John Bower

Director - Finance

Phone number: +41 41 588 1861

Email: [email protected]

Director - Finance

John is a specialist recruiter with over 20 years of experience across several varied disciplines, 11 of which have been dedicated to Finance & Accountancy.

Originally starting in Industry recruitment, he moved to B2B Marketing and evolved into Finance, giving him a solid understanding of the recruitment process.

Now, as Director of Finance Recruitment for the Suisse Romande region, John specialises in a variety of Finance roles, including Accounting, Controlling, M&A, Tax, Treasury, FP&A, Audit, Risk, E2E Project, and Strategy.

He is highly skilled in coaching and providing career consultations for Finance & Accountancy professionals, either on a one-to-one basis or in partnership with accredited financial associations and universities. John is very thorough in his approach to providing a value-added service to job seekers.

Having worked in Switzerland for over ten years, John shares his knowledge and market insights with clients and candidates. Being able to continuously learn about people, their roles, motivations, and experience allows him to champion talent and manage expectations.

He hosts exclusive networking events for middle management to executive level Finance & Accountancy professionals operating in Suisse Romande to share market insights and develop relationships. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to John directly.

John’s Interests

John enjoys the stimulation that new technology provides. In the past, he has built a PC for his parents and has completed another PC build with his daughter.

He is a keen gamer, enjoys reading, politics, and learning about international affairs, with an interest in global news.

John's Successful Candidates

  • Finance Director
  • Finance Controller
  • Treasurer
  • Global Indirect Tax Director
  • BU Controller

Director - Finance

Interests

  • TechnologyTechnology
  • International AffairsInternational Affairs
  • GamingGaming
  • Politics
  • ReadingReading

John Bower

Director - Finance

Phone number: +41 41 588 1861

Email: [email protected]

John is a specialist recruiter with over 20 years of experience across several varied disciplines, 11 of which have been dedicated to Finance & Accountancy.

Originally starting in Industry recruitment, he moved to B2B Marketing and evolved into Finance, giving him a solid understanding of the recruitment process.

Now, as Director of Finance Recruitment for the Suisse Romande region, John specialises in a variety of Finance roles, including Accounting, Controlling, M&A, Tax, Treasury, FP&A, Audit, Risk, E2E Project, and Strategy.

He is highly skilled in coaching and providing career consultations for Finance & Accountancy professionals, either on a one-to-one basis or in partnership with accredited financial associations and universities. John is very thorough in his approach to providing a value-added service to job seekers.

Having worked in Switzerland for over ten years, John shares his knowledge and market insights with clients and candidates. Being able to continuously learn about people, their roles, motivations, and experience allows him to champion talent and manage expectations.

He hosts exclusive networking events for middle management to executive level Finance & Accountancy professionals operating in Suisse Romande to share market insights and develop relationships. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to John directly.

John’s Interests

John enjoys the stimulation that new technology provides. In the past, he has built a PC for his parents and has completed another PC build with his daughter.

He is a keen gamer, enjoys reading, politics, and learning about international affairs, with an interest in global news.

John's Successful Candidates

  • Finance Director
  • Finance Controller
  • Treasurer
  • Global Indirect Tax Director
  • BU Controller
Circle Image

Interests

  • TechnologyTechnology
  • International AffairsInternational Affairs
  • GamingGaming
  • Politics
  • ReadingReading

Clients

Testimonial

John supported me in recruiting a new person for my team (manager position), and I was very happy with how it went. 

John spent time to understand the requirements, including the cultural aspects. He rapidly returned with a short list of candidates who perfectly matched the request, so no need to further filter [the list] on my side. 

Quick and smooth process: a message describing why the candidate was selected before each interview, feedback discussion afterwards and good support to wrap up the deal. 

John also kept in contact with the selected candidate until the start date and even a couple of weeks afterwards to ensure any potential issues could be addressed. I can recommend him without hesitation.

Christopher Vanhoren, Group CFO at Allseas

More From John

 

Latest Insights from John

Associate Director Celebrating 6 Years

Associate Director Celebrating 6 Years

Our Director - Finance, John Bower, is celebrating his 6-year work anniversary with EMEA Recruitment this week. John is a specialist in finance recruitment who has developed a broad network in the Suisse Romande region. With overall recruitment exper

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Networking for Swiss Finance Professionals

Successful Networking for Swiss Finance

We understand how important networking is for Swiss Finance professionals. EMEA Recruitment is proud to host virtual and in-person networking activities across Switzerland for Finance & Accountancy professionals.   Having built a stron

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Swiss Recruitment: Onward to 2021

Swiss Recruitment: Onward to 2021

2020 did not follow any previously established pattern in the Swiss recruitment world. In Q1, we already had started seeing some drop-off in candidate movement related to APAC and the (at the time distant) pandemic. Q2 was an interesting moment. T

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When Should Salary be Discussed in the Recruitment Process?

