Head of Finance

Are you a strategic and values-driven finance leader ready to make a global impact?

War Child Alliance Foundation is seeking a Head of Finance to play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening our financial future. As part of our leadership team, you'll ensure our resources are managed effectively to maximize impact for children affected by conflict.

In this key role, you will lead the finance function across the Alliance - driving excellence in financial planning, control, reporting, and risk management. You will oversee the full financial cycle, from management accounting and systems improvement to internal controls and decision support, in a dynamic and evolving environment. Working closely with the War Child Alliance Foundation Board, International Management Team (IMT), global departments, country management teams, and our fundraising members, you will provide strategic insight and timely communication of financial results, forecasts, risks, and opportunities to inform key decisions and strengthen accountability.

You will lead a diverse and skilled team and will work in strong partnership with regional and country leaders, as well as operational and finance managers across the Alliance, to ensure coherence and transparency in financial management. At War Child, we are committed to building a fair, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every individual is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and lived experiences, and we actively encourage those who share our commitment to justice, equity, and lasting change for children affected by war to apply.

What you will do: Planning, reporting and control of annual cycle

• Leads WCAF's annual planning and reporting financial cycle, including (a) the budgeting and resource allocation process, (b) financial reporting and financial performance reviews, (c) reforecasting exercises, (d) the Year End process, and (e) the delivery of WCAF's annual financial statements;
• Executes financial scenario analysis and contingency planning as required;
• Supports in the consolidation of financial data and reports for the benefits of internal decision making and external accountability;
• Ensures continuity of provision of statutory financial information;
• Leads the continuous improvement of financial management information dashboards, reports analysis and KPIs;
• Designs, develops, and implements a management accounting information system based on budget holders needs and requirements. Provides management accounting analysis to the various leadership spaces for decision making and risk management purposes. Advises the IMT and the Board on course of actions to be taken;
• Ensures the maintenance of financial information systems, identify bottlenecks in the composition of management information and takes the necessary actions to resolve issues;
• Monitors obligations and liabilities of the group and act proactively to prevent or minimize risks;
• Monitors careful Treasury management, reporting on bank and currency risks and provides advice and effective problem solving to country management, fundraising members, IMT and Board;
• Develops and maintains organization financial performance metrics;
• Assesses qualitative risks in the various business processes and integrates these risks in the audit plan and the various individual audits.

Management of the annual external audit

• Leads the annual statutory financial audit process for the consolidated group,
• Acts as primary focal point with the statutory auditors;
• Guides the planning and execution of global/external donor audits and assessments;
• Coordinates execution of the audit;
• Coordinates the management response to the external audit and coordinates the follow-up actions

Developing and implementing financial management, accounting & internal control and compliance policies

• Sets overall financial management, planning and control principles, guidelines and procedures -including minimum standards- and monitors compliance and execution thereof in the organization;
• Formulates objectives and indicators for the financial management, accounting and internal control systems and ensures implementation and monitoring;
• Advises the senior management team , organization units senior management teams, regional directors, fundraising member management and country managers on adaptation and change of financial reporting, systems, financial models and internal control based on contextual and organisational developments;
• Acts as an expert source of information and advises the management and other stakeholders, solicited and unsolicited, about financial management, policy, control and compliance issues;
• In collaboration the finance team and other departments (thematic Management Team) ensures and monitors finance related compliance with requirements of institutional donors and international standards;
• Represents Finance regularly at the International Management Team (IMT) meetings, alliance Finance Working Group, Board Audit & Risk Committee and periodically at full Board meetings;
• Role model a culture of cross functional collaboration, problem solving and strategic business partnering within the Finance team, its stakeholders and the management team;
• Aligns objectives, projects and activities with other departments within the organization and makes suggestions for integrating and creating synergies in processes;
• Guides on the capacity development of key stakeholders on critical financial management related topics;
• Oversee the matrix leadership of the regional Operational Support managers and fundraising member Operational/Finance Directors/ managers by setting collecting objectives, monitoring progress and by supporting functional development of the team.

Systems management

• Oversees the development, implementation maintenance and continuous improvement of the group's financial management and reporting systems, standards and tools;
• Supports automation and digitalisation of financial processes and integration across organisational systems and closely collaborates with ICT for this purpose.
• Monitors standards and guidelines for quality management for the administrative organization.

People Management

• Manages and supports employees, providing pastoral care, mentoring and coaching as well as providing timely and clear steer so that staff have the necessary conditions to succeed.
• Ensures proper staffing within the Finance department in order to achieve the function's objectives;
• Effectively performance manages the team by monitoring the quality and efficiency of their work. Conducts performance appraisals regularly, promptly implements performance improvement plans when needed and follows through with corrective actions when necessary;
• Responsible for the execution of the established personnel policies;
• Identifies development potential of the employees, discusses this, establishes agreements and supports people in the implementation;
• Supports the team and management in any required change process;
• Manages staff by guiding, coaching, instructing and motivating. Facilitates team building and wellbeing of staff, builds a strong team culture;
• Responsible / Contribute to / for creating a culture committed to the safeguarding of children, and adults and compliant to WCA Child Safeguarding policies.

Your profile

• At least 10 years of experience in a role with similar responsibilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of finance, planning, and control, and of the financial and administrative structures that support international non-governmental organisations.
• Proficient in fund accounting and cost recovery models within non-profit environments.
• Demonstrated experience applying Dutch GAAP (RJ640, RJ650) and international financial reporting standards, with well-developed analytical and budget management skills.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and upholding principles of financial and risk management in complex organisational settings.
• Awareness of legal and compliance risks and the implications of financial standards and processes in an international NGO context.
• Proven, inclusive leadership that supports collaboration, clarity, and accountability across diverse teams.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, able to convey complex financial information with clarity and impact.
• Master's degree (MBA or MSc) in Finance, Controlling, or Economics, or an equivalent qualification; a professional accounting designation (RA, RC, or CPA) is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Dutch, French, and/or Arabic is desirable.

What we offer

• Location: Netherlands. Preference is given to applicants who reside and have valid working permits. War Child does not offer relocation or visa sponsorship.
• Salary range from €5750 - 7149 euros gross per month, based on 40 hours per week (the exact step determined by the years of relevant working experience)
• Contract Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding and performance.
• Annual leave: 29 vacation days on full time basis (consisting of 26 vacation days plus 3 additional fixed free days, based on 40 hours work week)
• A pension scheme fully paid by War Child
• Reimbursement of your commuter and working from home allowance
• Laptop to work from any location and monthly mobile phone contribution of €25
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