Finance Lead

Are you an experienced finance professional passionate about sustainability and looking to make a difference in the bioeconomy?

RSB - Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials is seeking a Finance Lead to manage our financial strategies and operations with expertise and integrity. This home-office position is based in Germany, Spain, or the UK, and the successful candidate must hold a valid work permit for their respective country.

As the Finance Lead, you will play a key role in managing all financial aspects of RSB's operations, ensuring transparency and efficiency in our charitable and commercial efforts. RSB is known for its robust sustainability framework and drives best practices in sustainability across diverse sectors including aviation, chemicals, materials, and shipping. We are committed to creating a thriving, sustainable bioeconomy. For more information, please visit www.rsb.org.

About Us

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals working collaboratively around the globe to find innovative solutions to significant global challenges. We value work-life balance and professional development and embrace a collaborative working environment that encourages autonomy and engagement.

Your Role

In the role of Finance Lead, you will work closely with the Executive Director to develop the organisation's financial strategy and report directly to the Legal & Operations Associate Director to implement the organisation's financial plan in alignment with the overall mission and objectives. Key responsibilities include:

Financial Strategy

• Together with the Executive Director, develop the organisation's financial strategy in alignment with the overall mission and objectives, ensuring financial stability and long-term sustainability.
• Lead the annual and quarterly budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis and planning processes.
• Monitor, analyse and support on necessary adjustments to ensure financial targets are met in line with the organisation's overall financial strategy.
• Strategically manage the organisation's cash flow.
• Ensure general compliance with financial regulations and standards.
• Support the development of business and pricing models.

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation, in line with the applicable regulations, of financial statements, reports, and presentations for the organisation's Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Manage day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts receivable and payable.
• Lead communications and activities with external accounting firms, including VAT filings and financial closings.
• Coordinate annual external audits and manage relationships with auditors.
• Serve as point of contact for financial issues raised by regulatory bodies.
• Implement and monitor financial controls and processes.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Junior Finance & Administration Manager as their functional lead in support of the responsibilities above.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the Legal & Operations team.
• Collaborate closely with the organisation's management to ensure financial alignment with project objectives.

Requirements

About You

You are detail-oriented and possess extensive experience in finance management, ideally within international or non-governmental organisations, grounded in a commitment to sustainability.

Required - Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in finance management and accounting.
• Degree in Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient spoken and written English.
• Strong proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated excellent understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial report preparation, financial analysis and strategies, business model and pricing development and international/multi-country accounting practices.
• Experience working remotely (home-office based).
• Strong ethics and confidentiality.
• Valid work permit for Germany, Spain, or the UK.

Required - Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Team player who values collaboration and shares knowledge.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented and results-driven.
• Motivated and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Passionate about sustainability and making an impact.

Desired - Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience with:
  • Financial practices in Switzerland and/or the non-profit sector.
  • International financial regulations and practices.
  • Familiarity with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce.
• Certified Accountant (ACCA, CPA, etc.) is advantageous.

Benefits

Why Work with Us

Join a small, dedicated, and multicultural team of professionals committed to building a brighter future for people and planet.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Excellent holiday provision with 30 days annual paid leave
• Annual salary adjustments for cost-of-living increases
• Flexible working hours
• Remote working in home-office with periodic in-person team meetings
• Professional development opportunities

Important Information

• Location: Home Office located in Germany, Spain, or the UK.
• Position type: Full-time
• Start: Q4 2024

How to Apply

Please provide your application with the following documents no later than 30 September 2024 to be considered for the role:

1. A cover letter conveying your motivation for the position and joining the RSB team; and
2. Your CV or resume, no more than two pages in length.

RSB will review applications received and contact applicants fitting the profile outlined above end September – start October 2024 to schedule interviews. Please note RSB will not consider applications received which don’t follow the steps above.