Meriel Graham

Director

Phone number: +41 41 588 1870

Email: [email protected]

Director

Meriel is an accomplished Director at EMEA Recruitment, specialising in the Finance & Accountancy recruitment market in Switzerland. She has over 16 years of experience in recruitment, with more than ten years in Finance across Switzerland.

Meriel joined EMEA Recruitment in 2013 and leverages her impressive experience to provide insights and solutions for both candidates and clients. Working in collaboration with our dedicated research team, Meriel secures the best available professionals for her client organisations.

Meriel’s master’s degree in Occupational Psychology gives her a unique approach to career consultations. She is very skilled in understanding people, especially their professional aspirations and motivations, to align them with an organisation.

Meriel enjoys creating relationships with longevity and making a difference in people’s lives. Over time, she has built a strong network of industry contacts and finds it highly satisfying to see people happy and grow further into their careers.

Since joining EMEA Recruitment, Meriel has hosted a range of events to bring together Finance & Accountancy professionals across Switzerland, demonstrating her commitment to fostering relationships and providing opportunities to share market insights.

Internally, Meriel is the Environmental Ambassador of our ESG committee, promoting our fundraising efforts and a better environment for all.

Meriel’s Interests

Meriel likes spending time with her family, travelling, politics, reading sci-fi novels and playing various sports.

A sport Meriel is interested in is skydiving. In July 2023, she completed her first skydive and has ambitions to complete another in the future.

Meriel's Successful Candidates

  • Head of Finance
  • Tax Manager
  • Treasury Director
  • Internal Audit Manager
  • Financial Reporting Director

Director

Interests

  • FamilyFamily
  • TravellingTravelling
  • PoliticsPolitics
  • ReadingSci-Fi Novels
  • SportsSports

Meriel Graham

Meriel Graham

Director

Phone number: +41 41 588 1870

Email: [email protected]

Meriel is an accomplished Director at EMEA Recruitment, specialising in the Finance & Accountancy recruitment market in Switzerland. She has over 16 years of experience in recruitment, with more than ten years in Finance across Switzerland.

Meriel joined EMEA Recruitment in 2013 and leverages her impressive experience to provide insights and solutions for both candidates and clients. Working in collaboration with our dedicated research team, Meriel secures the best available professionals for her client organisations.

Meriel’s master’s degree in Occupational Psychology gives her a unique approach to career consultations. She is very skilled in understanding people, especially their professional aspirations and motivations, to align them with an organisation.

Meriel enjoys creating relationships with longevity and making a difference in people’s lives. Over time, she has built a strong network of industry contacts and finds it highly satisfying to see people happy and grow further into their careers.

Since joining EMEA Recruitment, Meriel has hosted a range of events to bring together Finance & Accountancy professionals across Switzerland, demonstrating her commitment to fostering relationships and providing opportunities to share market insights.

Internally, Meriel is the Environmental Ambassador of our ESG committee, promoting our fundraising efforts and a better environment for all.

Meriel’s Interests

Meriel likes spending time with her family, travelling, politics, reading sci-fi novels and playing various sports.

A sport Meriel is interested in is skydiving. In July 2023, she completed her first skydive and has ambitions to complete another in the future.

Meriel's Successful Candidates

  • Head of Finance
  • Tax Manager
  • Treasury Director
  • Internal Audit Manager
  • Financial Reporting Director
Circle Image

Interests

  • FamilyFamily
  • TravellingTravelling
  • PoliticsPolitics
  • ReadingSci-Fi Novels
  • SportsSports

Meriel Graham

Clients

Testimonial

Meriel provided excellent recruitment support in assisting me finding a career in Switzerland.

She constantly kept in touch with me on various roles and like the entire EMEA Recruitment staff, provided a level of communication and encouragement that is not seen with other recruitment companies and recruiters.

