Earthwatch Europe

Role Purpose To provide steady financial leadership, ensuring stability, compliance, and continuity during a period of transition. The postholder will maintain strong financial control and reporting, support delivery of agreed structural changes to the finance team and ensure a smooth handover to the incoming post holder. Key Responsibilities: Financial Leadership and Control • Maintain strong financial control, reporting and cashflow management. • Advise CEO and Treasurer on financial stability, risk and reserves. • Oversee fund management, compliance and key external relationships (auditors, banks, suppliers). • Responsibility for managing and reviewing financial policies, procedures, standards, systems and processes to guide the charity s financial decision-making. • Oversight and administration of the payments & banking process & addressing queries as necessary. Including management of the bank mandate. Team Leadership and Development • Line manage and mentor the Assistant Accountant, maintaining morale, clarity, and professional standards during change. Business Planning and Reporting • Lead the preparation of the FY2026-27 budget, with a focus on three year financial planning. • Lead quarterly reforecasting and scenario planning to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and maintain at least three months free reserves. • Prepare clear financial analysis and documentation to support a smooth transition and effective handover. Governance and Compliance • Ensure financial obligations are met on time. • Maintain documentation to support due diligence, risk management and compliance assurance to the Treasurer. Person Specification Essential • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent). Strong record of senior charity or not-for-profit financial management. • Proven hands-on ability in safeguarding and maintaining financial control, and compliance during organisational change. • Understanding of SORP, restricted funding, and grant reporting. • Calm, credible, and pragmatic, able to command confidence of trustees and senior colleagues. Desirable • Experience in environmental, research, or education sectors. • Familiarity with Sage or similar finance systems. • Experience in change management and business improvement , ideally within a not-for-profit setting. Values and Approach The successful candidate will combine technical strength with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach, ensuring continuity, supporting staff through transition, and handing over a stable, well-functioning Finance team to their successor.