Payroll Accountant (80%)

The International School of Lausanne (ISL) is a leading non-profit, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School set in the French speaking part of Switzerland. The school is committed to excellence in education. We strive to recognise the unique potential of each student, and to equip them to play an active and responsible role in a complex, multicultural world.  ISL employs approximately 250 staff members on a modern campus hosting around 850 students from over 60 nationalities, aged 3 to 18.

To strengthen our Finance & Payroll department, we are seeking an experienced, outgoing and customer-oriented

Amongst a team of four people, in this key role you will organise, manage and process the payroll for approx. 250 employees (160 permanent staff and 90 auxiliary staff paid on an hourly basis). Your main responsibilities include:

• Own and manage the timely and accurate monthly payroll calculation
• Prepare monthly/annual reporting and perform closing procedures related to payroll, tax at source, social security, and other legal requirements
• Ensure compliance with payroll and social security standards and regulations at all times
• Announce arrival and departures of employees to social security partners; perform request of loss of earnings (APG) when needed
• Internal and external primary contact person for all payroll related matters
• Proactively advise and support employees for payroll, social security and tax at source questions
• Assess and improve regularly all payroll processes

Building on your accounting knowledge you will also perform ad hoc accounting tasks to support the team in their duties:

• Support the accounting team in their duties
• Participate in monthly accounting closing; perform various balance sheet reconciliations
• Provide assistance and guidance during monthly payroll forecasting and annual budgeting process

Desired profile:

• Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree, Brevet Fédéral de spécialiste en finance et comptabilité, or equivalent accounting qualification
• 5 years’ work experience in a similar position, ideally in an accounting firm and/or a SME within the region
• Fluent in French and English; excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Solid knowledge of Swiss social security system and tax at source
• Knowledge of SwissSalary or any major SWISSDEC certified payroll system
• Good knowledge of finance and accounting principles
• Strong team spirit with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Pragmatic, proactive and well-organised
• Detail oriented, reliable, trustworthy with ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Strong customer service mindset and ability to work in a culturally diverse organisation
• Accountable, displaying a can-do attitude and the ability to proactively propose solutions when facing issues
• System minded individual with advanced skills in Excel

What we offer:

• A truly international and dynamic work environment
• Six weeks of holidays per year
• A generous pension plan and social insurances coverage
• Free well-being and sport activities
• Regular social events that help foster a sense of community and belonging

Are you interested?

To apply please submit the following documents on JobUp:

• résumé/CV
• copies of diplomas and work certificates or reference letters
• copy of work permit (if applicable)
• activity rate and salary package expectations

Due to work permit limitations, preference will be given to candidates having a Swiss / EU citizenship or holding a Swiss work permit.

We care for children

The International School of Lausanne is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all of our staff to share this commitment. A complete reference check and criminal records check will be conducted on all successful applicants.

We value diversity

At ISL, all members of our community contribute to creating an environment where diversity is valued. Each individual is committed to ensuring everyone has a strong sense of belonging and feels respected. ISL is committed to being an inclusive employer that values diversity. Find out more about our values here.