HEKS/EPER pursues the vision of a just world where the dignity of everyone is respected, peace reigns and the natural environment is conserved. In the framework of the 2030 Agenda, we work in the four thematic priority areas of "Climate justice", "Right to land and food", "Flight and migration", and "Inclusion". HEKS/EPER also provides humanitarian aid for people affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts. The goal is to induce change at the social, economic and political levels. HEKS/EPER helps improve the living conditions of people in Switzerland and around the world, claims their rights, and to this end, mobilizes and raises awareness on the part of society, policy-makers, business and churches.
The Head of Finance Departmentis responsible for overseeing all financial activities of HEKS in Ukraine, ensuring financial integrity, transparency, and compliance with local laws, donor requirements, and organizational policies. This role involves strategic financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and the management of financial risks. The Head of Finance manages the whole finance department team. The Head of Finance Department is a pivotal role within HEKS/EPER, ensuring the transparent accountable, and efficient management of financial resourceswithin our operations in Ukraine.
The Head of Finance Department will oversee the comprehensive accounting framework, ensuring that financial records and transactions across our offices align with Ukrainian and international standards.This role will involve directing the annual and project-specific budgeting processes, meticulously monitoring their utilization, and recommending corrective measures when necessary. Integral to this position is the task off acilitating both internal and external financial reporting, liaising with donors, partners, and local financial authorities, and taking proactive measures to uphold the integrity of HEKS/EPER's financial operations.
Head of Finance Department, Ukraine
Your main responsibilities:
Financial Management and Oversight:
- Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure efficient and effective financial management as per HEKS/EPER FFAG and HA specific budget and financial reporting requirements in close collaboration with HQ Controlling
- Oversee the preparation and management of budgets, financial forecasts, and financialreports
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements, local laws, and organizational policies
- Monitor cash flow and ensure adequate liquidity for operations
Budgeting and Financial Planning:
- Lead the annual budgeting process in coordination with program and operations teams
- Provide financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic planning and decision-making
- Ensure that budgets are realistic, achievable, and aligned with organizational goals
- Closely monitor grants to ensure that no grants are overspent or underspent in line with donor’s flexibility rules and alerts in case of any deviation
Treasury Management:
- Oversee cash management for the country delegation, including forecasting and cash flow analysis
- Problem-solve any cash access or management issues, ensuring uninterrupted operations
Financial Reporting:
- Preparetimely and accurate financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors, management, and the HQ
- Ensure financial statements and reportscomply with relevant accounting standards and regulations
- Coordinate audits and ensure the implementation of audit recommendations
Team Managementand Development:
- Supervise, mentor, and develop the finance team to enhance their skills and performance
- Ensure good internal coordination and communication, including at least weekly meetings with the team
- Make field / base visits as often as needed
- Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback
- Train and mentor operational teams on financial management best practices
Internal Controls and Risk Management:
- Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure the integrity of financial records
- Identify and mitigate financial risks through proactive risk management strategies
- Ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and documented
Liaison and Coordination:
- Collaborate with all departments to provide financial guidance and support
- Act as the primary point of contact for financial matters with donors, auditors, and regulatory authorities in Ukraine
- Represent the finance department in internal and external meetings
Compliance and Legal:
- Ensure compliance with all local tax laws, regulations, and financial reporting requirements
- Ensure adherence to financial and contractual obligations
- Represent HEKS/EPER in all financial matters with local and national financialauthorities
- Ensure all operations are compliant with Ukrainian financial regulations andnorms
To be successful you bring:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in financial / accounting management
- A degree or professional accounting qualificationwill be an asset
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- Experience in the humanitarian or non-profit sector is highly desirable
- Strong knowledge off inancial management principles, practices, and standards
- Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office (particularly Excel)
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills a sense of responsibility, organizational skills, reactivity, and an ability to adapt
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Interpersonal skills; tact, patience, diplomacy, andappropriate assertiveness
- Sound knowledge of institutional donor procedures
- Proficiency in English is required
What you can expect from us:
- An opportunity to make a difference in this world
- An interesting and challenging position
- An international position with a duty station in Kiev with travels to field offices in Dnipro, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa andLozova, Ukraine.
- Duration 6 months (possible extension)
- Competitive salary
- Accommodation provided by HEKS/EPER
- Insurance package