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

130,000 CHF
Posted 4 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.
140,000 CHF + bonus and benefits
Posted 2 months ago

EMEA Recruitment is partnered with a global organisation seeking a Technical Accounting Manager to strengthen its international Finance team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make an impact within a highly regarded organisation at a strategic level.

Key responsibilities of the Technical Accounting Manager:

  • IFRS and GAAP Compliance: Oversee compliance with IFRS and US GAAP standards, manage accounting for complex financial instruments, and ensure adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley Act requirements
  • Financial Due Diligence and Reporting: Lead financial due diligence for M&A transactions, prepare and review financial statements, and conduct impairment testing
  • Policy Development: Monitor evolving accounting standards, establish and communicate financial policies across global regions
  • Internal Support and Training: Provide technical accounting expertise, develop training resources, and lead training sessions for Finance teams to foster knowledge sharing
  • Process Improvement: Drive enhancements in financial reporting processes and documentation, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards

What you\'ll bring:

  • Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or Chartered Accountant highly preferred
  • Experience: At least 7 years in financial reporting and auditing, with strong expertise in accounting compliance and process optimisation
  • Technical Skills: Proficient in ERP systems (SAP, JDE) and advanced skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
  • Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities, with experience in financial data assessment and strategic control implementation
  • Leadership and Communication: Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and effectively convey complex accounting concepts

This role offers the chance to collaborate with a forward-thinking team and contribute meaningfully to organisational success in a fast-paced, global 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.

130,000-140,000 CHF + package
Posted 2 months ago

On behalf of our international client, we are seeking an accomplished Country Head of FP&A to lead the Financial Planning and Analysis operations in Switzerland.

This pivotal role focuses on enhancing business performance through strategic business partnering across the organisation.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to influence senior management decisions.

Key responsibilities of the FP&A Manager:

  • Develop and lead the FP&A function, providing strategic insights that influence the broader business strategy
  • Partner with key business leaders to drive financial and operational performance improvements
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes to ensure alignment with corporate objectives
  • Analyse financial data and trends to support business decisions and present actionable insights to stakeholders
  • Ensure compliance with local financial legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation and enforcing adherence to these laws

Qualifications required:

  • Proven experience as an FP&A leader, preferably in a multi-national company
  • Strong business acumen, with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams
  • Fluent in English, French and German
  • A master\'s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; professional certifications (CMA) preferred
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 3 weeks ago
EMEA Recruitment is seeking a Finance Manager – Trade Performance to join our prestigious international client in the shipping industry.

In this advanced role, you will be instrumental in leading the strategic analysis and benchmarking of trade revenues across sea and land sectors.

Your expertise will enable our client to pinpoint key market trends, drive strategic decision-making, and optimize financial performance at a global level.


Key Responsibilities of the Finance Manager – Trade Performance:
  • Strategic Analysis and Benchmarking: Spearhead in-depth analyses of trade revenues, crafting benchmarking methodologies to gauge our performance against industry standards and top competitors
  • Reporting and Insights Communication: Craft and deliver sophisticated presentations and detailed reports to executive management, transforming complex data into clear, actionable insights
  • Special Conditions Analysis: Conduct critical evaluations of THC, local charges, and demurrage, strategizing to enhance financial outcomes and streamline revenue strategies
  • KPI and Performance Reporting: Develop and refine frameworks for monthly KPIs and performance analysis, advancing reporting tools and techniques to bolster strategic decisions
  • Ad-Hoc Analysis and Strategic Support: Manage and fulfill high-level analysis requests from leadership, serving as a key strategic advisor and championing a data-driven approach within the organization
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Forge and maintain pivotal relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring strategic alignment and cooperative success in broad organizational initiatives

The skills and experience required for this Finance Manager – Trade Performance role include:
  • A minimum of 7-10 years in a senior analytical role within the shipping or related industry, demonstrating a proven track record of impactful financial analysis
  • Advanced degree in Finance, Business Management, or a relevant Maritime field. Additional professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) are preferred
  • Expert-level proficiency in Excel and other analytical tools; demonstrated ability to handle complex data sets with precision
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the capability to influence at the senior management level and thrive under pressure
  • Proficiency in English and French is required, with additional languages beneficial
  • Must possess EU citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit

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.
140,000 CHF + package
Posted 2 weeks ago

On behalf of our international client, we are seeking an Internal Auditor to play a critical role in strengthening their internal controls, ensuring compliance, and enhancing the overall governance of the organisation.

