Head of Financial Services - Global Finance Group
Vacancy #: 7499
Unit: Global Finance Group
Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: M1
Expected start date: 01 May 2026
Type of contract: Max-term (up to 24 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date: 21 February 2026
Background
IUCN is a decentralized organization, whose work is supported by seven Commissions comprised of scientific and policy experts around the world who provide their time and effort on a voluntary basis. The Secretariat is comprised of 225 staff at the Headquarters based in Gland, Switzerland and more than 1000 staff in more than 40 locations worldwide. In addition, there are a number of locations where only project activities are carried out.
The Global Finance Group at Headquarters has a staff of 20 people and consists of two units: Financial Services Unit and Global Programme Operations Unit. The Head of Financial Services reports directly to the CFO and manages a team of seven people.
The Head of Financial Services is responsible for the Headquarters accounting function and for the quality control of accounting and accounting processes worldwide. The position is responsible for the consolidation of global financial data, and the production of the annual statutory financial statements.
In addition, the position is responsible for the global treasury function. IUCN wishes to implement a global cash management system to improve returns on cash held, better manage foreign exchange risk and reduce transaction costs.
Job Description
Specific duties and responsibilities
* Management of the IUCN accounting function
* Responsible for the overall data integrity of IUCN’s global financial accounts
* Ensure the timely and accurate recording of all Headquarters’ financial transactions and manage the timely reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts
* Manage the month-end and year-end close processes and the consolidation of all Secretariat accounting data for over 50 countries
* Produce the annual consolidated IUCN Financial Statements ensuring compliance with IUCN accounting policies and Swiss GAAP
* Manage the accounting of hosted organizations (currently Ramsar) and assist with the preparation of their statutory financial statements
* Provide financial analysis for CFO
* Treasury and cash management
* Actively manage IUCN’s global cash to match operational needs, minimise counterparty risks and generate a return where possible within acceptable risk parameters
* Actively manage foreign exchange risk through both active and passive hedging strategies
* Oversee the management of IUCN’s longer-term financial investments
* Financial processes and internal control
* Develop, update and socialise accounting and financial policies, procedures and guidelines across the IUCN Secretariat
* Develop, implement and monitor the finance components of the internal control framework
* Track and manage the financial risks that IUCN is subjected to
* Manage HQ financial services and processes including procure-to-pay, income, fixed asset management, travel and expense, staff and implementing partner payments and expenses
* Provide oversight of these processes at regional and country level
* Manage the annual external audit process and coordinate the implementation of management recommendations
* Financial systems
* Act as the business owner of the financial components of the ERP system
* Ensure financial systems are fit for purpose and support operational efficiency
* Participate in ERP strategy development and wider information systems strategy
* Lead on automation of financial processes and digitalisation of financial records
* Team and unit budget management
* Prepare and manage the Financial Services annual budget
* Recruit and mentor members of the Financial Services team
* Provide clear instructions, training and troubleshooting to ensure team success
* Carry out annual appraisals and HR activities in line with policies
* Joint responsibility for key regional office finance staff with Regional Finance Manager
* Liaise with other departments to communicate developments and resolve issues
* Assist CFO in reporting to Finance and Audit Committee
Requirements
* Professional accounting qualification (ACA, CPA, CIMA, ACCA)
* Audit experience to manager level
* Strong accounting skills using multicurrency, multicompany and analytical accounting systems
* Minimum 15 years’ relevant experience including 5 years’ experience in a similar senior financial position
* Experience in working in a management position in a multinational, multicultural environment
* Experience in process improvement and integrated financial systems
* Experience in statutory financial reporting in line with an internationally recognised framework
* Treasury management experience
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to manage a diverse team of people in multiple locations
* Proactive and results-oriented; prioritisation and deadline management
* Excellent English communication; French knowledge preferred
* Proven analytical and report writing skills
* Team player and service mindset
Salary
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 134'355 and CHF 167'944, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. This is indicative and may change per IUCN compensation practices.
Applications
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the Apply button. Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during DST). Only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews.
About IUCN
About IUCN IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards. IUCN provides a neutral space for diverse stakeholders to work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development. Working with partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. www.iucn.org
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