criminal records check will be conducted on all successful applicants.

We value diversity

At ISL, all members of our community contribute to creating an environment that values diversity. Each individual is committed to ensuring everyone has a strong sense of belonging and feels respected. ISL is committed to being an inclusive employer that values diversity. Find out more about our values here.