Head of Finance

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) is an international foundation serving a global community of individuals and organisations. Our mission is to advance peace, security and international cooperation. We provide the knowledge, skills and network for effective and inclusive decision-making.

Are you interested in joining our highly motivated team of 90 persons? If you are entrepreneurial, results-driven and a team player who is dedicated to making a meanigful impact in today’s world, you may be our future:

The Head of Finance is under the overall supervision of and reports to the Centre’s Executive Director. The Head of Finance is primarily responsible and accountable for facilitating senior management decisions on financial issues and ensuring the GCSP’s financial health and strategic direction.

S/he is a member of and works in close collaboration with the Senior Management Team (SMT) the Director’s Office, the Departments of Human Resources, IT and Administration & Support Services.

Head of Finance oversees the work of the Finance department and their responsibilities include ensuring finances are used beneficially, developing and implementing financial strategies, the provisions of overall financial oversight and monitoring, including internal controls, financial procedures and accounting practices. Including but not limited to:

• Keeping the books of account of the Centre;
• Preparing forecasts;
• Point of contact regarding all financial and accounting matters for clients;
• Relations with external authorities (TVA, AFC, AVS);
• Closing of year and accounts, preparation of annual financial statements and liaising with auditors;
• Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance;
• Improvements in internal controls and advice to management when necessary;
• Reporting and budgeting processes (e.g. fixed assets, inventories, import of budgets);
• Management of monthly time sheets and expense reports;
• Identifying and mitigating the GCSP financial risk;
• Ensuring all required internal and external financial reporting (e.g. YTD) is made in a transparent and timely manner;
• Overseeing the development and consolidation of GCSP organisational and programme budgets;
• Ensuring appropriate internal and external communication of financial issues;
• Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial management functions (e.g. annual tax returns) based on comparable non-profit best practices and cantonal and federal standards;
• Coordinating the GCSP’s annual and other internally or externally mandated audits;
• Presentation of financial information to the meetings of the Bureau of the Foundation council and the Foundation Council;
• Drive the adoption of automation processes, in particular in the financial and in the project tracking domains;
• Undertakes other duties as required and requested by the Centre Executive Director.

• Qualified Finance Manager with a degree in Swiss accounting with an international background
• Excellent knowledge of Swiss GAAP and IFRS.

• At least 7 years’ functional experience gained within an accounting firm and in public or private sectors.
• Work experience in a leadership function.
• A solid understanding of payroll processes.
• Experience with digital processes and platforms; experience in managing ERP projects and operations desirable.

• Sound decision making skills based on accurate and timely analyses.
• Results-oriented, analytical thinking and metrics driven.
• Strategic mindset, exceptional time management and able to solve problems.
• Ability to partner and interact with all levels of the organisation and external stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail, the ability to analyse process flows, identify areas to improve efficiency and maintain an appropriate control framework.
• Ability to lead by example and demonstrate a strong sense of integrity, ethics and dependability.
• Confident to present results to an audience.
• Keen sense of priorities to ensure efficient management of projects, deadlines and deliverables.
• Advanced computer software skills and financial reporting software is expected.
• Ability to interact with colleagues of diverse cultures. Respect for diversity.
• Flexibility and loyalty, paired with responsiveness and commitment.
• Effective influencing and communication skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and French is required; knowledge of German is an asset.

Normal office working hours but may require working outside of office hours when needed to fulfil the position’s mission and objectives

Up to two days per week remote work option, upon approval

This position is based in Geneva

Full-time, open-ended contract

Application process

Only candidates with Swiss/EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland will be accepted.

Applications should include:

1. A comprehensive curriculum vitae giving details of relevant achievements in recent posts as well as your education and professional qualifications.
2. A motivation letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the job description.
3. Salary expectation, notice period and names of two referees, together with a brief statement of the capacity in which they have known you and an indication of when in the process they can be contacted (please note we will not contact your referees without your expressed permission).

Please note that only candidates who submitted their complete application file will be contacted.

The successful candidate will be expected to take up the position on 2 December 2024 or as agreed upon. The GCSP is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The GCSP recruits and employs staff regardless of disability, sex, age, gender identity, religion, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds or any other personal characteristics.