Head – Finance
JOB DETAIL
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TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organisation working to ensure that global trade in wild species is legal and sustainable, for the benefit of the planet and people. At a time of unprecedented biodiversity loss, TRAFFIC provides evidence, solutions, and influence to combat environmental degradation and ensure a nature-positive future.
TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC’s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC’s local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes. TRAFFIC works in strategic alliance with IUCN and WWF on wildlife trade issues.
The range on offer for this role is GBP60,000 – GBP65,000 per annum depending on skills and experience, and the role will be located in Cambridge, UK. 50% hybrid working will be possible for this position.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES
The Head –Finance is responsible for ensuring the financial accountability of TRAFFIC International including the production of reliable and timely consolidated financial reports. The Head – Finance is responsible for the consolidation of financial information from overseas TRAFFIC offices and outposted staff positions with that of the TRAFFIC International UK charity for incorporation into the statutory accounts. Overseas offices are located in Belgium, Cameroon, China, Malaysia, South Africa, Tanzania and Vietnam.
The Head – Finance monitors financial performance of a combined income portfolio of £12 million annually.
The Head – Finance manages a team of finance staff based in Cambridge as well as providing functional management of finance staff in overseas offices. The position actively mentors finance and administrative staff in Cambridge and TRAFFIC more widely.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Financial management and reporting
• Leads the development and implementation of sound financial and administrative policies, procedures and systems in TRAFFIC
• Oversees the financial status of TRAFFIC offices and develops consolidated analyses of the current and future financial status of the TRAFFIC International charity
• Assesses key areas of financial risk across the organisation including application of TRAFFIC’s cost recovery framework and flags areas for improvement with the Chief Operating Officer and other senior managers
• Is responsible for the preparation of consolidated TRAFFIC management accounts
• Is responsible for regular consolidated financial management reports for submission to the UK Charity Trustees and their Operations Committee
• Ensures appropriate reporting is available for Senior Management and project staff
• Oversees Treasury management including general reserves and restricted funding cashflows
Statutory reporting and audit
• Prepares the consolidated statutory financial statements with assistance from the finance and project administration teams
• Leads the annual external audit process, including: supervising the preparation of all audit schedules, responding to audit findings and implementing audit recommendations at a network level
• Monitors developments in UK charity accounting to ensure that TRAFFIC meets all relevant statutory requirements and recommended best practice
• Supports statutory audits of overseas subsidiaries including appointment of local auditors and management responses to audit finding reports
• Assists with project audits as needed
Internal controls
• Ensures that a robust internal control framework is in place to safeguard assets and to ensure sound financial management
• Works with the Project Support Unit to ensure that donor financial requirements are met
• Oversees implementation of internal controls and practices in overseas TRAFFIC offices, ensuring that TRAFFIC policies and procedures are followed
• Works, where necessary, with TRAFFIC hosts to ensure consistency with TRAFFIC financial reporting standards
• Provides regular briefs to the Chief Operating Officer in terms of financial performance (progress, underperformance, challenges) in programme offices
Finance information systems
• Oversees the operation of the TRAFFIC-approved accounting system in TRAFFIC programme offices
• Works with senior finance staff and systems support consultants to identify and implement improvements and enhancements to the current system
Recruitment and training
• Assists with recruitment and development of finance staff, including in programme offices
• Provides ongoing support to finance staff in the preparation and evaluation of monthly financial reports focusing on organisation-level consolidation, financial policies and procedures, and the use of the TRAFFIC standard accounting system
• Collaborates with finance, accounting, and programme staff on ensuring best practice in the development of budgets and management of restricted funds
General
• Participates in internal management structures as appropriate, including the operations leadership team
• Undertakes any other duties appropriate to the grade that may be determined from time to time in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer
| • A recognized completed accounting qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA CIPFA) is essential for the role holder to have. • Several years of relevant and proven work experience in a similar finance role, with responsibility for a wide range of accounting functions including financial accounting and management • Proven knowledge and experience of UK charity accounting and relevant legislation is essential for this role – knowledge of IFRS desirable. • Experience in overseeing financial management of restricted funding and application of cost recovery models is essential. • Strong experience in operation of accounting software packages • Proven ability to be proactive in prioritising own workload to meet deadlines. • Experience of managing a finance team, both local staff and those working remotely, including working with those in different cultures internationally. • Strong communication skills with a fluency in verbal and written English – ability to work in another language is an advantage. • Ability to travel to overseas TRAFFIC offices on limited occasions. |
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the “Apply” button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