When Should Salary be Discussed in the Recruitment Process?

A few weeks ago, we put out a poll via LinkedIn, asking the question: “At what stage of the recruitment process should salary information be made available?”  This was clearly an emotive topic, as the poll received over 3,300 votes and 9

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The Work from Home Data is Coming In

The Work from Home Data is Coming In

Nick Bloom, a professor at Stanford University, has been confirming what a lot of our LinkedIn polls have been telling us for some time now: the corporate world appears to have settled into a “three work, two home” split of hybrid work.

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John Bower JOBS

CFO

140000
Posted 2 months ago
EMEA Recruitment is working with an emerging software company supporting its search for a part-time CFO. 

As CFO, you will be working closely with the CEO through investor meetings and the COO to further develop the sales pipeline, playing a fundamental role in the growth of the company. 

This great opportunity has the feasibility to grow into a full-time role within a year. 

Please note a background working with software companies and fundraising experience is a must. 

Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute the company\'s financial strategy in alignment with business objectives, driving growth, profitability, and sustainability
  • Lead financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning, to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation
  • Establish and maintain financial controls and processes to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Manage cash flow, liquidity, and capital allocation strategies to optimize financial performance and support business operations and expansion
  • Oversee financial reporting and analysis, providing timely and accurate financial insights to senior management, investors, and stakeholders
Experience:
  • Series A fundraising experience
  • Software industry background
  • Excellent project management capabilities

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
130-150k CHF + package
Posted 2 months ago

On behalf of our international client, we are seeking a Senior Finance Controller to join their finance team. This role focuses on a newly acquired group of companies, ensuring effective financial accounting and high-quality management information for reporting purposes.

With responsibility for the integration and ongoing improvement of three sites, this Senior Finance Controller role will suit someone seeking strategic exposure, autonomy, and career development.


Key Deliverables:

  • Oversee financial accounting activities for all legal entities, including global intercompany accounting and consolidation for closing
  • Drive productivity improvements and achieve operational excellence against benchmarks
  • Support the integration process alongside the Group CFO and Group Controller
  • Supervise and coach a team of accountants, fostering a positive work environment and promoting employee development
  • Compile, analyse, and report financial data to aid strategic decision-making, performing variance analyses on key financial metrics
  • Ensure compliance with internal accounting policies and procedures, and perform assigned internal controls in a timely manner


Candidate Requirements:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Management
  • Experience: Background in Finance/Accounting/Controlling roles, preferably with industrial companies and international exposure, confidence with finance essentials - accruals, COGS, cost centre allocation, business partnering
  • Ability to travel 20%
  • Languages: Fluent in German (B2 minimum) and English; proficiency in French is desired
  • Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, including pivot tables and functions
  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities
  • Personal Attributes: Ability to work under pressure, adaptability to different cultures, self-starter, deadline-driven, critical thinker

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
80,000-90,000 CHF
Posted a month ago

On behalf of our client, a leading multinational firm, we are seeking a highly efficient and versatile Accountant to join their team on a short-term contract. This position offers a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to contribute to their robust financial operations.

Key Deliverables/Responsibilities of the Accountant:

  • General Ledger Management: Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
  • Accounts Payable and Receivable Oversight: Manage AP and AR ledgers, ensuring timely processing and accuracy of transactions
  • Invoice Generation and Management: Prepare, issue, and track invoices, collaborating with sales and customer service teams to resolve discrepancies
  • Financial Reporting: Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
  • Compliance and Controls: Ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulatory requirements, implementing controls to mitigate financial risks
  • Operational Support: Provide support for various operational tasks as needed, including budget tracking and cash flow forecasting

Skills/Experience Requirements:
  • Professional Qualification: Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • Experience: Accounting experience, ideally within a multinational corporation
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Accounting software and systems, particularly ERP platforms
  • Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail
  • Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, comfortable in a multicultural environment
  • Adaptability: Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, with a proactive approach to task management

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
130,000 CHF
Posted 3 weeks ago

On behalf of our international client, we are seeking a dynamic Controller to join their Group Controlling team.

This role is ideal for someone looking to impact business strategy and operations in an international environment, enhancing financial transparency and contributing to overall business success.

