Assistant Controller_EMEA

About 21Shares

21Shares makes investing in digital assets as easy as buying shares using your conventional broker or bank. Investors can purchase our crypto ETPs easily, safely and securely in a regulated framework on the SIX Swiss Exchange in USD, Euros and GBP, on BX Swiss in CHF, on Boerse Stuttgart in Euros, on DB Xetra as well as Wiener Boerse ( Vienna Exchange) in Euros. We offer the most expansive suite of crypto ETPs available on regulated European exchanges.

Founded in 2018, 21Shares is led by a team of talented entrepreneurs and experienced professionals from the asset management and banking industry. Headquartered in Zurich, the company has launched several exchange-traded products such as NEAR and ONDO in the last twelve months.

Job Summary: 

The Assistant Controller EMEA is responsible for managing the financial operations of the European entities, ensuring compliance with accounting and reporting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal controls. This includes accounting, financial reporting, tax compliance, payroll oversight, risk management and controls. This position plays a key role in supporting audits, financial operations, and cross-functional collaboration to align financial processes with broader business goals. Additionally, the role involves mentoring finance team members and driving continuous improvement initiatives. As a core part of the finance function, this role is integral to maintaining the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the organization.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Financial accounting, operations and reporting

• Oversee day to day finance operations for EMEA entities, including general ledger, close process, intercompany transactions, consolidations, and statutory financial reporting
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings
• Evaluate accounting implications of new products, business models, and transactions, providing guidance to relevant stakeholders
• Perform accounting research, prepare accounting memos and update accounting policies
• Prepare/review accurate and timely financial statements for European entities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (IFRS, Swiss GAAP, US GAAP) and statutory reporting requirements (Swiss CO).
• Manage periodic regulatory filings across various exchanges (annual/interim financial statements, UK CISC I and CISC II offshore funds reporting, ESOP-related filings, etc.)
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory authorities to ensure smooth audits and adherence to all applicable regulations.
• Oversee and maintain relationships with local banking partners and support treasury management
• Ad hoc requests

2. Tax Compliance and Tax Planning

• Review income and non-income tax provision and reconciliations
• Oversee various tax filings (income tax, withholding tax, VAT, etc.) for all European legal entities.

3. Internal Controls

• Develop and implement internal policies and controls to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Review and maintain internal control documentation, and recommend enhancements as needed.
• Perform internal controls testing as needed

4. Payroll Oversight

• Supervise payroll processing and account reconciliation for all European entities.
• Manage payroll reporting (insurance, tax, pension, social security—AHV) and coordinate and support payroll-related audits by government authorities.
• Oversee preparation of annual salary certificates and Form C (ESOP).

5. Team Development 

• Mentor and support the professional development of finance team members, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Credentials:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Professional qualification (CPA, ACCA or equivalent required)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting (Big 4 preferred) and in-house accounting/finance leadership 
• Deep knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP and statutory accounting principles 
• Financial services/Asset management experience preferred 
• Proven experience leading accounting operations and managing teams in high-growth or complex environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong project management skills and ability to multi-task and thrive in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong knowledge of excel and ability to analyze large sets of data

Nice to Haves:

• Familiarity with financial systems such as NetSuite
• Crypto industry knowledge

 

Core Competencies: These are the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviors that define our success. 

1. Leadership

• Lead Self: Take personal responsibility, demonstrate self-awareness, embrace an open and flexible mindset, and commit to continuous learning.
• Lead Others: Inspire and develop teams, foster collaboration as a strong team player, and consistently model exemplary behavior.
• Champion 21Shares: Actively contribute to our collective success and live our Vision, Mission, and Values.

2. Connections

• Build Relationships: Cultivate inclusive, trusted relationships by investing time and fostering belonging.
• Communicate with Impact: Listen empathetically, influence effectively, and convey messages clearly.
• Expand Your Network: Proactively develop broad internal and global connections and build a strong external professional network.

3. Drive & Innovation

• Generate Ideas: Create and develop innovative solutions.
• Embrace Change: Adapt to evolving circumstances and welcome new perspectives.
• Achieve Results: Maintain a strong work ethic and consistently deliver outcomes.

4. Business & Technical Mastery

• Business Acumen: Continuously enhance business knowledge, understand market shifts, and apply insights to create customer value and drive sustainable growth for 21Shares.
  Technical Proficiency: Apply diverse capabilities and expertise to deliver high-quality results, bringing valuable perspective to your role.

5. Customer Centricity

• Solve Problems: Be solution-driven and a proactive problem-solver.
• Seek & Act on Feedback: Positively invite and respond to feedback.
• Uphold Ethics: Demonstrate consistently high ethical standards.
• Deliver Excellence: Meet and exceed customer expectations with a focus on quality.