Global Director, Finance (LOCATION: Zeist, Woking, Vienna, Gland, Nairobi) - #10522791

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth? Working at WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime.

All around the world, people are waking up to the deepening crisis of nature loss. A growing realisation that nature is our life-support system. And that nobody will be spared from the impacts of its loss. Here at WWF, we are helping to tackle this enormous global challenge. Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from HR and finance to advocacy and conservation science. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and wildlife.

What we do

We are an independent conservation organisation, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government, we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable.

1 MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

Enabling WWF mission delivery through continuous pursuit of optimum balance between efficiency and effectiveness with respect to internal systems, tools and processes. This will be achieved via a delivery of a high standard of: strategic financial management, effective digital solutions, proactive risk management, quality guidance, advice and communication of both regulatory and internal standards requirements all through an inclusive people centered lens.

2 MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Responsible for leading all financial operations of the organization including accounting and treasury, financial planning and analysis, contract and grants management and procurement. Playing a hands-on role in stewarding the elevation of the finance function to support the evolving needs of decision makers in the global Secretariat, Regions, and Countries that WWF-International operates in.

3 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Advice and Business Partnering:

• Provide strategic financial analysis, advice and insights to the Executive Team (ET) on all finance, accounting, and resource allocation related matters,
• Present regular financial updates, recommendations and strategic insights to management and sub-committees of the International Board (IB)
• Drive a client-centric business partnering model with respect to financial advisory and support services provided to managers and budget owners

Financial Risk Management:

• Develop and implement robust financial risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure internal controls, assurance mechanisms, finance related policies and audit processes are fit-for-purpose to provide effectively fiduciary oversight of the global operations of WWF-International
• Manage relationships with internal and external auditors and ensure timely implementation of agreed recommendations arising from assurance engagements

Accounting Practices, StatutoryReporting, and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to agreed accounting and statutory reporting standards
• Oversee timely preparation of consolidated financial statements and supporting reports
• Drive increased transparency in public disclosures of financial information for the organisation
• Ensure continuous compliance with relevant regulatory requirements with respect to reporting and disclosure of financial information

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Accountable for overseeing integrated institutional planning and budgeting processes to create annual and rolling multi-year budgets aligned with strategic plans, priorities and objectives of the organisation
• Oversee processes and teams supporting the development of budgets for funding applications
• Manage teams leading on providing financial insights and advisory services for decision makers within the organisation
• Steward the development and ongoing refinement of interactive information dashboards for management, funders and governance oversight stakeholders
• Collaborate with leaders across the organisation to institute rolling forecasting systems and processes

Grant Management and Procurement:

• Oversee financial contract management processes
• Manage procurement activities in alignment with organisational goals.

Relationship Building:

• Build and manage internal and external networks
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the WWF Network finance community.

Systems, Technology and Data:

• Commit to continuously streamline business processes, systems and tools in support of best-fit value-for-money practices in the financial management of the organisation.
• Partnering closely with the Global Technology and Digital Solution (GTDS) teams, to ensure effective and cost efficient utilisation and maintenance of financial systems and technology to democratise access to data and information for decision makers.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Participatory leadership in ensuring the best fit-for-purpose organisational structure of the finance teams is in place to support the strategic objectives of WWF-International
• Ongoing management, recruitment and development of key finance roles to ensure sustainable high quality delivery of key services and support.
• Drive a continuous improvement culture supported by transparent and outcomes based performance management.
• Disseminate information and promote an inclusive culture aligned with organisational values.

4 PROFILE

Required Qualifications.

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA) is essential
• A post-graduate University degree (Masters (MBA) or higher) in finance, business administration or a related subject is an advantage;
• At least 15 years of experience in a senior financial management role in a complex, global international environment.
• Ideally prior experience of working in a leadership role in an International Non-Government Organization (INGO) with scope of responsibilities across multiple legal jurisdictions
• Good understanding and prior experience of improving or implementing a globally integrated financial system or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) l system

Required Skills and Competencies.

• Excellent leadership and managerial skills with a demonstrated ability to drive change and influence positive organisational culture;
• Demonstrates strategic foresight and global systems thinking approach;
• Strong political, interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills;
• Excellent proven track record of prudent financial management and executive decision making
• Prior experience of engaging and working with diverse funding streams including contracted agreements with Public Sector Partners,
• Excellent organisational and planning skills ;
• Works to the highest level of integrity and confidentiality; Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of French would be an advantage;
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organisation: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration

5 WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal.

Interacts frequently with the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Team (ET) and other senior staff of WWF-International. Liaises closely with, and follows the guidance of, the International Board, the, the Finance & Investment Committee (FIC) and the Audit & Risk Committee (ARCC) Interacts frequently with representatives of National Organizations to ensure the effective use of WWF’s financial resources world-wide.

External.

Liaises closely with financial institutions with which WWF places investments and has other forms of accounts. Works with the external auditors to ensure implementation of best practice in all areas of WWF’s financial management and operational systems. Ongoing contact with various banks, asset managers, external auditors, external systems providers and consultants.

How to apply

This recruitment process is managed by OxfordHR, when you click "apply" you will be redirected to their website. Please follow the application instructions indicated on their website, thank you.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce. WWF promotes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.In the administration of its employment policies and practices, WWF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status, matriculation, political affiliation, or genetic information.