At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global financial operations and ensure compliance across multiple countries.
- Company: Join Relief International, a non-profit making a difference worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentorship in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in humanitarian finance while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Chartered Accountant or ACCA with senior finance experience in an INGO.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting a Global Controller to join our Finance team. This is a full-time, remote position open to candidates based in the UK. Salary is competitive. At Relief International, we are committed to building a representative, inclusive and authentic workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds those who bring lived experience of the contexts in which we work. This role is classified as requiring advanced pre-employment checks.
About Relief International
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. We work in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience.
About The Opportunity
The Global Controller reports directly to the Global Finance Director (GFD), and functions as a hands-on leader within the Finance team. Your role will be responsible for the UK, France and U.S. based and international accounting, compliance and financial reporting functions within the RI Alliance, with a combined annual budget of $168M funded through government grants/contracts and other international donor funds. You will provide a high quality, accurate and timely data and analysis for strategic decision support; work collaboratively with the GFD on strategic matters, policies and priorities; and represent Finance in cross-organizational working groups.
Responsibilities
- Leads global income, expenditure reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and management information for senior leadership and the Board.
- Oversees global financial accounting, regulatory compliance (US/UK/France), GAAP adherence, annual financial statements, and automated reporting systems.
- Manages financial controls, policies, procedures, audits, and process improvement initiatives across all regions and entities.
- Monitors working capital, foreign exchange exposure, and banking relationships to ensure financial efficiency and risk mitigation.
- Conducts financial analysis, reconciliations, and reporting to support strategic decisions and external audit requirements.
- Provides leadership, mentorship, performance management, and capacity building for global finance teams and regional finance leaders.
- Collaborates across departments to strengthen financial operations, support organisational objectives, and enhance overall financial governance.
About You
You will bring the following experience and skills:
- Progressive senior finance and accounting experience with proven success in a leadership role with an INGO context.
- Qualified Chartered Accountant or ACCA.
- Solid understanding and knowledge of UK GAAP and US GAAP/IFRS, and good understanding of French accounting rules is preferred.
- Experience working with international donors (as well as USAID) such as FCDO (previously DFID) and the EU.
- Experience and understanding of managing NICRA rules and compliance.
- Solid experience of financial planning and analysis in an INGO of comparable size and complexity to RI.
- Knowledge of accounting and reporting software; Experience with Netsuite.
- Commitment to working with, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly.
- Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills, which allows for strategic data interpretation vs. simple reporting.
- Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to all levels of staff.
- High proficiency in MS Excel (e.g. formulas, pivot tables and graph production).
- Ability to travel to RI Countries as required.
Research shows that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs, unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align with every criteria described, we encourage you to apply anyway, you could be exactly what we need!
How To Apply
To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button in the job advert page. You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter. The cover letter should be two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with Relief International and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Closing Date: 31 March 2026.
As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviours outlined in the Code of Conduct.
Recruitment to all roles in Relief International include a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks. Due to the nature of this role we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and the role might be filled and closed before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.
To apply for this position, you will need to have the right to work in the UK.
Global Controller employer: Relief International
Relief International is an exceptional employer that fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about humanitarian efforts. With a commitment to employee growth and development, the organisation offers opportunities for mentorship and leadership within a global finance team, all while working remotely from the UK. Joining Relief International means being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in communities affected by conflict and disaster.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with NGOs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Relief International's mission and values. Show us how your skills align with our goals, especially in financial governance and compliance. We love candidates who are passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with both finance and non-finance managers during interviews, showcasing your communication skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website, even if you don’t meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, so your unique background could be just what we need!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Controller role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance and accounting, especially in an INGO context. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be two pages long and explain why you’re excited about joining Relief International. Share specific examples of your experience that make you a great fit for this position. Let’s see your passion shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading finance teams, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and improved financial processes in your previous roles. We love seeing strong leaders!
Apply Early!:We’re reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, so don’t wait until the closing date! Apply through our website as soon as you can to increase your chances. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Relief International
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Global Controller, you'll be expected to have a solid grasp of financial data. Brush up on your knowledge of UK GAAP, US GAAP, and French accounting rules. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in an INGO context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and managing finance teams. Think of specific examples where you've led a team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to both finance and non-finance staff.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Relief International focuses on community resilience and humanitarian efforts. Familiarise yourself with their mission and how financial strategies support these goals. Be ready to discuss how your financial expertise can contribute to their objectives.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the organisation's financial strategies, challenges they face, and how the finance team collaborates across departments. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
