Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some advice from people with experience or insight into the Swiss job market, especially Zurich. I’m about to choose a Master’s degree and I’m torn between Accounting and Finance.
My background is in International Business with major in Accounting & Finance, and I genuinely perform well in both areas and I enjoy both of them. My medium-term goal is to move to Zurich and build a solid career there (ideally starting in roles connected to Big4, audit, advisory, corporate finance or consulting). However, I’m unsure on what master to choose because the country I'm at right now is facing a very high unemployement rate so I'm not able to get any work experience and also I'm unsure, looking at the future, about current demand in Zurich and which profile is more valued or easier to place as a non-Swiss graduate. Some specific questions I’d love input on:
- Is the Zurich market currently more favorable to Accounting or Finance graduates?
- Are Big4 / large companies hiring more for audit & accounting profiles or for finance/corporate finance roles?
- From an employability perspective, does Accounting offer a safer entry point than Finance?
- Looking 5–10 years ahead, which background (Accounting vs Finance) provides stronger career progression and flexibility in the Swiss market?
- How realistic is it to transition from Accounting to Finance/Advisory after a few years in Switzerland?
- Are there particular skills, certifications (e.g. IFRS, ACCA, CFA) or master profiles that are especially appreciated in Zurich?
My main priorities are employability, long-term growth and international mobility. Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience, it would help a lot in making a well-informed decision. I'm a bit out of ideas!
