The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 500 partner organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

As towns, cities and countries around the world declare climate emergencies, seas rise, forests burn, glaciers melt, increasing numbers of people take to the streets demanding urgent action and our societies begin to wake up to what the science has been saying for many years, there has never been a more important time to be working on climate change.

The ECF’s strategic communications team is the outreach unit of the foundation. Its role is to act as a centre of expertise for communication on climate change and to play an active role in helping create more political, media and public endorsement for action on climate change at an international, national, and sectoral level. Team members deliver strategic advice, communications, and outreach support to ECF’s programmes and its grantees, and work as part of a global network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions.

As Financial Control and Reporting Manager, Strategic Communications, you will join a vibrant and growing international team preparing to transition to a new operating structure. The primary focus of the role will be to build out the financial control function.

You will collaborate closely with the Finance Manager, Strategic Communications in hiring the team, preparing and documenting financial policies, processes and procedures as well as setting up new financial systems. The role will evolve over the course of 12 months as the new operating structure becomes active.

The Financial Control and Reporting Manager, Strategic Communications will report to the Finance Manager, Strategic Communications. This role will suit a finance professional who enjoys working in dynamic and collaborative environments but is focused on accuracy and details.

Key responsibilities

• Setting up and managing financial processes and procedures;
• Building and managing the financial control team;
• Assisting the team with setting up and testing new financial systems;
• Responsible for accuracy of accounting records and monthly closings;
• Responsible for validating and posting payroll journals;
• Responsible for accounts payable management;
• Responsible for audit management;
• Responsible for preparation of financial statements;
• Other related tasks as indicated by the Finance Manager or agreed as part of the structural changes within the team.

• Significant proven experience in a financial control and reporting at mid to senior level;
• A degree in finance, accounting, business administration or professional qualification;
• Knowledge of the Belgium tax and regulatory environment mandatory, non-profit specific knowledge in this context would be considered a plus;
• Confidence and experience to take the lead on projects and seek assistance as needed;
• Strong attention to detail with emphasis on quality and accuracy;
• Strong problem-solving skills with a positive, can-do attitude;
• Enjoy juggling various tasks, being able to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines;
• Advanced level Excel skills to create and manage complex files, run analysis and present data;
• Experienced with different IT systems; previous experience in migrating systems is a plus;
• Be familiar with and have an affinity for IT tools such as MS Office 365, Google Suite, Asana, Monday.com, Mural, Zoom etc.;
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English and Dutch or French;
• Familiarity with philanthropy or other non-profit organizations a plus;
• The disposition to work generously with colleagues in an international, multicultural community of peers, and the ability to work across international norms and values;
• The versatile and adaptable skills necessary to flourish in a fast-paced and wide-ranging work environment where remote work is the norm;
• A significant interest in climate and the environment.

What we offer

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to professional activities;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• This is a full-time position with the initial term of the contract dependent on location (mostly 12 months initial with possibility to extend).

Location

Flexible with preference for Belgium. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.

Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.

Start date

As soon as possible.

How to apply

Please upload below:

1. CV
2. short cover letter expressing your motivation for this role
3. both in English!

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.