Application Deadline: 23 April 2025
Department: Finance
Location: London, UK
Compensation: £98,580 - £107,060 / year
Description
FTE - 1 Year Contract
Job Summary:
The ODI Global Chief Financial Officer (maternity cover) leads and is accountable for the financial management of ODI Global and its affiliate entities; and for ODI Global's programme management unit.
They lead the development and performance of financial and operational strategies that enable long-term financial sustainability and efficient operations of the ODI Global Network, and advise the Chief Executive and Board on these strategies.
The CFO is a member of ODI Global's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and contributes to the organisation's overall leadership, strategic direction, policy development and decision-making, including as it relates to the affiliate entities. They also contribute to ODI's overall thought leadership, policy influence, strategic relationship building and representation externally.
The CFO is the lead SLT member in relationship with the Finance Risk and Audit Committee (FRAC) of the ODI Global board, and through this relationship providing assurance to the board of the financial health and resilience of ODI Global and the affiliate entities as necessary.
The CFO oversees Finance and Programme Management teams totalling approximately 50 staff and led by 4 senior managers. The CFO's role includes supervising, developing, supporting and guiding these staff, including ensuring that the teams have appropriate capabilities, and are performing well strategically and financially.
They lead the development and maintenance of ODI Global's internal control environment, financial policies, procedures and systems, as well as management of financial risks to ensure resources and operations are managed effectively in compliance with good governance and regulatory requirements. To the extent necessary, this oversight is extended to the affiliate entities
The CFO leads in the management of ODI Global's investments and reserves, ensuring they are in line with policies as set by the Board and contribute to ODI's financial health. They are also responsible for managing the annual audit strategy and the development of the annual report to the Charity Commission.
The CFO leads the development and implementation of budgeting, pricing, costing and commercial strategy for the ODI Global Network to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of ODI Global's business model and operations, including as they apply to the affiliate entities.
The CFO Chairs the Risk Steering Group, an internal cross-functional group which ensures that the risks facing the organisation are identified across a range of categories including governance, operational, financial, external, legal/compliance, strategic and reputation, and that appropriate arrangements are in place to manage and mitigate those risks. They lead the quarterly report of the Risk Register to the ODI Global board. The CFO also provides advice and support to the affiliate entities in the development of appropriate risk registers and their management
The CFO works in close partnership and collaborates closely with other SLT members, the heads of the affiliate entities, Directors of Programmes and functional teams to manage financial management and programme management across ODI Global.
Responsibilities and Duties
1. Strategic financial management and direction:
- Ensure the appropriate vision, policies and processes are in place to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the charity and advise the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Board on the financial consequences of proposed actions.
- Advise on the business and financial implications of proposed major new projects, new services and partnerships, including financial models and the role and implications for the affiliate entities.
- Ensure at all times that the legal and tax structure of ODI Global's operations are optimised.
- Develop and implement a robust financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring cycle that is well understood by key stakeholders at ODI Global and its affiliate entities, widely accepted across the organisation and available at all times throughout the year.
- Provide the information needs of the Board and SLT, notably the establishment and monitoring of key financial performance indicators including as appropriate for the affiliate entities.
- Analyse the financial climate and market trends to assist the Board and SLT in creating strategic plans for the future.
- Develop multi-year financial planning alongside multi-year programme planning and ongoing annual budget setting within this context, taking into account the positioning of the affiliate entities.
- Lead the communication of financial issues internally and externally, ensuring this is understood by non-financial managers and staff and that financial management capacity is developed across the ODI Global Network.
2. Supervise, support and guide a number of teams of finance, systems and programme management staff:
- Recruit, develop, support and manage performance of staff to be successful in their roles - strategically, financially, and to excellent quality delivery standards
- Ensure that all staff in the finance and programme management teams work collaboratively with colleagues across the ODI Global Network, providing day to day support and financial and programme management advice, ensuring their teams are recognised for effective, efficient, and timely business-oriented service
- Develop an organisational culture of building financial analysis and other commercial inputs into key strategic decisions
- Lead the development and maintenance of an effective cross-programme and inter-entity matrix management arrangement for the PM functions with solid line management of staff to the PM function and a dotted task management line to programmes
- Model and promote the application of the organisation's values with staff and with others
- Ensure various team operations are streamlined and fit for purpose and duplication and parallel systems across the organisation and its affiliate entities are eliminated. This includes promoting agility and managing change to adapt the team to evolving needs and context
3. Review business model and cost base
- Contribute to ongoing reviews of ODI Global's business model and operations and implement resulting changes.
