Hello everyone,

I have being in a relationship with my girlfriend.. now fiancee for about 4 years now. For three years out of the four, she was visiting me frequently in new york city from switzerland and whenever i had the chance i do the same. In 2005, she decided to move to new york city but later decided to go back to switzerland because she didn't like it in the city.

Now she has being telling me to move to switzerland lately. I don't speak german, french nor italian. I do have a degree in accounting and I presently have an accounting business. I guess my questions is:

What is to be expected in switzerland for a person who can't speak any of Switzerland's official languages?

Where would you like to stay in switzerland ?

If you come here you better prepare yourself and learn german,french or italian because it's hard to find a job if you don't speak any of the 3 (4) official languages. You probably wont even get an office job if you don't speak one of them fluently. (except in a english speaking company eventually).

Do you have a university/college degree in accounting ? if not, that won't help much because most business students have basic accounting knowledge. Consequently theres a lot of competition.

I would suggest to learn German.
That's worth a try

Thanks for replying. I do want to be there because I love her and if that makes her happy then I will do it. Besides, I do like the country alot judging from the times I've spent there.
I am willing to learn a language. I've even started using the Rosette learning software in German. I have a university degree in accounting. I am currently a CPA exam candidate also.

OK I guess your chances to find a decent job are good. And if you're willing to learn the local language your can have a great time here. Note that swiss german is not exactly high-german. It will make the learning harder.

Try to get a job in zurich before you come to switzerland. It's not a good idea to come here empty-handed.

You say you have a degree in accounting. I have tons of friends that work for UBS or Ernst & Young that are all American and none of them speak German. I really couldn't think of a better degree to have for trying to find a job in Zurich. The language of finance (same as science), particularly for international companies, is English.

The need to learn the local language is highly overstated. I work in a bank, in Zurich, and speak not a word of German. I spent the last three years in Geneva, studying entirely in English. While I speak a fair bit of French, I'm hardly fluent, and know many people who work without knowing any (particularly in the UN). Switzerland is full of expats, and Geneva practically crawling with them, and expats are not known for embracing the local culture :-)

Language is a problem in accounting, because most big accounting firms work for local companies, hence require fluency. But if you work in internal banking for say, a P&G, you'll be fine. You should probably worry more about whether your accounting experience is transferrable. They don't quite follow the same principles on this side of the pond.

I fear Andres is over stressing the point. The Swiss are quite insular and so would prefer a German (in Zurich) speaking candidate but if you are better than the other guy then they'll still take you. Most big Intl firms (including Swiss ones) have English speaking as a hiring criteria so its not normally a problem.

For job prospects, www.jobserve.com and search CPA + Zurich, here's a role for accountant + zurich (which actaully would suit you down to the ground).

Swisslinx is seeking an Accountant to assume the role of Financial Analyst for an international financial institution in Zurich. Within a small dynamic team, your responsibilities will focus on the preparation of US as well as Swiss Tax data, year end results and quarterly presentations to the board. The position will require candidates to analyse expenditures and variances of plan and preform the transfer pricing within internal entities. Our client is looking for a Chartered Accountant with at least 2 years experience, strong analytical skills and a sound business sense. Familiarity with relational databases and advanced Excel skills are also necessary attributes of successful candidates. Additionally, you should be a strong team player with good interpersonal skills and the ability to meet deadlines and work accurately in high pressure surroundings. This is an exciting opportunity to further your career within a dynamic and highly international environment.

Thanks guys for the information. It has been very helpful in preparing my transition over Switzerland.