Head of Finance, Global Greengrants Fund UK

Application Closing Date: 27 April 2025

Location: Remote and hybrid working within the UK; individuals will be required to attend episodic in-person office days in London as needed and prescribed by the organisation. This role requires applicants to be able to show that they have the right to work in the UK.

Term: full time - 35 hours a week, permanent

Organisation: Global Greengrants Fund UK

Salary: Salaries at Global Greengrants Fund UK (GGF UK) are dependent on applicable salary scales, internal pay policies including equity considerations and budget. Due to the ways in which salary negotiations perpetuate existing structural inequities, GGF UK has moved away from salary negotiation processes for any candidate. Our best offer for this position is £66,700 per annum.

Benefits: GGF UK offers an excellent benefits package; 10% employer's pension contribution, remote and flexible working, generous family and sick leave, employee assistance programme, health and life insurances, 28 days annual leave plus all UK bank holidays.

About Global Greengrants Fund:

Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) supports grassroots activists and civil society organisations around the world working to address environmental and social justice in over 160 countries. GGF applies a participatory and decentralised model in making grants to grassroots groups through regional and thematic boards of advisors, global partner networks and independent funds, to support grassroots environmental and social justice action.

Global Greengrants Fund comprises two organisations located in the USA, Global Greengrants Fund Inc (established in 1993), and Global Greengrants Fund UK (established in 2012). The two organisations work closely together with a shared grantmaking programme and strategic collaboration at the senior leadership level. GGF UK consists of thirteen staff members working on fundraising and influencing philanthropy; finance; communications; and operations, with all of these functions operating autonomously but in close collaboration with their US counterpart functions.

In 2025, Global Greengrants Fund is amid a strategic journey in which we collectively centre our values, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and organisational care in our work, and to rediscover our identity and potential after 30 years of work. We have experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we are thoughtfully, yet rapidly, growing our annual grantmaking, our philanthropic advocacy, and our global partnerships and collaborations to new levels. This includes creating a globally networked learning organisation and transforming our organisational culture to be more collaborative - we call this our transformative journey. The Head of Finance needs to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these transformations and can remain flexible, steady, and adaptable.

The Role

Global Greengrants Fund UK is looking to hire an energetic and passionate individual who will play a key role in leading the finance function. The Head of Finance reports to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) and is responsible for the ensuring the smooth day to day operations of the finance function, including maintaining and ensuring accuracy of organisation's financial records, supporting all financial strategies and financial operations. They are responsible for all accounting, financial reporting and budgeting functions of the organisation, and with guidance ensures the organisation adheres to relevant regulatory and accounting principles. They work closely with the DFO to manage information exchange, integration and collaboration with our US sister organisation. Playing a vital role in the finance function they ensure accurate financial data capture and high-quality financial reporting while driving automation and efficiency across financial processes. They will work closely and collaboratively with budget holders, particularly in programs and philanthropic partnerships teams, providing them with meaningful financial insight and advice.

They will also play a key role in understanding and managing program/project funding (both restricted and unrestricted) and collaborate with the Programme Funding Manager ensuring effective tracking of restricted and unrestricted income and expenditure within GGF.

The ability to leverage Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and other financial tools (policies, processes and software) will be crucial in optimising our financial systems and improving processes.

The candidate profile.

The successful applicant will have significant relevant experience in a similar role in a charitable, environmental, development, social justice, feminist, gender, human rights organisation, and/or grant-making organisation. The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled and experienced finance professional with a relevant accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or AAT) experience in the charity or non-profit sector. They will value transparency and accountability, demonstrating strong critical thinking and, strategic risk management. They will have a deep understanding of UK GAAP accounting principles and a strong background in financial management, including budgeting, financial controls, grant processing, and audit preparation. Proficiency in financial systems, particularly QuickBooks Advanced or similar accounting software, as well as advanced Excel skills, is essential. The candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of prioritising workloads in a fast-paced and evolving environment. With a proven ability to oversee financial processes, implement automation strategies, and manage treasury functions, they will also be confident in providing financial insights and risk assessments to senior leadership. Experience working in an international organisation and knowledge of exchange rate risk management would be advantageous. They also thrive in a virtual environment, motivated to take on challenges and collaboratively find innovative and creative solutions. Multiple language skills would be ideal, while English fluency is a must.

Personal characteristics

The successful candidate will be a transparent, effective and adaptive leader with a commitment to lifelong learning and a drive to mentor, coach and share leadership, capable of mentoring and supporting finance team members while ensuring strong financial governance across the organisation. They will have skills to give, receive and work with feedback constructively, with the intellectual and emotional resilience necessary to take up critical responsibilities. They are self-reflective and passionate about multi-directional accountability. Relevant lived experiences related to GGF's work and community would be a distinct advantage.

The right candidate will understand Global Greengrants Fund's core values and be committed to the guiding principles and mission of Global Greengrants Fund and ensure they uphold them in the way they take up the responsibilities of the role.

How to apply:

Applications need to be submitted through GGF UK's job platform by 27 April 2025 at 23:59. You will be required to complete a set of screening questions and upload a current CV. You will need to submit these in English. If you're intrigued by this position but feel like you don't fit the profile precisely, please still apply.

We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Global Greengrants Fund UK is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.