This position is ideal for a professional looking to apply their auditing skills in a dynamic, multinational environment.

The key responsibilities of the internal auditor are:

  • Audit Planning and Execution: Develop and execute audit plans to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes across various departments.
  • Compliance and Risk Management: Evaluate compliance with statutory laws and regulations. Identify any risks to the organization and recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Reporting and Recommendations: Prepare detailed reports on audit findings and present these to senior management. Propose actionable improvements to enhance systems and processes.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with various teams to understand business processes and systems. Foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
  • Special Audits: Conduct ad-hoc audits as requested by management, providing insights and guidance on specific issues or areas of concern.

The skills required of the Internal Auditor are:

  • Experience Required: Internal auditing, preferably in a corporate setting. Experience in the shipping/transport industry is advantageous but not required.
  • Educational Background: Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or similar is highly preferred.
  • Skills: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Proficient in auditing software and Microsoft Office.
  • Soft Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.
  • Language Requirements: Proficiency in English is required; additional languages are a plus.
  • Eligibility: EU citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit is necessary.

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.
170,000 CHF + package
Posted 2 weeks ago

On behalf of our international client, we are seeking a Business Controller - Group with a strong focus on business reporting to enhance financial transparency and operational effectiveness.

This pivotal role will not only ensure the integrity of financial data but also drive strategic business analysis, providing detailed reporting that supports corporate decision-making.

The role demands agility to handle urgent issues and lead ad-hoc projects that impact the financial landscape.

The key responsibilities of the Business Controller - Group:

  • Strategic Business Reporting: Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive business reporting tools; provide detailed financial reports and analysis to assist senior management in decision-making.
  • Financial Oversight and Systems Management: Oversee the accuracy of financial transactions and reporting, ensuring compliance with statutory law and financial regulations.
  • Ad-Hoc Financial Projects: Respond promptly to urgent financial inquiries and lead special projects, providing financial expertise and oversight to ensure successful resolution of complex issues.
  • Risk Management and Compliance: Monitor financial procedures and controls, conduct reviews to ensure compliance with financial practices, and manage relationships with external auditors and regulators.
  • Leadership in Financial Strategy: Play a key role in strategic planning sessions, using financial insights to guide corporate strategy and business growth.

The require background of the Business Controller - Group is:

  • Experience Required: In a financial management role in the shipping sector role with significant emphasis on business reporting and analysis within a multinational corporation.
  • Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field; MBA or professional financial certification preferred.
  • Skills: Advanced skills in financial analysis and business reporting, proficiency in financial software and MS Office, particularly Excel.
  • Soft Skills: Strong leadership and communication skills, adept at managing complex projects and making strategic decisions under pressure.
  • Language Requirements: Fluent in English; additional language skills are advantageous.
  • Eligibility: Must hold EU citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit.

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
Posted 2 weeks ago

EMEA Recruitment is seeking a Service Profitability Analyst to join the Finance department or one of our international clients. The role will support the financial optimisation of trade and service operations.

This role is instrumental in enhancing the overall profitability of the organisation by providing detailed financial and commercial insights to strategic stakeholders.

The responsibilities of the Service Profitability Analyst are:

  • Comprehensive Analysis: Conduct in-depth analysis of operational, commercial, and financial aspects of trades and services to identify key profitability drivers.
  • Profitability Improvement: Recommend strategies to enhance profitability based on detailed analyses, collaborating closely with stakeholders to implement these improvements.
  • Service Simulation: Simulate net results for new or modified services, analyse outcomes, and present findings to management or specific departments.
  • Voyage Profitability Estimation: Quickly estimate the preliminary profitability of voyages upon completion of the loading phase.
  • Benchmarking and Value Assessment: Assist in benchmarking the value of customers either globally or specific to trade, contributing to strategic customer management.
  • Monthly Business Analysis: Perform and complete monthly business analysis as requested by management, ensuring accuracy and relevancy of data.

The background of the Service Profitability Analyst is:

  • Essential Experience: 4-6 years in a similar financial or commercial analysis role, within the shipping industry.
  • Educational Background: Degree in Finance, Business Management, or a relevant Maritime field.
  • Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Excel and strong analytical capabilities.
  • Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills, precision, and accuracy in work, and a strong team player.
  • Language Requirements: Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
  • Eligibility: EU citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit (B-C) is required.
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.