Chuck Sininski, Vice President Finance at Santhra Pharmaceuticals

More From Meriel

Latest Insights from Meriel

Q1 2022: Insights into Switzerland's Finance Employment Market

Q1 2022: Insights into Switzerland's Finance Employment Market

Despite the current working from home restrictions and the rising COVID-19 case numbers, the start of 2022 feels much more positive than 2021 in Switzerland's Finance employment market, as businesses have learnt to adapt to different ways of work

Read more >
Interview conversation

Ghosting in Recruitment: Gen Z’s Impact on Communication

A recent survey by the job search site Indeed, involving 1,500 companies and an equal number of employees, unveiled surprising statistics about "ghosting". Ghosting: The practice of suddenly ending all communication without warning or explanation

Read more >

Meriel Graham JOBS

140-165k CHF base + 12% bonus
Posted a month ago
My client, a global manufacturing business, is looking to recruit an experienced Internal Audit Manager for its global team.

They seek someone who can look at audit engagements from a more ‘freestyle’ approach without a rigid framework. The team handles a very broad range of engagements, requiring Audit Managers to tailor their approach, understand the essence of each task, and step outside their comfort zone!   

In this role, alongside operational audits you will be supporting the businesses agenda to move towards more data driven audits, so you will have a passion for data analytics and an in depth knowledge of SAP.


Interpersonal skills are essential, as the role involves requires an ability to push back and act as a sparring partner with Auditees whilst maintaining strong relationships.

The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong potential for future learning and development.

As an Internal Audit Manager, your role will include:
  • Lead or act as a team member on a range of global finance, operational and other audits, from pre-planning to post-audit review
  • Analyse audit findings and provide recommendations
  • Preparation of audit reports
  • Presentation of audit results to management
  • Evaluation of risks and internal controls
  • Support in compliance topics
  • Involvement in ad hoc and special projects
  • Help drive the development of data analytics and AI tools within the audit team
Skills required:
  • CIA or equivalent qualification would be strongly preferred
  • In depth knowledge of SAP
  • Minimum 10-12 years’ experience in audit roles.  Big 4 background can be beneficial, but practical inhouse experience is essential 
  • Strong background working with data analytics tools and developing data driven approaches to audit.
  • Fluency in English is essential and German language skills would be strongly desirable
  • Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
  • Willingness to travel up to 40% - This is likely to reduce over time as their data analytics capabilities develop
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.
Competitive salary
Posted 2 months ago
We are supporting a multinational organisation in their search for an experienced Group Treasurer. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to lead a global treasury function, overseeing liquidity management, financial risk, capital structure, and treasury operations.

The company is undergoing a transformative phase, and this position will play a critical role in shaping its financial strategy for the future.


As the Group Treasurer your Key Responsibilities include:
  • Liquidity Management: Oversee global cash flow and ensure efficient allocation of funds to meet the operational needs of the business
  • Risk Management: Identify and manage financial risks, including foreign exchange, interest rate, and credit risks, while implementing effective hedging strategies
  • Capital Structure & Corporate Finance: Lead the company’s financing strategy, including debt issuance, refinancing, and capital structure optimisation
  • Banking Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships with global financial institutions, ensuring access to key financial products and services
  • Treasury Operations: Ensure the efficient and compliant operation of the treasury function, leveraging technology to drive automation and process improvement
  • Leadership: Manage and develop a global team of treasury professionals, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture
Experience and Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in treasury or corporate finance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a complex, global organisation
  • Proven experience managing liquidity, capital structure, and financial risk on a global scale
  • Strong understanding of treasury management systems and financial instruments
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations
  • Professional qualifications such as CFA, ACT, or equivalent are highly desirable
  • Fluency in English is required

The Ideal Candidate: You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of treasury operations and financial markets. You have a proven track record of successfully managing complex financial challenges in a dynamic, international environment. You are adaptable, resilient, and have a strong focus on delivering value while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and governance.

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.
competitive
Posted a month ago

Are you a driven accounting professional looking to advance your career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? We are recruiting for an Accounting Manager to join a global business, based at their head office in the Greater Zurich area.

