Head of Finance at War Child Alliance

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 Jan, 26

Salary

7149.0

Posted On

02 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Financial Planning, Risk Management, Budget Management, Financial Reporting, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Compliance, Treasury Management, Management Accounting, Audit Management, Financial Analysis, Scenario Analysis, Cost Recovery Models, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Systems Management

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Your mission 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. 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; Providing financial information 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 leaderships 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 organizational 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. Stakeholder engagement Represent 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 organisation 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 digitalization of financial processes and integration across organizational 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 euro gross per month, based on 40 hours per week (the exact step determined by the years of relevant working experience) 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 Pleasant working conditions, good atmosphere, great colleagues and of course the meaningful purpose of our work! Professional Development: Opportunities for capacity building and growth, both 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, contributing to long-term, sustainable change. 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: War Child is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace that prioritizes safety and fairness for all individuals. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying within our organization. Why You Should Apply Make a Real Impact: Your work will directly contribute to providing quality education to children who need it most, creating lasting change in their lives. Career Growth: Join a dynamic organization 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 around the world. 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 16, 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, and we are committed to be a diverse and inclusive employer, placing human and child rights at the centre of our existence and work. We hire our new colleagues based on their talents, competences and shared values; we do not distinguish them based on their age, gender and gender identity, race, color, ethnicity, religion, culture, sexual orientation, disability etc.The safety of children and youth is a paramount and essential to War Child’s work. War Child has a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse. To prevent placing children and youth at any risk this subject is addressed in our recruitment and selection procedures. Moreover, the accepted candidates will be required to state their commitment/ intent to be aware, consider and adhere to the minimum standards applicable in development and humanitarian settings, such as humanitarian values and principles, Sphere Humanitarian Charter, Standards in the Humanitarian Standards Partnership, Core Humanitarian Standard, International Humanitarian Law, Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief and IASC Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.Disclaimer Only applications received via our website are processed. If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date. In such a case, any responses received after that time are not processed. It could be that during our selection process the closing date for the vacancy is extended. If so, and you have not yet heard from us, your application will remain active.

Responsibilities

The Head of Finance will lead the finance function across the War Child Alliance Foundation, ensuring effective management of resources to maximize impact for children affected by conflict. This role includes overseeing financial planning, reporting, risk management, and leading a diverse finance team.