Are you a passionate and strategic finance leader with a commitment to making a real difference? Do you want to be part of a dynamic organisation that’s shaping the future of children across the globe?

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Financial Control to join our global Finance team, overseeing financial operations. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in an organisation that’s making an impact where it matters most – by improving the lives of children and supporting sustainable, life-changing initiatives around the world. CIFF partners with a wide range of stakeholders across multiple countries, driving progress in areas such as health, education, and economic opportunities for children and young people. This is your chance to play a critical role in financial stewardship within a high-impact organisation, where your expertise will shape the future of philanthropy.

The Role:

As the Director of Financial Control, you will lead a global team of six plus multiple outsourced providers responsible for ensuring financial operations are robust, compliant and aligned with the Foundation’s strategic goals. You will manage external statutory financial reporting, grantee audits, and oversee CIFF’s $6bn endowment and $500m annual expenditure, working closely with the CFO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board. You’ll play an integral role in safeguarding CIFF’s assets, maintaining financial control across multiple jurisdictions (UK, India, Kenya, China, Ethiopia), and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

This is a high-profile role within a dynamic, collaborative finance team where you’ll be expected to bring both strategic vision and operational excellence. You will have the opportunity to directly influence the financial strategy of an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of millions of children.

Why CIFF?

• Meaningful Work: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that is transforming the lives of children around the world.
• Career Growth: You will have the opportunity to grow professionally in a supportive environment that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a dynamic team of professionals passionate about making a difference, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in philanthropy.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead a team driving financial excellence for a global philanthropic organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop & Execute Financial Control Strategy: Lead the design and implementation of a financial control strategy that aligns with CIFF’s philanthropic mission and goals.
• Provide Expertise to Leadership: Serve as a key advisor to the CFO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board, offering insights on financial strategy, risk management, and operational efficiency.
• Deputise for the CFO: Act as the CFO’s representative in meetings and committees as required, demonstrating leadership and financial expertise.
• Promote a Culture of Accountability: Foster clarity, accountability, and a high-performance culture within the Finance team, ensuring alignment with CIFF’s values of collaboration, innovation, and impact.

Financial Operations:

• Oversee Financial Controls: Ensure all financial operations and controls are executed accurately and in a timely manner, with regular compliance reviews. Key areas of ownership include treasury, accounts payable, external reporting, external audits, risk management, financial processing, investing accounting, tax and endowment monitoring.
• Lead Financial Reporting: Act as CIFF’s signatory for financial statements, tax returns, and other key regulatory filings.
• Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with the CFO on initiatives to streamline processes, improve financial systems, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Grantee Audits & Compliance:
  • Develop Grantee Audit Strategy: Lead the development of a grantee audit strategy that ensures accurate reporting and supports grantees.
  • Manage Third-Party Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party auditors, ensuring quality assurance in all audit activities.
  • Support Grantees: Work with CIFF teams to resolve audit findings and provide support to grantees to ensure compliance with financial reporting standards.
• Stakeholder & Partner Management:
  • Build Key Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with CIFF’s external partners and grantees, advising them on financial matters to protect CIFF’s assets.
  • Develop the Partner Ecosystem: Help to expand and strengthen CIFF’s financial partnerships and contribute to the growth of our global ecosystem.
• Team Leadership:
  • Lead & Develop Teams: Inspire and manage a high-performing team, providing mentorship, support, and professional development opportunities.
  • Promote Continuous Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring your team stays ahead of trends in financial governance, regulation, and philanthropy.
• Key working relationships:  
  • CIFF Board
• • CIFF CEO and CAO
• • CIFF Finance Committee members
• • CIFF subsidiary Board members
• • Other CIFF teams – particularly HR and Legal
• • External advisors and service providers e.g. Auditors, Tax advisors, Investment Manager
• • External service providers i.e. External accountants, payroll providers

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent), with significant experience in financial control and financial reporting, ideally in a global context.
• Strong Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and inspire finance teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Strategic Financial Expertise: Experience developing and implementing financial strategies that align with organisational goals and drive impact.
• Global Perspective: Understanding of financial and regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions (UK, India, Kenya, China, Ethiopia) is preferred.
• Commitment to CIFF’s Mission: A genuine passion for improving the lives of children and adolescents and a commitment to the values of transparency, integrity, and positive social change.

Benefits

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Hybrid Working: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home, but attending the Central London office ideally at least two days per week.
• Generous Benefits Package:
  • 25 days of annual leave (increasing by 1 day each year, up to 30 days)
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme
  • Pension Plan
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Training Allowance
  • Wellbeing Allowance
  • Life Insurance

Please submit your application on or before 29 November 2024. CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.