Head of Department Financial Management & Compliance (m/f/d) 80%-100%

Key information

  • Publication date:28 October 2025
  • Workload:80 – 100%
  • Place of work:Zurich

Job summary

Join ETH Zürich as Head of Financial Management & Compliance. Lead impactful projects in a dynamic environment.

Tasks

  • Manage resources and lead an interdisciplinary team effectively.
  • Ensure compliance and quality in third-party project management.
  • Define and implement financial management standards and guidelines.

Skills

  • Degree in business or technical field; leadership experience required.
  • Strong communication and strategic thinking abilities.
  • Proficient in ERP systems and financial applications.

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Head of Department Financial Management & Compliance (m/f/d)

80%-100%, Zurich, permanent

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In the area of the Vice President Finance and Controlling, the newly created Department Financial Management & Compliance plays a central role in the management and monitoring of third-party funded projects as well as in ensuring financial and regulatory standards. The department includes the sections Project Management, Project Reporting as well as the Compliance Office and significantly contributes to the quality, transparency, and efficiency in dealing with third-party funds. To lead this strategically important department, we are looking for a strong leadership personality with solid experience in project management, reporting, and compliance as of January 1, 2026, or by agreement.

Job description

In this demanding leadership role, you take over resource management and lead an interdisciplinary team. You are responsible for developing and implementing guidelines for the management and monitoring of all types of third-party funded projects and ensure the quality and consistency of project structures and bookings – including an interactive feedback system for the responsible bodies.

You ensure high-quality reports on third-party funded projects and guarantee the correction of unauthorized cost allocations. In doing so, you keep an eye on the efficiency of the department and actively promote the use of digital tools and automation.

In the area of Financial Management, you define standards for "Good Financial Practice" in the management of professorships and integrate relevant compliance topics in close coordination with other compliance offices at ETH. You coach and support professorships in financial management and coordinate training content for onboarding events.

Furthermore, you take on project leadership or actively contribute to strategic projects. You work closely with partners within the ETH area to use common systems and create synergies.

Profile

  • University degree in business administration or technical field
  • Further training and leadership experience in compliance, project management, and controlling
  • Solid knowledge of ERP systems and financial applications, especially SAP
  • Experience with AI solutions in finance as well as in project management
  • Strong consulting skills, communication strength, and strategic thinking
  • High personal responsibility, assertiveness, and empathy
  • Enjoyment of coaching, participative leadership, and staff development
  • Networked thinking with a view to the overall optimum 

Workplace

Workplace




We offer

  • Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive changes in society
  • Modern office spaces combined with the possibility to work partially from home are a matter of course in the area of the Vice Presidency Finance and Controlling.
  • Look forward to an exciting work environment with responsible tasks in a competent, committed team.
  • You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport subscriptions and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare , as well as attractive pension benefits
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Diversity and sustainability are important to us

In line with our values , ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and maintain a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all employees and students are respected. On our website on equal opportunities and diversity , you can learn how we ensure a fair and open environment where everyone can develop and thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to your online application with the following documents:  

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Motivation letter
  • Work certificates
  • Diplomas

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by e-mail or postal mail will not be considered.

Further information about the Vice Presidency Finance and Controlling can be found on our website . For inquiries, the Vice President Finance and Controlling, Stefan Spiegel, stefan.spiegel@sl.etzh.ch (no application documents), is happy to assist you.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For personnel recruitment, the Terms and Conditions of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical and natural science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, pioneering basic research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find an environment with us that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires top performance. In the heart of Europe and globally networked, we develop solutions together for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Categories:

Human Resources / Staff Management, Management / Project Management

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