Finance Business Partner ( Europe Entity & EU Grants/Contracts)

The Finance Business Partner will play a pivotal role in supporting the financial health and sustainability of Saferworld with a specific focus area on Saferworld Europe (Registered in Belgium) and managing and overseeing the financial aspects of EC-funded projects. Reporting to the Senior Finance Business Partner, the role is one three Finance Business Partner functions that work closely together to provide support across the breadth of Saferworld’s global footprint.

This position involves providing strategic financial guidance, overseeing budgeting and forecasting, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and supporting programme managers in financial planning and analysis. It will also involve ensuring compliance with related regulations and providing financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting as required.

The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, relevant country teams, the global finance team and external auditors to ensure the effective and efficient use of EC funds and the smooth financial operation of Saferworld Europe. As a Finance Business Partner, the successful candidate will be adaptable, proactive and engaging, working across the finance team collaboratively when needed.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Develop and manage, in collaboration, annual budgets and multi-year financial plans.

• Provide financial analysis and insights to programme managers and senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.

• Monitor and report on key financial metrics and programme and grant performance including tracking of match funding.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Prepare and maintain detailed budgets for programmes and projects through engagement with relevant country Finance Managers.

• Assist the Director of Finance and Operations in the preparation of annual budgets and multi-year financial plans

• Conduct regular budget reviews and re-forecasts to ensure alignment with organisational goals. 

• Work with project managers to prepare budget amendments and re-forecasts as necessary

• Identify and analyse variances between actual and budgeted financial results.

• Manage optimising currency considerations. 

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensure all financial records are maintained in accordance with EU regulations and organisational policies.

• Manage annual Saferworld Europe audit and related project audits.

• Coordinate the preparation and submission of financial reports to donors and stakeholders.

   Grant Management:

• Oversee financial aspects of grant management, including budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting.

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and financial regulations.

• Collaborate with programme managers to track and report on grant expenditures.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Act as a financial advisor to programme managers and other stakeholders.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to support financial planning and resource allocation.

• Communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.

    Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify and mitigate financial risks associated with programmes and projects.

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and financial policies.

• Support internal and external audits and implement audit recommendations.

   Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for improving financial processes and systems.

• Implement best practices in financial management and reporting.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the finance team.

Knowledge, qualifications and experience

·          Experience working as a finance business partner/senior management position in the charity sector, ideally within a matrix organisation structure.

·          Proven experience in budgeting and forecasting with a mix of restricted and unrestricted funds, including budget development, monitoring and accounting.

·          A professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, etc.) is preferred.

·          Demonstrable experience working on EU funded projects and within European country contexts is a pre-requisite for the role.

·          Experience of project management across an organisation including an ability and willingness to undertake 'hands-on' tasks such as preparing budgets, cash flows and other financial planning, management and control processes

·          Understanding of key operational and strategic considerations relating to institutional fundraising, grant making processes, donor reporting requirements, financial reporting with institutional donors

·          Track record in anticipating change, understanding its impact on the organisation and supporting process to adapt to change.

·          Track record in working with people without line management responsibility, and influencing change

Experience of working with a wide range of finance and non-finance colleagues, including overseas offices

Knowledge, qualifications and experience

·          Experience working as a finance business partner/senior management position in the charity sector, ideally within a matrix organisation structure.

·          Proven experience in budgeting and forecasting with a mix of restricted and unrestricted funds, including budget development, monitoring and accounting.

·          A professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, etc.) is preferred.

·          Demonstrable experience working on EU funded projects and within European country contexts is a pre-requisite for the role.

·          Experience of project management across an organisation including an ability and willingness to undertake 'hands-on' tasks such as preparing budgets, cash flows and other financial planning, management and control processes

·          Understanding of key operational and strategic considerations relating to institutional fundraising, grant making processes, donor reporting requirements, financial reporting with institutional donors

·          Track record in anticipating change, understanding its impact on the organisation and supporting process to adapt to change.

·          Track record in working with people without line management responsibility, and influencing change

Experience of working with a wide range of finance and non-finance colleagues, including overseas offices

Skills and abilities

·     A positive business-needs centered approach and ability to work in a business partnering model with managers across the organisation

·          Proficiency in financial software (preferably SUN) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

·          Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with a wide range of people, including across cultures and with those at a distance.

·          Ability to lead and motivate others through a positive can-do attitude and inclusive team ethos, building strong relationships and partnerships across finance and other departments

·          High levels of technical and systems skills and ability to balance a strategic approach with strong hands-on work ethic.

·          A hands-on person manager, able to support colleagues and create a learning environment, within the bustle of the day-to-day accounting environment

·          Sensitivity to context, geographical dynamics that drive conflict and division, and power imbalances

Personal qualities

·          Commitment to and compliance with Saferworld’s safeguarding principles

·          Commitment to respect and value equality and diversity, and understanding of how this applies to own area of work

·          Commitment to own continuing personal and professional development

·          Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Saferworld.

Other requirements

  Some travel may be required for capacity building and to support colleagues and partners in head office, regional and country offices (not expected to exceed 3-4 weeks per year).