Head of Finance

War Child Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

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 maximise impact for children affected by conflict.

What you will do:

• 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 the consolidation of financial data and reports for the benefit of internal decision making and external accountability.

Providing financial information

• Ensures continuity of provision of statutory financial information;
• Leads continuous improvement of financial management dashboards, reports analysis and KPIs;
• Designs, develops and implements a management accounting information system based on budget holders' needs; provides management accounting analysis to various leaderships for decision making and risk management purposes; advises the IMT and the Board on courses of action;
• Ensures maintenance of financial information systems, identifies bottlenecks and resolves issues;
• Monitors obligations and liabilities of the group and acts proactively to prevent or minimise risks;
• Monitors Treasury management, reports on bank and currency risks and provides advice and problem solving to country management, fundraising members, IMT and Board;
• Develops and maintains organisation financial performance metrics;
• Assesses qualitative risks in various business processes and integrates them into the audit plan and 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 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;
• Formulates objectives and indicators for the financial management, accounting and internal control systems and ensures implementation and monitoring;
• Advises senior management and other stakeholders on adaptation and change of financial reporting, systems, financial models and internal control based on contextual developments;
• Acts as an expert source of information and advises the management and stakeholders on financial management, policy, control and compliance issues;
• Ensures finance-related compliance with institutional donors and international standards in collaboration with the finance team and other departments.

Stakeholder engagement

• Represents Finance regularly at the IMT meetings, alliance Finance Working Group, Board Audit & Risk Committee and periodically at full Board meetings;
• Role models a culture of cross functional collaboration, problem solving and strategic business partnering within the Finance team and with the management team;
• Aligns objectives, projects and activities with other departments and suggests synergies;
• Guides capacity development of key stakeholders on critical financial management topics;
• Oversees matrix leadership of regional Operational Support managers and fundraising member Operational/Finance Directors/ managers, setting objectives, monitoring progress and supporting functional development.

Systems management

• Oversees 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 collaborates closely with ICT.

People Management

• Manages and supports employees, providing pastoral care, mentoring and coaching and ensures staff have the necessary conditions to succeed;
• Ensures proper staffing within the Finance department to achieve objectives;
• Effectively manages performance, conducts appraisals, implements improvement plans and follows through with corrective actions;
• Executes established personnel policies;
• Identifies development potential of employees and supports their implementation;
• Supports the team and management in any required change process;
• Cultivates a culture committed to safeguarding children, adults and compliance with WCA Child Safeguarding policies.

Your profile

• At least 10 years of experience in a role with similar responsibilities, with relevant experience in the NGO sector;
• Comprehensive knowledge of finance, planning and control, and of the financial and administrative structures that support international NGOs;
• 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 designing, implementing and upholding principles of financial and risk management in complex organisational settings;
• Awareness of legal and compliance risks and 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 to applicants who reside and have valid working permits. War Child does not offer relocation or visa sponsorship;
• Salary range: €5,750 - €7,149 gross per month, based on 40 hours per week, step determined by experience;
• Contract: One year with the possibility of extension subject to performance;
• Annual leave: 29 vacation days full time (26 days plus 3 additional fixed free days), based on 40 hours work week;
• Fully paid pension scheme;
• Reimbursement of commuter and working from home allowance;
• Laptop for work from any location and monthly mobile phone contribution of €25;
• Pleasant working conditions, good atmosphere, great colleagues and meaningful purpose of our work;
• Professional development opportunities within the role and through War Child's broader network;
• Meaningful impact: the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families affected by conflict;
• Equal opportunities: War Child is an inclusive employer committed to diversity and inclusion, respecting all individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality or physical ability;
• Workplace culture: dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace that prioritises safety and fairness; strictly prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment, retaliation or bullying.

Why You Should Apply

• Make a Real Impact: Your work will directly contribute to providing quality education to children who need it most;
• Career Growth: Join a dynamic organisation that values your professional development and offers opportunities for learning, growth and innovation;
• Global Reach: Play a key role in scaling a ground breaking programme that operates in multiple conflict affected regions worldwide;
• Collaborative and Mission Driven: Work alongside passionate colleagues and partners united in a mission to protect children and help them thrive despite adversity.

How To Apply Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply by November 25, 2025. Make sure to upload your English CV (maximum of two pages) and cover letter. We are reviewing submissions on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly recommended.

By submitting your application you certify that all of the statements made in your application are true, complete, and correct and are made in good faith. You understand that falsifying, misrepresenting or intentionally withholding information will be grounds for rejection of your application or withdrawal of any offer of appointment or, if an appointment offer has been accepted, this will be ground for employment sanctions, such as, but not limited to, instant dismissal. In addition, you understand that you need to submit a Criminal Record Certificate and that, if you fail to submit it, no employment relationship can be established. War Child is an international organisation committed to diversity, inclusion and the protection of children and youth. We hire based on talents . click apply for full job details