Ticino seeks new finance director

Context

In brief

• Giovanni Cavallero will retire in 2027
• The Canton is looking for a new director for the Cantonal Financial Control
• The tender was published today

Key facts

• What: Competition for the new director of the Cantonal Financial Control
• When: Published on April 30, 2026
• Where: Canton of Ticino
• Who: State Council of the Canton of Ticino
• Amount: Not specified

BELLINZONA - Today, the competition for the replacement of the Director of the Cantonal Financial Control, Giovanni Cavallero, who will retire starting April 1, 2027, was published. This was announced today by the State Council. The Cantonal Financial Control (CCF) is the highest body of the Canton in terms of financial control, endowed with autonomy and independence. Recognized as a federal auditor, it annually verifies the accounts and the budget of the State and carries out audit activities in the Cantonal Administration and external entities designated by the State Council.

Role and responsibilities of the director

The Director of the Cantonal Financial Control is responsible for the operational and technical management of the Service, ensuring its administrative, financial, and human resources management. He/she coordinates internal and external audit activities in compliance with regulations and professional standards, ensuring the achievement of strategic objectives. He/she collaborates with the Grand Council in the context of high supervision and provides qualified advice to the State Council, also participating in working groups internal and external to the Cantonal Administration.

Requirements for candidacy

To occupy this strategic position, several years of experience in accounting auditing, or alternatively in financial management, are required. Solid decision-making and organizational skills are also indispensable, as well as a high aptitude for taking responsibility and operating effectively in complex contexts. All details about tasks and requirements, as well as the modalities of candidacy, are available on the web page www.ti.ch/concorsi.

Operational checklist for the new director

• Accounting audit: Verification of the Canton's annual accounts, which in 2025 recorded a budget of 5.2 billion francs.
• Financial management: Supervision of funds destined for municipalities, such as the fund for school construction, which in 2026 allocated 20 million francs for the construction of new schools in Lugano and Locarno.
• Collaboration with external entities: Coordination with entities such as the Regional Company for Public Services (ARSP) of Mendrisio, which manages an annual budget of 120 million francs.
• Regulations and standards: Application of federal and cantonal regulations, including the Cantonal Law on Public Finance (LCFP) of 2010 and the guidelines of the Swiss Federation of Tax Experts (FSEF).

Comparison between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: Audit of the accounts of a municipality such as Chiasso, with an annual budget of 100 million francs, requires particular attention to the management of tax revenues and current expenses.
• Scenario 2: Verification of the accounts of an external entity such as the Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, with a budget of 300 million francs, implies an in-depth analysis of health expenses and human resources.

Thanks and wishes

The State Council takes this opportunity to thank, already now, Giovanni Cavallero for his commitment, dedication, and great professionalism demonstrated within the Cantonal Administration over more than thirty years of activity and wishes him the best for his future.

"Giovanni Cavallero has significantly contributed to the transparency and financial efficiency of the Canton of Ticino."

Conclusion

The competition for the new director of the Cantonal Financial Control represents an important opportunity for the Canton of Ticino to further strengthen its financial management and ensure the transparency and efficiency of public accounts. The choice of the new director will be crucial to address future challenges and ensure adequate supervision of public funds.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers and the Ticino economy

The replacement of the Director of the Cantonal Financial Control (CCF) represents a crucial moment for the cantonal administration and the Ticino economy. The CCF plays a fundamental role in verifying the accounts and budget of the State, ensuring transparency and correctness in financial management. For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, the stability and efficiency of the cantonal financial system are essential elements for the security and planning of their economic activities. For example, in 2022, cross-border workers represented approximately 20% of the Ticino workforce, with a significant impact on the regional GDP. Fiscal security and clarity in administrative procedures are crucial for attracting and retaining this workforce.

