Global Controller

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. Established to save lives and promote long-term health and well-being, Relief International operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on various programming areas including Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods, all aimed at building community resilience. The organization is committed to creating a representative and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Global Controller position is a full-time, remote role that reports directly to the Global Finance Director (GFD). This position is crucial for overseeing the financial operations of Relief International, particularly in the UK, France, and the U.S. The Global Controller will manage international accounting, compliance, and financial reporting functions within the RI Alliance, which has a combined annual budget of $168 million sourced from government grants and international donor funds. The role requires providing high-quality, accurate, and timely financial data and analysis to support strategic decision-making. The Global Controller will collaborate with the GFD on strategic matters and represent the Finance department in cross-organizational working groups, ensuring that financial operations align with organizational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Global Controller will be responsible for leading global income and expenditure reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and management information for senior leadership and the Board. This includes overseeing global financial accounting, ensuring regulatory compliance across the US, UK, and France, adhering to GAAP standards, and managing annual financial statements and automated reporting systems. The role also involves managing financial controls, policies, procedures, audits, and process improvement initiatives across all regions and entities. The Global Controller will monitor working capital, foreign exchange exposure, and banking relationships to ensure financial efficiency and risk mitigation. Additionally, the position requires conducting financial analysis, reconciliations, and reporting to support strategic decisions and external audit requirements. Leadership responsibilities include mentoring and performance management of global finance teams and regional finance leaders, as well as collaborating across departments to strengthen financial operations and enhance overall financial governance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess progressive senior finance and accounting experience, demonstrating proven success in a leadership role within an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) context. A qualified Chartered Accountant or ACCA is required, along with a solid understanding of UK GAAP and US GAAP/IFRS. Familiarity with French accounting rules is preferred. Experience working with international donors, including USAID, FCDO (formerly DFID), and the EU is essential. Candidates should also have experience managing NICRA rules and compliance, as well as solid experience in financial planning and analysis within an INGO of comparable size and complexity to Relief International. Knowledge of accounting and reporting software, particularly Netsuite, is necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a strong educational background in finance or accounting, typically evidenced by a professional qualification such as Chartered Accountant or ACCA. A degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is expected, providing the foundational knowledge necessary for the complexities of financial management in an international context.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in senior finance and accounting roles, particularly within the INGO sector. This experience should include leadership responsibilities and a track record of managing financial operations in a complex, multi-country environment. The ability to navigate the intricacies of international finance, compliance, and reporting is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, given the international scope of the role and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of French is preferred, as it will facilitate compliance and financial reporting in France and enhance collaboration with French-speaking partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, remote position open to candidates based in the UK. The salary is competitive, and the organization is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. The role requires advanced pre-employment checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026, but early applications are encouraged as the organization may fill the position before the closing date.