Key Responsibilities of the Controller:

  • Support strategic projects and initiatives under the guidance of the Regional CFO
  • Enhance cash management strategies and optimize working capital
  • Analyse and identify profitability opportunities across various business dimensions
  • Execute cost control measures and manage Forex exposure
  • Oversee the creation and revision of financial reports, including budgeting, forecasting, and audit reviews
  • Lead corporate finance projects and drive efficiency programs


Candidate Profile:

  • Master’s degree in Finance or Economics is required; professional certification (CPA or ACCA) is preferred
  • Exposure to financial controlling, FP&A, or external audit, with prior experience in the shipping or logistics industry essential
  • Proficient in advanced Excel and SAP, capable of executing complex analyses
  • Analytical and critical thinker with a results-oriented approach
  • Capable of working under pressure and managing tight deadlines
  • Proactive and self-starting with excellent communication skills and team management experience

Additional Requirements:

  • Excellent command of English, both written and spoken; proficiency in another European language is a plus
EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
150,000 CHF + package
Posted a week ago

On behalf of a leading multinational organisation which promotes a culture of excellence and strategic growth, we are seeking a Consolidation and Accounting Manager.

This role will oversee the accounting operations and consolidation processes and is perfect for a Senior Manager transitioning from a Big 4 accounting firm looking to leverage their IFRS expertise in a corporate setting.


The key responsibilities of the Consolidation and Accounting Manager are:

  • Lead and manage a team of accounting professionals, ensuring compliance with IFRS standards and corporate policies
  • Oversee the consolidation process for multiple entities within the multinational framework
  • Develop and implement accounting strategies that align with the company\'s financial goals
  • Coordinate and prepare financial statements and reports, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
  • Manage and optimize financial processes and systems to improve efficiency and integrity
  • Collaborate with senior management to provide financial insight and analysis for decision-making
  • Significant project delivery

The main skills required for the Consolidation and Accounting Manager position are:

  • Proven experience as a Senior Manager in a Big 4 firm, with strong expertise in IFRS and financial consolidation
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with professional accounting qualifications (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent)
  • Strong leadership abilities, capable of nurturing and growing a high-performing team
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills
  • Fluent in English, with proficiency in another European language beneficial

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.

130,000-140,000 CHF
Posted a week ago

On behalf of our client, a leading multinational manufacturing organization known for its innovation and market presence, we are seeking a Transfer Pricing Lead to direct and refine transfer pricing policies and procedures.

This critical role is ideal for a candidate capable of effectively managing complex relationships and ensuring compliance with international tax regulations within a manufacturing context.

The main responsibilities of the Transfer Pricing Lead are:

  • Educate and train internal teams on transfer pricing concepts and procedures
  • Design and implement transfer pricing strategies that align with global manufacturing standards and international tax laws
  • Oversee all aspects of transfer pricing documentation and ensure compliance with local and international requirements
  • Conduct detailed risk assessments and manage transfer pricing adjustments and disputes
  • Collaborate with various departments including finance, operations, and legal to integrate transfer pricing strategies with business objectives
  • Regularly analyse and report on the financial impact of transfer pricing policies and suggest improvements


The ideal Transfer Pricing Lead will have the following:

  • Extensive experience in transfer pricing within a multinational manufacturing setting
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Tax, Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with additional certifications in Tax Law or Economics advantageous
  • Deep understanding of international tax regulations and transfer pricing methods used in manufacturing
  • High emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and foster collaborative relationships
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills, with fluency in English; French or other European languages are beneficial

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.

80,000-90,000 CHF
Posted 7 days ago

On behalf of our international client, we are seeking an Accounting Expert. Focused on Accounting, AR, and Credit Control, this role will be ideal for someone looking to learn processes and contribute to the development and strategy of a best-in-class organisation.

The key deliverables of the Accounting Expert are:

  • Credit Control & AR Management: Oversee accounts receivable processes and maintain effective credit control systems
  • General Ledger Accounting: Ensure accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
  • Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
  • Compliance & Auditing: Support compliance with local and international financial regulations, and assist with internal and external audits
  • Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in financial processes to increase efficiency and accuracy


The skills required for the Accounting Expert role are:

  • Strong Analytical Abilities: Capable of managing large datasets and complex financial models
  • Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure precision in all financial documentation and reports
  • SAP Proficiency: Skilled in SAP or similar ERP systems, crucial for efficient financial operations
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Well-versed in accounting principles and regulatory standards applicable in various regions
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for clear reporting and team collaborations.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Innovative and proactive in resolving financial issues and enhancing procedures

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.