Payroll Manager - Fixed-term Contract 8 months (F/M/D)

About the job

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is looking for a:

Accountant/Payroll Manager - Fixed-term Contract 8 months (F/M/D)

DEPARTMENT: Accounting
CONTRACT: Fixed-term contract of maximum 8 months
WORKING RATE: 80% - 100%, i.e. 32 to 40 hours per week
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 08.11.2026
CONTRACT START DATE: to be defined

About the Institute:
The Geneva Graduate Institute, founded in 1927, is a globally recognised centre of excellence for the study of international relations and development. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the institute offers a stimulating, multicultural and interdisciplinary academic environment. It provides master’s and doctoral programmes and conducts cutting-edge research on major global challenges.

About the department/service/centre/programme:
The accounting and finance service of the IHEID (Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies) is responsible for the financial and accounting management of the Institute. It ensures budget monitoring, management of financial flows, and compliance of transactions with current standards. The service works closely with various departments, programmes, research centres and services to optimise resources and guarantee financial transparency.

Your role:
Within the Accounting service and in close collaboration with the Payroll Manager, you contribute to the accounting management of salaries and the smooth running of payroll operations. You ensure the processing of salary-related activities in compliance with legal requirements and maintain the continuity of associated accounting processes. You also provide support for general accounting activities as needed by the service.

Your main responsibilities:
• Ensure the accounting processing of salaries and carry out monthly payments of fixed salaries, variable pay and salary advances.
• Control salaries and the necessary documents for their processing, in accordance with legal and administrative requirements.
• Participate in declarations and settlements related to social insurance and withholding tax.
• Prepare documents required for AVS controls and other audits.
• Perform various general accounting operations, including invoice entry, bank payments and financial postings.
• Reconcile and clear balance sheet accounts related to salaries.
• Respond to employee queries regarding payslips.
• Support service activities according to priorities and operational needs.

To succeed in this role you will need to:
• Hold a commercial employee CFC or equivalent qualification.
• Have 2 to 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Master accounting processes, particularly those related to salary processing and monitoring.
• Demonstrate good numerical skills and excellent command of Excel.
• Have excellent command of French and a very good level of spoken and written English (minimum C1).
• Show confidentiality, rigour and precision in handling information.
• Be able to organise work effectively and manage priorities.
• Demonstrate autonomy, flexibility and a strong team spirit.
• Adopt a service-oriented approach based on kindness, courtesy and professional ethics.

What we can offer you:
• Work with a large international community of users from diverse backgrounds.
• Interesting position with varied tasks.
• Good atmosphere in a small team.
• At the heart of international Geneva.

Our recruitment process if you are selected:
• You will be contacted by email to complete an assessment.
• An interview at the Institute or via video (depending on your place of residence) with Human Resources to better understand your motivations and personal skills.
• A final interview with the supervisor who will be happy to answer your more job-oriented questions.

How to apply?
Please submit a complete application in PDF format including the following documents:

1) a cover letter
2) a CV
3) diplomas
4) work certificates

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organisation. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability, race, national origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation or religion.
For more information, candidates are invited to consult the Institute’s website: graduateinstitute.ch

Please note that applications received by post will not be considered.