Breitling Finance Director

About Breitling

Founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling, Breitling is a Swiss watchmaker renowned for its precision chronographs and enduring ties to aviation. Headquartered in Grenchen, the brand combines a distinctive technical heritage with a contemporary approach to luxury, design and responsible business. As an employer, Breitling offers a professional environment spanning watchmaking, engineering, product development, marketing and international retail. Its global presence connects specialist expertise with diverse markets, while its identity remains rooted in Swiss craftsmanship and innovation. For professionals drawn to both mechanical excellence and brand transformation, Breitling represents an opportunity to contribute to the continuing evolution of an established watchmaking house.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the local finance and accounting function, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant financial management.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets and cash and bank accounting.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of accounting entries, reconciliations, accruals, provisions and prepayments.
• Own month-end and year-end closing, meeting deadlines and Group requirements.
• Review the P&L and balance sheet, identify discrepancies, and ensure appropriate follow-up and resolution.
• Oversee payment processes and payment runs, ensuring appropriate controls and management approvals.
• Ensure accurate and timely month-end financial reporting, including Tagetik / Group Reporting, in close collaboration with HQ.
• Ensure compliance with local accounting, tax and statutory requirements, coordinating with external auditors and local advisors as required.
• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls and accounting processes, aligning them with local requirements and Group policies.
• Oversee sales and cash reconciliations, ensuring discrepancies are identified and resolved promptly.
• Oversee inventory reconciliations and the financial management of retail stock.
• Manage finance processes relating to boutique operations and retail activities, including boutique internalisation processes.
• Partner with local management and retail leadership, providing financial insights and supporting business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve finance and accounting processes, increase efficiency and strengthen financial controls.
• Work closely with HQ Finance and global stakeholders to align local and Group requirements.
• Support and develop the local finance organisation, fostering ownership, accuracy and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in a senior finance, accounting or controlling role, ideally in an international, luxury, retail or consumer-facing environment.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and a sound understanding of South Korean accounting principles and statutory requirements.
• Hands-on experience overseeing general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets and cash and bank accounting.
• Strong understanding of accruals, provisions, prepayments, journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Proven track record in month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Experience preparing or reviewing statutory financial statements, tax-related accounting and audit requirements.
• Confidence reviewing the P&L and balance sheet, investigating discrepancies and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Experience with retail finance processes, including sales and cash reconciliation, inventory reconciliation and boutique operations.
• Solid experience with payment processes and payment runs, including payments requiring management approval.
• Strong knowledge of Douzone ERP and experience working with SAP.
• Experience with Tagetik or another Group Reporting / consolidation tool is an advantage.
• Experience establishing and maintaining strong accounting controls and processes.
• Comfort working closely with external auditors, local advisors and HQ Finance teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to combine hands-on operational involvement with senior-level financial oversight and business partnering.
• Confident English communication and comfort working in an international environment.
• Comfort working on-site and staying closely connected to local business and retail teams.

Skills

Benefits

Work-from-home option depending on position requirements; watch-to-wear / watch-to-buy program; referral program; development opportunities; culture of feedback.

Culture

Breitling’s workplace culture draws on its Swiss watchmaking heritage and close ties to aviation, placing precision, technical expertise and a pioneering spirit at the heart of its professional environment. The brand brings together craftsmanship and contemporary design, offering a distinctive setting for professionals who value both tradition and innovation in luxury watchmaking.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.