At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and audits, ensuring compliance and accountability across global teams.
- Company: Join Save the Children International, a leading organisation dedicated to improving children's lives worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: This is a 12-month maternity cover role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's futures while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with extensive financial reporting experience.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 105000 £ per year.
Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Global Financial Controller - Maternity cover to join our global team.
Team purpose
The Financial Accounting and Control team exists to set a robust financial control framework and provide oversight to ensure effective operation. By ensuring our financial accounting processes meet all statutory and donor financial reporting and audit requirements and comply with accounting standards and tax regulations, we enable the organization to maintain financial integrity and transparency. Our work supports the overall mission and goals of the organization, ensuring it can operate with a strong foundation of financial accountability.
Role purpose
To lead SCI's statutory financial reporting and annual audit, ensure a strong financial control framework across SCI global teams and country offices, and support country teams in managing an extensive programme of donor audits. This role is critical to strengthening SCI's organisational integrity and accountability, and managing financial risks.
Work Pattern: Remote/Home based
Reports To: CFO
Contract Length: 12 months (August 2025 - August 2026)
Grade: M4
Location: Any approved Save the Children International office location
Time Zone: Europe, WCA, ESA, MENAEE Time Zones (UTC/GMT + / - 3 hours)
Right to Work: The successful candidate must possess the unrestricted right to work in their current or preferred location for the duration of employment.
Language Requirements: English
International Travel Requirements: Up to 10%
Budget Responsibility: $1.8 million covering team operational costs and annual audit costs
People Management Responsibility: Managing 16 staff members, including team managers.
Principal Accountabilities
- Provide inspiring leadership to SCI's global financial accounting and control team, fostering professional growth and continuous improvement.
- Build and implement effective financial control policies and processes, holding country offices accountable against KPIs.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards in relevant jurisdictions, and provide guidance and training on financial policies.
- Oversee preparation and submission of financial statements, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Manage annual audits, working with external auditors, and support multiple donor and statutory audits annually.
- Collaborate with Transformation and IT departments to support reporting systems and control policies.
- Establish and drive SCI's tax strategy and compliance.
- Provide insightful reports to senior management and Trustees on financial matters.
Experience and Skills
- Effective team leadership, inspiring teams to achieve goals.
- Extensive experience in financial reporting, knowledge of charity SORP, statutory requirements, and auditing standards.
- Deep understanding of financial control policies within a global organization.
- Excellent communication skills for reporting to senior management and Trustees.
- Proven talent development and ethical leadership.
- Experience with complex finance systems and managing large projects.
Education and Qualifications
A fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, ACA, CIMA).
Key Relationships
Internal: Country Directors, Legal, and Risk Teams.
External: External auditors (e.g., KPMG).
Working at Save the Children International
We are the world's leading organization for children, working in 116 countries to save lives, fight for rights, and help children fulfill their potential. We value our people and offer meaningful, rewarding careers in a collaborative, inclusive environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization, supporting our vision that every child has the right to survival, protection, development, and participation. We promote equal opportunities and welcome underrepresented groups.
Application Information
Please attach your CV and cover letter. The full role profile is available via the job listing. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, expected within 2 weeks of the deadline.
Our recruitment process:
- Application review
- Two-stage competency interviews
- Additional assessments or third-stage interviews may be included
- Conditional offer, subject to background checks
We conduct rigorous background checks to ensure safety and compliance with our policies. Save the Children does not charge any recruitment fees.
Salary: £85,000 - £105,000 per annum + benefits and bonus scheme
Global Financial Controller - Maternity cover (12 months) employer: Save The Children Fund
Contact Detail:
Save The Children Fund Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Financial Controller - Maternity cover (12 months)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Save the Children's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to children's rights and financial integrity will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Save the Children International. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Global Financial Controller role, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial reporting and compliance in detail. Given the role's focus on statutory requirements and audits, being able to articulate specific examples from your past work will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in financial management, especially within the charity sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to maintaining high standards in financial accountability.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Financial Controller - Maternity cover (12 months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial reporting, auditing, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage financial control frameworks and compliance with accounting standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the mission of Save the Children International. Discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role's requirements, particularly in leading financial teams and managing audits.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as being a fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, ACA, CIMA). Mention any additional certifications or training that relate to financial control and reporting.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading teams and fostering professional growth. Provide examples of how you have inspired teams to achieve financial goals and improved processes in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Save The Children Fund
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations for the Global Financial Controller position. Familiarise yourself with Save the Children's mission and how the financial control framework supports their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have in fostering professional growth and continuous improvement within your team.
✨Demonstrate Financial Expertise
Be ready to discuss your extensive experience in financial reporting and auditing standards. Prepare to explain how you ensure compliance with accounting standards and how you've managed complex finance systems in previous roles.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the financial control policies, team dynamics, or the challenges faced by the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.