DRS is looking, on behalf of our client, an international NGO, for a Senior Finance Officer in Hague, Netherlands.
Job Title: Senior Finance Officer
Starting date: As soon as possible
Contract duration: 1-year contract, with a possible extension
Reporting to: Finance & Quality Controller (FQC)
Direct Reports: None at present although responsibilities may change in line with organizational growth and priorities.
Location: The selected candidate may be based at NGO’s Head Office in the Hague, Netherlands, or be home-based, as long as they are willing and able to travel to the Hague easily and as required. In such instances, our client will cover agreed travel and accommodation expenses.
Purpose and Scope of the position
The Senior Finance Officer is a member of NGO’s Operations & Change Team. For the period 2021-2023 NGO has an ambitious strategic plan with a large focus on building organizational sustainability. The Senior Finance Officer plays a crucial part in guaranteeing the smooth running of the day-to-day finance function at NGO. Additionally, the selected candidate will support the Finance & Quality Controller and the Leadership Team in working towards the successful implementation of the strategic plan, including financial sustainability.
Job Description
Responsibilities
General Finance Management
- All aspects of accounts payable, including payments to suppliers and processing of expense reports.
- All aspects of accounts receivable, including membership fees and income from donations, grants and consultancy activities.
- Work with outsourced payroll service provider to run monthly payroll for NGO staff.
- Month-end and quarter-end processes, including balance sheet account reconciliations and various journal entries.
- Monitor debit and credit and pursing collections where appropriate. Liaising with the bank for administration purposes and to resolve any issues.
- Oversee cash in hand.
- Ensure NGO complies with Dutch laws and regulations regarding record keeping, employee status and taxes.
Support the Finance & Quality Controller and the Senior Management Team with
- Preparing the monthly management accounts.
- Preparing the annual statutory accounts.
- Preparing and carrying-out the annual audit.
- Preparing and monitoring the annual and triennium organizational budget.
- Performing a mid-year re-forecast of the organizational budget.
- Providing input in the development and implementation of an income generation and resource mobilization plan.
- Reviewing financial and other relevant systems and implementing improvements.
- Reviewing the implementation of financial and operational policies and holding colleagues to account.
- Reviewing financial controls and holding colleagues to account.
- Training colleagues and other relevant stakeholders on new policies and systems.
- Preparing donor budgets.
- Monitoring the overall portfolio of grants and other giving.
- Monitoring the implementation of a full cost recovery policy.
Grant Management Finance
- Work with NGO’s Project Coordinators and the NGO Finance and Quality Controller to develop financial processes for projects funded by external funders and ensure detailed understanding of the financial requirements for the projects and grant compliance of the respective funders.
- Ensure project funds are disbursed properly/timely after obtaining appropriate internal approvals,
- Work with the Project Coordinators to ensure expenditures are in accordance with the project and donor documents and work plans.
- Support the Project Coordinators to ensure that project financial records are compliant with donor requirements,
- Ensure financial operations are transparent and financial procedures/regulations are properly applied.
- Liaise with the NGO Finance and Quality Controller and auditors where necessary.
- Liaise with Project Coordinators of sub-grantees (where applicable) and improve financial literacy and compliance of sub grantees.
- Ensure payments are made to all sub-contractors and consultants for all projects on time and after receiving appropriate invoices and internal approvals.
- Work with the Project Coordinators to ensure expenditures are in accordance with the project and donor documents and as per project work plans.
- Record and report all relevant income and expenditure for each project.
- Ensure accounting records and supporting evidence are properly kept.
- Prepare monthly income/expenditure report and cash flow statement for each project including identification of under-spend/over-spend.
- Look after project financial records to ensure donor compliance.
- Ensure financial operations are transparent and financial procedures/regulations are properly applied.
- Prepare and submit accurate financial reports to external funders as per reporting requirements.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The right candidate for this role is an all-rounder who will enjoy working in a small team, being exposed to a variety of stakeholders and using initiative and judgement which will result in a maximum benefit to NGO.
Education and Qualifications
- Educated to relevant degree level or comparable attainment by experience: Dutch MBO+/HBO level or international AAT level.
Knowledge and Skills
- Proven working experience in a relevant role ideally within the not-for-profit sector.
- Sound experience and knowledge of the use of information technology in the management of financial systems and provision of financial information and controls.
- In-depth knowledge of Dutch accounting laws and regulations.
- A solutions-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills and able to make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis/management information.
- Practical evidence of developing and maintaining good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, partners and customers, developing a positive personal and organizational profile and building relationships.
- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication/influencing skills.
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity issues in both service provision and employment practices.
- Fluency in reading, writing and speaking Dutch and English. Knowledge of French, Spanish or another additional language is desirable.
MORE INFORMATION
Working Hours and Contract
The role will be 0.8FTE and the working pattern will be agreed between the candidate and NGO.