At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow A4S's CFO programme in Europe, driving sustainable business practices.
- Company: A4S, founded by HM King Charles III, transforms finance for a sustainable economy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25+ days leave, private medical insurance, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Shape impactful sustainability initiatives while collaborating with a vibrant, supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, regional networks, and a background in sustainability or finance required.
- Other info: Hybrid or remote work options available; join a dog-friendly co-working space!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
JSS Search has been retained by Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) to assist in their search for a highly motivated Director to maintain and lead the growth of their CFO programme in Europe, helping to deliver impact and make sustainable business, business as usual. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a can do attitude, working independently to grow awareness and support for A4S’s work across Europe.
Apply promptly! A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.
About the role
A4S was established by HM King Charles III in 2004, when he was The Prince of Wales, to transform finance to make sustainable business, business as usual. Today they work with leading CFOs, finance managers, business schools, regulators, standard setters and more, to drive a fundamental shift towards resilient business models and a sustainable economy. They are looking for a highly motivated Director to maintain and lead the growth of our CFO programme in Europe, helping to deliver impact and make sustainable business, business as usual. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a can do attitude, working independently to grow awareness and support for A4S’s work across Europe. They will be responsible for overseeing the successful operation and growth of A4S programmes in the region in line with the overall strategy and objectives of A4S. This will include representing A4S at both internal and external events, leading the delivery of workshops, roundtables and other capacity building events, and overseeing regional projects and outputs. The timing of the new role aligns with the development of A4S’s overarching strategy to 2030, representing an exciting opportunity to help shape and grow A4S’s mission and the networks and partnerships so integral to its success.
The role can be hybrid (if in the UK) or remote (if in Europe). A4S are currently piloting a \’four-day week’, working Monday to Thursday plus an average of one Friday in four.
About you
The successful candidate will have established regional networks, a proven record of building relationships, growing membership or a client base, and of growing strategic partnerships. They will have the ability to manage a complex set of activities to enable efficient, effective and timely delivery of high-quality outputs and engagements. They will have a strong business background, ideally with significant knowledge of sustainability. An accounting or MBA qualification would be an advantage.
Responsibilities of the role will include:
- Run and grow the European Chapter of the A4S CFO Leadership Network, building a strong rapport with members and inspiring and supporting their ambition to embed sustainability within strategy and business models.
- Leverage your technical and regional understanding of the role of CFOs and their finance teams in delivering sustainable outcomes to seek meaningful change across a diverse range of major European businesses.
- Build the capacity of finance teams by delivering and driving strong participation in workshops and events that support CFOs and their teams in embedding sustainability into strategy, processes and decisions.
- Develop and deliver a dynamic regional strategy aligned with A4S’s global strategy and ambition, monitoring progress and adapting as needed based on learnings from engagement with key regional organizations and to respond to a rapidly changing environment.
- Collaborate with global colleagues to shape A4S’s overall direction, and help identify and secure valuable partnerships and additional funding sources.
- Support outreach and communications to raise A4S’s profile, build partnerships, and showcase members’ achievements across the region, including at external events and conferences.
A4S Values
A4S offers a competitive range of benefits, a good work-life balance, employee growth and development, and a vibrant organizational culture. You’ll join a small team of about 45, who are based primarily in and around London as well as in Europe, the APAC region and North America. You’ll interact and work with most of your colleagues and stay in the loop on the full extent of our programmes. We value our people, and strive for a collaborative, supportive and non-hierarchical structure. With a dedicated office in Mindspace Shoreditch – a vibrant, modern and dog-friendly co-working space which hosts weekly events including brunches, after-work socials and the occasional ping pong evening! They also organize their own team lunches, park days and away days – with team volunteering days also on the horizon.
What\’s on Offer
A4S offer a fantastic benefits package including:
- 25 days leave, increasing by one day every year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-time roles).
- Up to 5 days per year for volunteering.
- BUPA private medical insurance which covers GP virtual consultations, hospital treatment, cancer treatment, mental health treatment and more.
- 7.5% employer pension contribution, with a 2.5% minimum contribution from the employee.
- Access to our Employee Assistance programme, providing you and your family or cohabiting partner with access to wellbeing support, guidance on legal and financial issues, and more.
- Death in service and income protection insurance.
- Perkbox membership, offering: generous discounts across everyday spending, wellness and fitness, restaurants, gifts, travel, and more; as well as a wellness hub with content covering nutrition, workouts and meditation.
- Flexible working arrangements – both in terms of location and core hours (subject to agreement)
- A ‘cycle to work’ scheme.
The benefits outlined above are specific to UK employees, however, A4S strive to provide similar benefits for staff in other locations.
Director, Europe employer: JSS Search
Contact Detail:
JSS Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the sustainability and finance sectors. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, and events where CFOs and finance professionals gather. This will not only help you understand the current trends but also allow you to make valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with A4S’s mission and recent initiatives. Understanding their goals and how they align with your own values will enable you to speak passionately about their work during interviews and networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by engaging in community projects or initiatives related to sustainability. This hands-on experience can showcase your commitment to the cause and your ability to lead teams towards impactful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of the role of CFOs in driving sustainable business practices. Being able to articulate how finance can influence sustainability will set you apart as a candidate who truly grasps the nuances of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Director role at A4S. Focus on your achievements in sustainability, leadership, and relationship-building within finance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainability and your understanding of the CFO programme. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to A4S's mission.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas or led workshops and events in your previous positions.
Showcase Regional Networks: Mention any established networks or partnerships you have in Europe that could benefit A4S. This will demonstrate your ability to leverage connections for the growth of their CFO programme.
How to prepare for a job interview at JSS Search
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role requires excellent communication skills, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to articulate ideas clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated complex concepts to diverse audiences.
✨Highlight Your Network and Relationship-Building Abilities
The ideal candidate should have established regional networks. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles, particularly with CFOs or finance teams, and how these connections can benefit A4S.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Sustainability
Given the focus on sustainable business practices, ensure you can speak knowledgeably about sustainability trends and challenges in finance. Share insights on how you've previously integrated sustainability into business strategies.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex activities. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully led projects or initiatives, particularly those that required strategic thinking and adaptability.