Head Accounting (FRA) France

Role Purpose 

 

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Accounting – France to lead the accounting function for two French legal entities: Sandoz SAS (commercial entity) and Sandoz Biologics France (development & manufacturing site). Reporting directly to the CFO, Sandoz France, this role ensures financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and robust governance in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment. The role is full-time and a CDI. 

Key Responsibilities 

 

• Full accountability for statutory accounting and financial statements under French GAAP (PCG) 

• Ownership of IFRS group reporting and alignment with global accounting policies 

• End-to-end responsibility for tax compliance in France, including:  

• Preparation, review, and submission of French tax declarations 

• Indirect tax (VAT & intrastat) 

• Pharmaceutical-specific taxes and contributions 

• Transfer pricing implementation and documentation 

• Leadership and development of a local accounting team (4 direct reports) 

• Collaboration and oversight of global competence centers concerning all activities performed for French entities including Month End Closing 

• Management of strategic and cross-functional projects, including:  

• Roll-out of e-invoicing, implementation of SAP S/4 HANA 

• End-to-end process improvements, including processes performed by Global Competence Center on behalf of France (P2P/T&E, O2C, R2R, TCM, Others) 

• Primary point of contact for statutory and group auditors 

• Ensure compliance with local regulations, internal controls, and group governance standards 

What You Will Bring 

 

Education 

 

• Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance (Bac+5 or equivalent) 

• Recognized French qualifications such as DSCG, DEC, or Grande École diploma with accounting specialization a plus 
  
   

Experience 

 

• Significant experience (>10 years) in accounting and financial reporting within mid-to-large international companies or Big 4 firms 

• Proven expertise in French GAAP and IFRS in a group reporting environment 

• Knowledge of SAP R/3 and/or S/4 

• Prior people management experience 

• International exposure is a strong plus 
  
   

Languages 

 

• Fluent in French and English (written and spoken) 
  
   

Personal Attributes 

 

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills 

• Structured, reliable, and comfortable managing complexity 

• Proactive and solution-oriented 

• Technically savvy with strong financial and data analysis capabilities 
  
   

Why Join Sandoz 

 

At Sandoz, you will be part of a company that is pioneering access for patients and making a real difference in global healthcare. We offer: 

• Competitive compensation, including attractive participation and intéressement schemes 

• Meal vouchers (ticket restaurant) and comprehensive benefits 

• Regular travel to Toulouse and occasional travel to other group locations 

• A culture that values diversity, inclusion, and personal growth 

• Opportunities to shape the future of a global leader in generics and biosimilars