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 travel to various RI countries.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in humanitarian finance while working with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Chartered Accountant or ACCA with senior finance experience in an INGO.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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 $168 M 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.
Your 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 within 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 (such as USAID, 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 are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align with every criterion 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 in London 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 strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation offers opportunities for mentorship and professional development while working remotely from the UK. Joining our Finance team as a Global Controller means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Controller in London
✨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 that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with our goals in humanitarian work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with both finance and non-finance managers during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Controller in London
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 how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for this position. Let’s see your passion shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Global Controller, leadership is key! Make sure to highlight any experience you have in mentoring or managing teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead our finance teams effectively.
Apply Early!:We review applications on an ongoing basis, so don’t wait until the closing date! If you’re interested, apply through our website as soon as possible. You could be exactly what we need!
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 relation to budgeting and forecasting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading finance teams and mentoring others. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to delegate and build capacity within diverse teams, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare for scenarios related to financial compliance, risk management, and working with international donors. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to translate complex financial concepts to various stakeholders. Practice explaining key financial metrics in simple terms. This will demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for this role.
