Finance Officer (Payments and Payroll)

We are seeking an experienced Finance Officer (Payments and Payroll) to join our impactful organisation. At Global Witness, we’re on a mission to shift the balance of power from the polluters profiting most from the climate emergency to the people most adversely affected. We are an independent, global organisation of investigators and campaigners using cutting edge investigative methods. We shine a light on the financial and political systems that enable corporate abuses of power that harm people and planet. We are all determined and confident that together we can secure a better tomorrow for everyone. If you are inspired to join us as we investigate and expose abuses of power, tell the stories the world needs to hear and campaign for systemic change, we would love to hear from you.

As Finance Officer (Payments and Payroll), you will support the Finance team in delivering accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations across the organisation. The role focuses on managing payments, maintaining financial records, and supporting payroll for our Brussels and US offices as well as regular consultants. You will process day-to-day financial transactions across multiple currencies, including supplier invoices, staff expenses, credit cards, and bank transactions, while responding to payment queries and ensuring high standards of record keeping.

You will also support balance sheet processes such as depreciation and prepayments, contribute to monthly and annual financial reporting, and assist with audits and donor reviews. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Operations, Fundraising, and Budget Holders, as well as external partners such as auditors, banks, and payroll providers, you will help maintain strong financial controls and support the smooth running of financial systems in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

You are an organised and detail-focused finance professional with experience in payments and payroll, and a solid understanding of accounting principles. You are confident working with financial systems and Excel, comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information, and able to manage competing priorities to meet deadlines.

You enjoy working collaboratively and communicate clearly with colleagues at all levels. You are flexible, adaptable, and remain calm under pressure, responding positively to change. You bring strong analytical skills, a proactive approach to problem‑solving, and a commitment to accuracy in everything you do.

Application requirements include a covering letter (no more than two pages) explaining your motivation for applying for the role, along with how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria in the person specification. The closing date for applications is Midnight GMT Sunday 18th January 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 02 February 2026.

If you have any questions relating to the role or the process or would like any adjustments made to accommodate your needs, please contact PeopleOps@globalwitness.org.

We offer an excellent benefits package including a competitive salary and 25 days annual leave (excl. Bank Holidays). We also offer healthcare insurance, wellbeing days and policies to support you during key life events. We are currently in the first year of a shorter working week pilot where everyone works 30 hours Monday to Thursday, with Friday off with no impact on full time salary. We operate a hybrid working model which requires at least 2 days in the office.

Global Witness wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make‑up of the workforce and candidates in encouraging equality and diversity. We aim to be a diverse and inclusive place to work, valuing new perspectives, ideas and ways of working. We do our best to make our jobs accessible to all regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or identity.