Head of Finance & Operations
Switzerland for UNHCR (CH4U) is looking for a Head of Finance & Operations that, under the guidance of the Deputy Executive Director and Executive Director, will be responsible for leading CH4U’s finance and core operations functions, ensuring strong financial stewardship, operational efficiency, organizational compliance, and fit-for-purpose systems and processes.
Make your next job one with purpose – This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on oversight and is responsible for financial planning and analysis, accounting and treasury, reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, operational policies and procedures, and the smooth functioning of key support services. The postholder acts as a trusted business partner to the Deputy Executive Director, Executive Director and leadership team, contributing to organisational planning, decision-making, and risk management.
Contract Type: Permanent, 100%Starting date: July 2026
Responsibilities
Strategic finance leadership:
* Lead CH4U’s financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management.
* Prepare and oversee the annual budget process and multi-year financial projections in close collaboration with budget owners and leadership.
* Provide timely, accurate and decision-oriented financial analysis and reporting to the Executive Director, Board and relevant UNHCR counterparts.
* Advise leadership on financial risks, scenarios, resource allocation and financial sustainability.
* Support organisational decision-making through robust financial modelling, analysis and recommendations.
Financial management, control and compliance:
* Ensure sound financial management across the organisation, including accounting, treasury, internal controls and statutory compliance.
* Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual financial closings and ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of financial records and reporting.
* Ensure compliance with Swiss legal and regulatory requirements, internal policies, donor restrictions, earmarking requirements and relevant UNHCR frameworks.
* Maintain and strengthen internal control systems, financial procedures and approval workflows.
* Monitor treasury and bank account management to ensure liquidity, security and appropriate use of funds.
Accounting oversight and audit:
* Supervise the Accounting Assistant (direct report) and ensure high-quality accounting operations, including invoice processing, reconciliations, balance-sheet follow-up and transaction review.
* Ensure accounting entries, reconciliations and supporting documentation are complete and audit-ready.
* Lead the preparation of statutory accounts and coordinate the annual external audit process, including planning, documentation, liaison with auditors and follow-up on recommendations.
* Oversee financial reporting to external stakeholders and ensure consistency across accounting, fundraising and management reporting.
Reporting, systems and process improvement:
* Oversee the integrity and consistency of financial data across systems, including the ERP and interfaces with other relevant platforms such as the fundraising CRM.
* Lead the optimisation, implementation and continuous improvement of finance and operations systems, tools, dashboards and reporting processes.
* Develop and maintain effective management information and KPIs to support operational and strategic decisions.
* Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, control and cross-functional collaboration through process redesign and digitalisation.
Operations management:
* Support the Deputy Executive Director on core operational support functions to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the organisation.
* Assist the Deputy Executive Director to ensure that internal policies, procedures and operational practices are fit for purpose, documented and consistently applied.
* Supervise or contribute to the coordination of key operational service providers, including IT, legal, audit, insurance, facilities and other external partners, working closely with the Deputy Executive Director or Administrative & HR Assistant.
* Help define or update frameworks for sound contract management, procurement practices and operational risk monitoring.
* Contribute to business continuity planning and organisational resilience.
Governance, risk and organisational support:
* Support the Deputy Executive Director, Executive Director and Board on financial governance matters through high-quality reporting, analysis and documentation.
* Maintain and strengthen risk management and internal control frameworks.
* Contribute to organisational policy development and cross-functional planning.
* Ensure that finance and operations practices support organisational growth, accountability and compliance.
Qualifications
* Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, including several years at management level in finance, accounting, audit, business administration or operations, with significant experience in a senior finance leadership role.
* Proven experience in budgeting, financial planning and analysis, accounting oversight, cash-flow management, financial controls and audit coordination.
* Experience in a non-profit, foundation, international organisation or similarly mission-driven environment highly desirable.
* Experience managing or significantly contributing to systems implementation and process improvement projects, ideally including ERP environments.
* Advanced postgraduate degree or graduate degree with equivalent experience to reach master level in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
* Strong strategic and operational finance capabilities, with the ability to move between high-level analysis and implementation detail.
* Excellent analytical, planning and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and a high degree of reliability.
* Strong understanding of internal controls, compliance and risk management.
* Ability to translate financial information into clear recommendations for non-financial stakeholders.
* High initiative, prioritisation, multitasking and ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
* Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies.
* High analytical skills, highly organised, detail-oriented and structured.
* High ability to lead and motivate a team for optimum performance.
* High written and oral communication and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced multi-cultural and multilingual environment.
* High capacity to work autonomously as well as a team player.
* High ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders with negotiation and advocacy skills.
* Capacity to lead the exploration of new areas of activities, challenging ideas and projects.
* High budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.
* Strong project management and systems mindset, with the ability to improve processes and drive change.
* High level of integrity, discretion, accountability and service orientation.
* Knowledge, interest and strong commitment to the mission and values of UNHCR and the cause of people forced to flee.
* Excellent command of English and French; German proficiency is an asset.
* Excellent computer skills and mastery of MS Office, particularly Excel.
Benefits
* Work for a cause that truly matters.
* Collaborate with a motivated, supportive and mission-driven team.
* Be part of an agile and growing foundation.
* Get exposure to international humanitarian operations.
* Enjoy a flexible and hybrid work environment.
Application
Submit your CV, motivation letter and relevant documents by 31 May 2026 via our recruitment page: https://unrefugees.ch/en/vacancy-head-finance-operations. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis – early applications are encouraged.
Switzerland for UNHCR is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those who have personally experienced displacement, and are committed to supporting others forced to flee.
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