Job Description

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 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Manage the accounting of hosted organizations (currently Ramsar) and assist with the preparation of their statutory financial statements in accordance with the agreement between IUCN and the hosted organization.

• Provide financial analysis for CFO

Treasury and cash management

• Actively manage IUCN's global cash to match operational needs, to minimise counterparty risks and to 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, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of the organization globally

• Develop, implement and monitor the finance components of the internal control framework, thereby ensuring a high level of fiduciary control of IUCN's assets, fraud prevention and the integrity of financial processes and data.

• Track and manage the financial risks that IUCN is subjected to, ensuring that they are actively managed, mitigated where possible and aligned with IUCN's risk appetite framework.

• Manage HQ financial services and processes: procure-to-pay, income, fixed asset management, travel and expense, staff and implementing partner payments and expenses; and provide oversight of these processes at the regional and country level.

• Manage the annual external audit process and co-ordinate the implementation of any management recommendations identified.

Financial systems

• Act as the business owner of the financial components of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. The principal components under Financial Services are general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets management, cash management, travel and expense management, and security and access.

• Ensure financial systems are fit for purpose and that they support and drive operational efficiency.

• Participate in the overall development and implementation of IUCN's ERP strategy and IUCN's wider information systems strategy.

• Lead on the automation of financial processes and on digitalisation of financial records and documents and on interlinkages with other systems.

Team and unit budget management

• Prepare and manage the Financial Services annual budget

• Recruit and mentor members of the Financial Services team

• Ensure the team members are set up for success by providing clear instructions, training and troubleshooting where necessary

• Carry out annual appraisals and other staff management activities in accordance with HR policies and procedures

• Joint responsibility for key regional office finance staff with Regional Finance Manager

• Liaise with other departments to keep them appraised of developments in financial services, handling any issues that may arise

• 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, either in a major commercial company or international organization.

• Experience in process improvement and the implementation and use of integrated financial systems.

• Experience in statutory financial reporting in line with an internationally recognised reporting framework.

• Treasury management experience.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage a diverse team of people in multiple locations

• Proactive and results-oriented; solid ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and good knowledge of French preferred.

• Proven analytical and report writing skills.

• Team player.

• 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. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
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 Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website:
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, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. 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 in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people's well-being.

Skills Required