For our client, the Sight and Life Foundation (SAL), a humanitarian non-profit organization headquartered in the Basel/Switzerland area that delivers innovative solutions to eliminate all forms of worldwide malnutrition and improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable population, we are seeking a Director Finance & Operations. The job description reads as follows (with minor adjustments from us):

Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Managing Director and being a member of the Leadership Team, manage a small team of scientists and project management professionals
• Develop and monitor the NPO’s financial and operational strategy and management
• Oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the NPO
• Manage the financial strategy, as well as accounting, budgeting, grants management, cash management, audit, compliance, financial risk management, financial reporting, contract management, legal, and human resources
• Organizational Leadership (30%): Set the organizational strategy, mentor staff, and provide oversight. Assess organizational performance against both the NPO’s annual budget and long-term strategy. Provide strategic recommendations to the MD and the Board of Directors based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis. Guide organizational strategy and business planning by developing budgets and analyses for the NPO as a whole as well as individual projects
• Financial & Accounting Management (50%): Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, and regulatory & audit requirements. Maintain internal control safeguards and coordinate all audit activities. Manage cash flow and forecasting. Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism that includes minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs. Optimize the handling of banking relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash positions. Collaborate closely with project leads in grant management to ensure an accurate view of cash flow and tracking of restricted vs. unrestricted funds. Oversee budgeting and the implementation of budgets to monitor progress and present financial metrics both internally and externally. Communicate the NPO’s financial strategy with partners, funders, auditors, and internal team members; conduct fundraising activities. Help ensure that the BoD understands the NPO’s financial health and strategy
• Human Resources & Operations (20%): Oversee strategic and operational HR, incl. policy development, monitor employee relations, employee retention and development, ensure compliance, and manage compensation and the employee benefits program. Monitor changes in legal, regulatory, and administrative environments, and implement the necessary changes in internal systems and procedures. Manage all contractual matters, incl. vendors, funders, service providers (i.e., audit, banks), and business development

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree mandatory; a CPA and/or MBA would be a plus
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a Director of Finance role or equivalent, ideally beginning in accounting followed by experience gathering and evaluating financial information and making actionable recommendations to senior leadership
• Fluency in English; any additional major languages would be a plus
• Seasoned, mature and dynamic leader with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Significant experience in (or knowledge of) nonprofit accounting, incl. sophisticated fund and grant accounting, fundraising, compliance, and reporting, ideally gained at an NPO having an annual budget of +USD 5 mln
• Experience in operations and HR, specifically with developing and implementing a sound system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures
• Senior leadership and management skills: ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Proven track record with successfully facilitating progressive organizational change and development
• Effective communicator with strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills, plus excellent organization skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships in a multicultural environment
• Solutions-focused with the ability to multi-task and deliver results in a timely manner
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Ability to work autonomously
• Availability to travel internationally (approx. 20%)

Place of work: Basel/Switzerland area