- Lead further development and utilisation of effective annual budget processes for ODI Global and its affiliate entities, that ensure effective and accountable budget management by all senior managers and are linked to the organisation's strategies and plans.
- Monitor and contribute to managing significant organisational changes that may result from internal or external audits and reviews.
4. Risk management and internal control
- Ensure ODI Global always has in place a set of processes, internal controls and checkpoints that provide adequate and effective governance, compliance with regulatory requirements and the management of risk across the ODI Global Network.
- Ensure ODI Global's governance and audit processes are fit for the purposes.
- Ensure the organisation has in place at all times appropriate activities to manage as appropriate the currency risks we face due to the international nature of our funding base.
5. Management of investment and reserves
- Manage ODI Global's investments and cash including forecasting and monitoring cashflow.
- Ensure that ODI Global's reserves policy remains fit-for-purpose at all times, that the organisation operates in line with the policy and seeks agreement from Trustees when review is required.
- Work with Trustees to maintain an investment policy with appropriate risk parameters and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, and implement strategies to hold reserves as cash or investment vehicles as maybe required.
6. Contribute to ODI Global's Senior Leadership Team and overall leadership of the organisation to provide strategic direction, organisation effectiveness and ensure alignment of ODI Global's work:
- As a member of ODI's SLT, contribute to ODI Global's overall leadership, strategic direction, policy development and decision-making, including as relevant to the affiliate entities.
- Particularly contribute financial and business improvement advice to the SLT as well as within ODI Global's overall thought leadership, policy influence, and strategic relationship building more broadly.
- Participate in SLT meetings and represent the collective SLT in staff, management and Board meetings and internal and external forums as necessary.
7. Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by the Chief Executive. Requirements
Knowledge and Qualifications
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) Advanced Degree in a relevant discipline
- Knowledge of financial management in the charitable sector (Charity SORP and FRS 102) as well as in commercial consulting.
- Knowledge of US or European not-for-profit contexts (501(c)3 and INPA respectively) an advantage.
- Development of financial processes (including external and internal audit), systems, planning and business improvement processes
Experience
- Extensive experience in financial and operational management of organisations at a senior level, preferably in the charity or consulting sectors
- Substantial experience of working at senior management and involvement in strategic development of an organisation
- Wide experience of business planning, functional development, performance reporting and organisational restructuring or change management.
- Demonstrated experience of the inclusive management of staff to be high performers.
- Development of financial processes, systems and planning processes
- Experience of leading on new financial models and substantial change over significant timescales
- Track record of identifying and implementing new systems and solutions and achieving measurable improvements in service delivery
- Knowledge and understanding of the accounting principles and compliance requirements of a Belgian-registered non-profit (desirable).
- Knowledge and understanding of the accounting principles and compliance requirements of a Delaware-registered 501(c)3 non-profit (desirable)
Skills/Abilities
- Senior leadership and inclusive management ability, including managing performance and developing staff
- Financial management and analysis skills
- Strategic thinking and collaborative strategy development
- Effective teamwork, inter-personal and collaboration skills
- Values-driven and exceptional integrity, including ensuring a safe working environment and equal opportunities for all
- Exceptional written and oral communications skills
Key Relationships and Contacts:
- ODI Global Chief Executive
- Other SLT members
- ODI Global Board
- Programme Directors
- Executive leads of ODI Global's affiliate entities
- Programme and functional staff
- Banks, auditors and financial regulators
- Bilateral and multilateral donors and related organisations
- Key foundations and business partners
Additional Information
- Compensation: Base minimum
Why should you work for us?
ODI Global is committed to developing and supporting diverse and inclusive teams of people who share our passion, where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We welcome applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds including those who experience intersectional marginalisation on the basis of their class, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious identity or belief, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome applications from those living with disabilities.
Benefits
We prioritise the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, including public holidays and additional time off during Christmas and New Year. We also recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and study leave to support your professional development.
Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond annual leave. We provide comprehensive benefits such as maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, competitive pension schemes and interest-free travel loans. We offer sick pay, an Employee Assistance Program, and staff events and social activities to ensure your physical and mental health.
For those relocating to the UK, we provide relocation assistance to help you settle in. We also promote sustainable commuting with our Cycle to Work scheme and offer union membership to protect your rights and advocate for your interests.
At ODI Global, we believe that a supportive and rewarding work environment is essential for success. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to your well-being and professional growth.
For a full listing of benefits, please visit our Careers page.