This global organisation offers an opportunity to be part of an entrepreneurial, fast-paced team with offices worldwide. With a flexible and adaptable approach, the company embraces change as a key driver of both business success and personal development, creating an environment where no two days are the same! If you thrive in an international and evolving setting, this could be a great fit for you!

As the Accounting Manager your key responsibilities include:

  • Lead daily accounting operations including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting
  • Prepare and/or review complex journal entries, reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and allocations
  • Coordinate and support internal and external audit engagements
  • Manage corporate income tax and VAT compliance, ensuring adherence to local laws and transfer pricing regulations

Your profile:

  • 4-8 years of Accounting experience; accounting firm experience is strongly preferred
  • Degree in Accounting or Finance; CA, CPA, or ACCA certification preferred
  • Proficient with Oracle or similar ERP systems
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Organised, analytical, and able to multitask in a fast-paced, international environment

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
Posted 2 weeks ago

Are you an accomplished finance professional with a talent for aligning financial expertise with strategic business objectives? My client is seeking a dynamic Country Finance Manager to provide financial leadership for the Italian market, overseeing a diverse range of products and entities.

In this role, you will drive financial planning and reporting, deliver insightful analysis, and provide expert guidance to senior leaders.

You’ll take the lead in ensuring compliance and governance while spearheading transformational projects, such as Oracle implementation and continuous process optimisation.

This position blends strategic thinking with operational excellence, creating opportunities to shape both financial performance and business success.

You will play a pivotal role in a fast-moving environment, collaborating with a talented, international team and making a meaningful impact.

As the Country Finance Manager, your role will include:

  • Business Partnering: Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and performance reporting to support strategic decision-making; advise senior leadership including Country Manager and CFO
  • Financial Governance: Oversee financial operations, ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements, and manage audits, statutory filings, and tax matters
  • Legal Oversight: Handle legal governance, including consumer law, employment law, school accreditation, and board responsibilities such as AGM and reporting
  • Operational Excellence: Manage contract reviews, administrative tasks, and collaboration with HR on payroll, contracts, and compliance
  • Transformation Initiatives: Drive continuous improvement and lead Oracle module implementation for enhanced efficiency across finance and business operations
  • Strategic Projects: Identify trends and improvement opportunities through financial analysis, contributing to pricing strategy and cost control initiatives
Skills Required:
  • Experience: 10-15 years of progressive experience in Finance, with a strong background in financial planning, reporting, and analysis, ideally within an international or multi-entity environment
  • Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to partner with senior stakeholders (e.g., Country Managers, CFOs) and lead cross-functional initiatives, including finance transformations
  • Technical Expertise: Proficient in financial systems and tools, with hands-on experience in ERP implementation (e.g., Oracle) and a solid understanding of tax, compliance, and governance frameworks
  • Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills with a track record of identifying trends, driving cost control, and contributing to strategic decision-making
  • Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with legal governance, consumer law, employment law, and board protocols, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments
  • Languages: Fluency in English and Italian

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.
Competitive salary
Posted 2 weeks ago
Our client is a dynamic and growing biotech business based in the Basel area, committed to innovation and excellence. 

As the business continues to develop they are looking at bringing in-house activities currently outsourced to external providers. As a result, they are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Accountant to join their finance team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping their internal accounting processes and contributing to their continued success.

As the Senior Accountant, your responsibilities will include:

  • Manage the full spectrum of accounting activities, ensuring accurate and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closings in compliance with Swiss GAAP FER
  • Prepare financial statements, tax filings, and VAT returns, ensuring adherence to Swiss regulatory requirements
  • Transition accounting processes in-house from external providers, establishing robust internal controls and streamlined workflows
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities, providing insights and analysis to aid decision-making
  • Collaborate with auditors during statutory and internal audits, providing required documentation and support
Key requirements:
  • Professional qualification in Accounting or Finance would be preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; a background in the Big 4 would be beneficial though not essential  
  • Prior experience within the biotech sector would be strongly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of Swiss GAAP FER and Swiss regulatory requirements
  • Experience with tax and VAT filings in Switzerland
  • Proficiency in Accounting software and ERP systems
  • Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently
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.