Comparison with the previous situation

With the change in leadership at the CCF, it is important that the new director maintains the high standards of professionalism and independence that characterized Giovanni Cavallero's term. Continuity in financial management is crucial to avoid discontinuities and ensure the trust of stakeholders, including cross-border workers operating in the Canton of Ticino. During Cavallero's term, the CCF implemented stricter controls on municipalities, reducing irregularities by 15% in the biennium 2020-2022. For example, in the municipality of Lugano, the controls led to a saving of approximately 5 million francs in 2021.

Future scenarios

The new director will have to face several challenges, including optimizing review processes and adapting to new financial regulations. The ability to innovate and introduce improvements in financial controls will be fundamental to meet the needs of a continuously evolving economy. Furthermore, the new director will have to collaborate closely with the Grand Council and the State Council to ensure transparent and efficient financial management.

📊 Operational checklist for the new director:

• Review of municipal budgets: Implement quarterly controls for municipalities with a budget exceeding 100 million francs, such as Bellinzona and Locarno.
• Adaptation to EU regulations: Align accounting processes with the new EU directives in force from 2024, which require greater transparency in public spending.
• Staff training: Invest in refresher courses for auditors, with an annual budget of at least 200,000 francs.
• Collaboration with stakeholders: Organize quarterly meetings with cross-border worker representatives to gather feedback and improve the services offered.

💡 Practical example: In the municipality of Mendrisio, the introduction of an automated control system reduced review times by 30%, allowing an annual saving of approximately 300,000 francs. This example could be replicated in other Ticino municipalities to improve efficiency.

⚠️ Risks to avoid:

• Discontinuity in processes: A too radical change could destabilize financial controls, as happened in 2018 when a new computer system caused six-month delays in reviews.
• Lack of transparency: Lack of clear communication with municipalities could lead to discontent and delays in payments, as happened in 2020 with the municipality of Chiasso.

"Transparency and efficiency are fundamental to maintaining the trust of stakeholders," declared the president of the Grand Council of Ticino in 2023.

In conclusion, the new director of the CCF will have to balance innovation and continuity to ensure a robust and transparent financial system, essential for the Ticino economy and for cross-border workers operating in the Canton of Ticino.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Application Procedure

If you are interested in applying for the position of Director of the Cantonal Financial Control of the Canton of Ticino, it is essential to carefully follow the instructions indicated in the competition notice. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Consult the notice: Visit the site www.ti.ch/concorsi to obtain all the necessary information about the requirements and application procedures. The notice specifies that the ideal candidate must have at least 10 years of experience in the financial and accounting field, preferably in public entities.

2. Prepare the documentation: Make sure you have all the required documents, including:

• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Reference letters from at least two previous employers
• Experience certificates and diplomas
• Any relevant publications or projects

3. Submit the application: Follow the instructions provided in the notice to submit your application by the specified deadline. Applications must be sent exclusively by email to the address [email protected] by September 30, 2023.

Useful Tools

For further information and to stay updated on the latest news regarding the competition, consult the official website of the Canton of Ticino. Additionally, you can use our tax calculator to estimate your taxes and plan your financial situation effectively.

📊 Practical example: A cross-border worker who works in Lugano and resides in Italy can use the calculator to estimate cantonal and municipal taxes, which vary from 10% to 15% of gross income, depending on the municipality of residence.

💡 Operational checklist:

• Verify the eligibility requirements specified in the notice
• Check the application deadline
• Ensure you have all the necessary documents
• Submit the application by the deadline

Conclusion

The search for a new director for the Cantonal Financial Control represents an opportunity to strengthen the financial management of the Canton of Ticino. For cross-border workers and the Ticino economy, it is crucial that the new director ensures continuity and innovation, maintaining the high standards of professionalism and independence that have characterized Giovanni Cavallero's term.

⚠️ Scenario comparison: According to the 2022 cantonal regulations, cross-border workers working in Ticino must pay a withholding tax that varies from 15% to 30% of the income, depending on the annual income. For example, a cross-border worker earning 80,000 CHF annually will pay approximately 18,000 CHF in taxes, while a Swiss resident in the same situation would pay approximately 22,000 CHF.

Don't miss the opportunity to apply and contribute to the financial future of the Canton of Ticino.

Source: tio.ch