Head of Finance and Operations - Banking  

Client:

A well-established financial institution - Banking Category 5 FINMA. A small yet busy and highly successful office that has been established in Geneva for over 40 years. Our client provides traditional private banking services and is recognised as a highly respected global brand with strong ethics, values, and an excellent reputation within its field. Backed by a strong shareholder base and solid credit rating, the bank offers a stable and reputable platform combined with modern, state-of-the-art offices in central Geneva (Rive Gauche). This opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution at C-suite-equivalent level within a dynamic and close-knit environment.

The Role:

Within this banking environment, the Head of Finance role will lead a small team while remaining highly hands-on. This is effectively a CFO/COO/CRO-type position within a reputable FINMA-regulated institution, combining finance, operations, treasury, and risk oversight in one broad and varied remit. The role is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of accounting, operational, treasury, and risk management processes, while supervising a team of four people in total, including operations and accounting staff. The team's primary focus is financial controlling, reporting, and accounting, with additional responsibility for treasury and risk management matters.

Working very closely with the CEO, this executive position plays a central role in overseeing financial operations, compliance, back office activities, and risk management across the business. The role requires full-time presence in the Geneva office; remote working is not available. This is a genuinely unique opportunity within the Geneva banking market, offering a candidate from a banking background broader visibility, increased responsibility, and a greater diversity of tasks than would typically be found in a larger structure. The position offers real autonomy, close interaction with senior management, and long-term career potential within a stable and highly reputable institution.

Key Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Supervise daily accounting, treasury, and back-office activities, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and manage operational, financial, and compliance risks, including asset management and investment-related matters.
• Review monthly financial statements and ensure timely legal and FINMA reporting.
• Implement, improve, and adapt internal procedures and controls, including follow-up on audit recommendations.
• Support HR-related processes including payroll, social security, and insurance administration.
• Participate in internal committees and coordinate ad hoc projects requested by senior management.
• Prepare Board documentation and reporting in close coordination with the CEO.

Why Join:

• Opportunity to join a small, agile, and successful team with direct impact on operations and strategic decision-making.
• Broad and visible role with genuine autonomy and exposure to senior management.
• Entrepreneurial and pragmatic working environment with varied responsibilities.
• Long-term opportunity within a stable, globally respected financial institution with an excellent reputation.

Profile:

• 10+ years of experience within accounting, finance, and Swiss banking risk management, including FINMA reporting.
• Previous experience as CFO, Head of Finance, or within a Big 4 environment auditing small Swiss banks.
• Hands-on management style with experience supervising small teams and operational processes.
• Previous exposure to Swiss Category 4 or 5 banks is a must.
• Good understanding of compliance, operational risk, credit risk, and treasury management.
• Fluent or mother-tongue French with fluent English.
• Strong IT and systems skills.
• Swiss resident preferred; cross-border commuters may also be considered.
• Available for a permanent, full-time contract (no home office).