Our client is a human-sized (20 staff) think tank located in Brussels (Trône/Arts-Loi area), dedicated to sustainable development. They act as an expert consultative body for the European Institutions, policymakers in EU Member States and neighbouring countries, the scientific community as well as private sector stakeholders and the civil society. Their team is a multi-national and dynamic group of dedicated individuals, focusing on a results-oriented and analytical work culture in a trustful and open-minded atmosphere. Their hierarchical structure is flat with a focus on collaboration between the teams and the individuals. They are currently looking for a highly motivated and dynamic Operations & Finance Manager.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
You will be responsible for providing high quality financial and operations management including accounting, financial reporting, auditing, budget development and management, internal controls, legal compliance and payroll, and supervision of administration and processes, The position is therefore a mix of strategic and operational responsibilities. The position has the potential to evolve into a management position for all administrative matters of the organisation. It will be based in Brussels, reporting to the Executive Director.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Financial Planning and Analysis, Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash flow
– Comprehensive financial and administrative management of funding awarded by a variety of funders, including foundations, governmental institutions, multilateral organisations and private sector funders. Specific tasks include budget preparation for funding applications, controlling and preparation of financial reports to funders in compliance with funders’ financial regulations
– Project management related to budget, time allocation, costs allocation; performing the monitoring of projects regarding resources and expenditures
– Monitoring income and expenditure flow, cash flow and future trends
– Preparation, management and implementation of the operating budget, including:
o Preparation of annual budget and quarterly budget revision, including presentation of financial analysis on specific projects/programmes and indicators
o Monitoring actual spent against budget on a monthly basis and reporting to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis
– Ensuring consistence of financial flows with approved budgets and internal guidelines and policies
- Strategic financial planning and monitoring
- Identification and review of financial risks, development of mitigation strategies
- Ensuring compliance of the organisation’s financial management and procedures with Belgian and European regulation and standards
Supervision of Accounting, General Ledger, Administration and Operations
– Supervising the day to day financial procedures and bookkeeping activities including payroll, payments to suppliers, staff expenses, subscriptions and other invoicing related to sales
– Working closely with the Certified Accountant to support appropriate financial returns (e.g. VAT) to the Belgian authorities and to ensure accuracy on the annual accounts
– Responsible for the preparation of annual audit and any governmental/donor audits, being the primary contact point
– Provide support to the HR management for financial issues
– In collaboration with the HR and Office Manager, supporting preparation of contracts with third parties
– Reviewing grant agreements, identifying and resolving compliance issues related to donor requirements
Operations management
– Advising the team on various matters including administration, legal
– Improving core internal processes and driving excellence in the management of Grants
– Teaming up with the Executive Director and the HR & Office Manager, participating in strategic decision making processes related to the organisation and its activities
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
– Advanced university degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Financial Management, or Accounting and/or:
– 5-10 years of relevant experience in finance management (preferably with a special focus in analytical accounting and/or auditing, and preferably with an international not-for-profit organisation)
– 2-3 years relevant experience in management/team supervision
– Proven experience with the reporting linked to EU funds (e.g. Horizon 2020)
– Demonstrated skills in the development of finance and accounting policies, procedures and systems, preferably with an international not-for-profit organisation
– Experience with accounting software
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
– Excellent command of written and spoken English. A working knowledge of French and/or Dutch is desirable. German is a plus
– Demonstrated leadership skills
– Strong planning, administrative, analytical and organizational skills
– High level of professionalism and attention to detail
– Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of partners, including Board of Directors, staff, project partners, funders, service providers and auditors
– Advanced Excel skill (Vlookup, pivot tables, filters, etc.)
– Experience in dealing with Belgian (and ideally German) HR and payroll procedures is an advantage
– Willingness to work in a small, multicultural team and to be a pro-active and constructive team player
– Easy-going personality with very good adaptation skills and stress-resilience (stress is due to numerous deadlines to meet)
– Ability to multitask
– A proactive attitude to solving problems and potential conflicts
– Self-motivated and ability to work independently
– Patient yet persistent personality
OFFER
– A full time and permanent employment contract
– Starting date: as soon as possible!
– A salary in line with the non-for-profit sector
– A comprehensive benefits package including luncheon vouchers (€8,00), health and group insurances, homeworking possibilities
– Working hours & holidays: 38h00/week, 25 holiday days and extra days off between Christmas & New Year
– Location: the offices are located in the Trône/Arts Loi area and are therefore very easily accessible by public transport
– The opportunity to work in a dynamic, human-sized and friendly environment with a motivated, enthusiastic and multinational team.