Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

at  Global Reporting Initiative

Start Date: June-July 2025
Work hours: 40 hrs p/w (full-time, flexible)
Location: Remote and/or Hybrid (within +/- 1 hour CET)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Negotiable (depending on the experience and location)

POSITION SUMMARY

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the independent nonprofit organization that is the architect of the common global language to assess and report on environmental, social, and economic impacts. GRI provides standards, tools, and training that empower organizations of all sizes to create sustainable, long-term value and unlock positive change in the world.
For over 25 years, GRI has led a global multi-stakeholder process to develop and refine rigorous yet practical approaches to sustainability reporting, which meet the needs of all stakeholders. The GRI Standards, the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards, provide the building blocks for transparent reporting on impacts. Working at GRI, you will be part of unlocking positive change in the world.
GRI is seeking an experienced professional to join as Chief Financial Officer. This role is strategic for the organization and covers a range of responsibilities. As CFO you will lead the finance team and drive financial planning and reporting, identify future funding requirements, and manage risk. You will serve as a strategic partner to the Management Board and other senior managers, counselling them on financial matters and developing the policies and practices to guide the financial management and performance of the organization. You will also lead the legal, IT and digital teams, establishing an integrated operations portfolio. The CFO is also an integral member of the Management Board, GRI’s executive leadership team. As such, you will join our leadership team alongside a new incoming CEO and help shape the Management Board and our overall efforts to deliver on our new strategy.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Degree or professional qualification (e.g., Internationally recognised e.g., ACCA, CPA, or CFA) in finance, accounting, business administration, law, or a related field applicable to this role.
• Minimum of 15 years experience as a CFO or senior finance role, preferably with experience in an international non-profit organization.
• A strong background in strategic financial management (with IT, digital and legal oversight experience desirable) including forecasting and projections to balance risk and opportunities.
• Experience in:
• Dutch financial regulatory requirements;
• Complex accounting and finance systems, including financial reporting, budgeting, and audits;
• Managing technology.
• Track record as a member of a senior team.

Knowledge and abilities

• Good understanding of the complex and rapidly changing landscape of sustainability reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Navigate a dynamic environment where change is ongoing;
• Thrive in an international and multi-cultural setting;
• Guide organizational decision-making;
• Effectively manage project activities;
• Foster collaboration and build strong relationships at all levels.
• Affinity with the mission of GRI.
• Effective English listening, speaking, and presentation skills.

• Collaborate to ensure alignment of financial, IT, digital, and legal strategies with overall organizational goals, driving operational efficiency and continuous process improvements.
• Build and lead a high-performing, diverse team, leveraging individual strengths to achieve collective success.
• Foster a culture that encourages productivity, creativity, innovation, and growth, while maintaining a people-centric approach to ensure the team’s objectives are consistently met.
• Set clear goals and track progress against organizational objectives, continuously assessing, and strengthening operational resilience.

Financial Leadership & strategy

• Lead a finance team focused on organizational sustainability and mission alignment.
• Integrate cutting-edge financial strategies and technology-focused business models into the organization’s long-term strategic plans.
• Guide financial plans that are robust, adaptable, and aligned with evolving market demands.
• Deliver financial reporting & analysis to the organization, donors, financial authorities and GRI boards.
• Identify risk and establish risk management frameworks against the organization’s objectives.
• Oversee audits: ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations and following up on auditor recommendations.
• Support fundraising and grant activities and explore new models of revenue generation.
• Service the GRI Supervisory Boards and committees.

IT and Digital Management

• Oversee the GRI’s IT management and strategy, ensuring that technology supports the organization’s strategic and revenue goals and enhances operational efficiency.
• Ensure effective allocation of resources for current and future technology investments.
• Develop and drive GRI vision for digital transformation, exploring opportunities for revenue, integration, and growth.

Legal and Compliance

• Oversee the GRI’s legal matters, from HR to licensing, ensuring compliance with the different countries’ local regulations and non-profit governance.
• Engage external counsel to manage legal risks and address any disputes or issues, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Ensure the organization adheres to the highest ethical standards and regulatory compliance, promoting transparency and accountability across the organization.