The Global Interagency Security Forum strengthens NGO safety and security practices worldwide. We have more than 150 member INGOs. GISF’s member-led structure makes us a trusted platform for collaboration, a driver of innovative security risk management (SRM), and a repository of best practices. We also work closely with policymakers to enhance their understanding of SRM.
GISF was established almost 20 years ago, but only began operating as a legally-registered entity in February 2024. Our finance policies and procedures are compliant with relevant requirements, but require continued strengthening to align with growth plans.
About the role
The Finance Manager plays a leadership role within GISF, overseeing all aspects of the organisation’s financial management, policy compliance and ensuring its long‑term financial sustainability. This position not only leads the development and execution of GISF’s financial planning and systems but also drives the financial strategy, aligning it with GISF’s broader organisational goals and priorities.
GISF is a Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales. It has a well‑functioning board of directors, including an accomplished and engaged Treasurer.
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Finance Manager ensures that GISF’s financial operations support the organisation’s mission and strategic direction. The role includes collaborating with GISF’s partners and stakeholders to ensure financial interoperability across projects. Additionally, the Finance Manager oversees all internal and external financial reporting, auditing, and statutory compliance, contributing to the organisation’s governance and decision‑making processes.
By working with key internal teams, the Finance Manager ensures GISF’s financial stability, including managing reserve funds, overseeing payroll, grant budgeting, and financial reporting to donors. This role is pivotal in shaping GISF’s financial strategy, advising on new income streams, managing relationships with external financial bodies, and ensuring the organisation meets all statutory and donor requirements.
Key responsibilities
Governance
- Collaborate with the Treasurer to produce financial reports and present them to the Board.
- Ensure timely and compliant financial submissions for the Annual Report.
- Develop and monitor the implementation of GISF’s internal policies.
- Ensure GISF’s compliance with all external and statutory regulations, including submitting reports to Companies House.
- With the Executive Director, develop annual and long‑term financial plans to support GISF’s strategic aims and maintain a stable financial base.
- Prepare and propose the annual budget, aligned with GISF’s strategic priorities, for approval by the Board.
- Monitor GISF’s financial performance against the agreed annual budget and long‑term forecasts.
- Provide timely and accurate financial information to key staff, aiding decision‑making and enabling effective planning.
Internal Finance
- Provide expert advice and leadership to the Executive Director and Board on all financial and compliance matters, including cash flow, banking, value for money, and exploring new income streams.
- Support the Admin and Finance Officer in the execution of their duties, including building their capabilities to undertake basic financial tasks.
- Manage GISF’s reserve funds and ensure adherence to the reserve fund policy.
- Lead the production and submission of GISF CIC accounts and financial statements, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations.
- Manage GISF’s annual external audit process.
- Manage GISF’s insurance arrangements.
- Handle the preparation and submission of VAT returns.
- Liaise with external bodies such as HMRC, pension providers, banks, Companies House, and external accountants.
- Oversee GISF CIC’s payroll processes, ensuring timely and compliant execution.
- Ensure financial returns are completed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with statutory obligations.
- Support the Administration and Finance Officer in delivering GISF’s procurement processes.
- Lead on Budget versus Actual (BVA) analysis for grants, ensuring they are well planned financially, working with the respective Project Managers.
- Lead the financial input for the development of budgets for new funding opportunities, ensuring full cost coverage in project proposals.
- Support the Admin and Finance Officer’s work on grant management, including the preparation of financial reports to donors, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
- Provide training and support to Project Managers, ensuring they fully understand and are accountable for the financial aspects of their roles.
Person specifications
- Professionally qualified accountant ACA, ACCA or CIMA, or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working within donor compliance frameworks, particularly USAID, FCDO and ECHO, or experience of other highly regulated programmes.
- Understanding of working in consortia and as a sub‑recipient.
- Experience of governance and working within a governance framework
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic decision‑making
- Excellent communication skills, including ability to write policies and undertake formal presentations to staff and Board
- Strong management and leadership skills, both in relation to own staff, but also in relation to advising colleagues and in relation to ensuring employee engagement with change processes
- Able to make sound business decisions and identify key business opportunities and challenges
- Understanding and appreciation for overseas development work
- Knowledge of financial legislation, regulations and statutory frameworks, ideally including those relating to Community Interest Companies and the charitable sector
What we offer
- 25 days of annual leave increasing annually after 2 years, up to a maximum 30 days (plus bank holidays) (pro‑rata for part‑time positions)
- Office shutdown between Christmas and New Year
- Employer Pension contributions
- A focus on professional development, including access to overseas events, workshops, and training
This post is UK‑based. Candidates will need to show evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. Further information will be provided when an offer of employment is made. #J-18808-Ljbffr
