IUCN is looking for a Head of Financial Services

IUCN is the world's largest and most diverse environmental network, founded in 1948. The organization comprises both governmental and civil society entities, with a decentralized structure supported by seven Commissions of voluntary experts. The Secretariat employs 225 staff at headquarters in Gland and over 1,000 staff across more than 40 global locations.

Role Overview

The Head of Financial Services manages a seven-person team within the Global Finance Group and reports directly to the CFO. Core responsibilities span accounting operations, treasury management, financial process development, and financial systems oversight for a multinational organization.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Function Management

• Oversee data integrity of global financial accounts and headquarters transaction recording
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes across 50+ countries
• Produce consolidated annual IUCN Financial Statements adhering to Swiss GAAP
• Manage hosted organization accounting (including Ramsar)

Treasury and Cash Management

• Actively manage global cash to meet operational needs and minimize counterparty risks
• Manage foreign exchange risk through hedging strategies
• Oversee longer-term financial investments

Financial Processes and Internal Control

• Develop accounting and financial policies across the Secretariat
• Establish internal control frameworks ensuring asset protection and fraud prevention
• Manage financial risk in alignment with organizational risk appetite
• Oversee procure-to-pay, income, fixed assets, travel/expense, and partner payment processes
• Coordinate external audit processes

Financial Systems

• Act as business owner for ERP financial components including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, cash management, and travel/expense modules
• Lead financial process automation and digitalization initiatives
• Participate in ERP and information systems strategy development

Team and Budget Management

• Prepare and manage Financial Services annual budget
• Recruit, mentor, and appraise team members
• Coordinate with regional offices on finance staffing
• Support CFO reporting to Finance and Audit Committee

Requirements and Qualifications

Professional Credentials

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, CPA, CIMA, ACCA)
• Audit experience to manager level

Experience

• Minimum 15 years' relevant experience including 5 years in senior financial positions
• Multicurrency, multicompany, and analytical accounting systems expertise
• Management experience in multinational, multicultural environments within commercial or international organizations
• Process improvement and integrated financial systems implementation background
• Statutory financial reporting experience using internationally recognized frameworks
• Treasury management experience

Competencies

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage diverse teams across multiple locations
• Proactive, results-oriented approach with solid prioritization abilities
• Excellent English oral and written communication; good French knowledge preferred
• Strong analytical and report writing capabilities
• Team player mentality with service-oriented mindset

Compensation

The gross annual salary ranges from CHF 134,355 to CHF 167,944, subject to social security deductions, second-pillar pension contributions, and taxation.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online through IUCN's HR Management System by pressing the "Apply" button on the vacancy announcement. Applicants create an account and submit profile information. The vacancy closes at midnight Swiss time on 21 February 2026. Only selected candidates receive personal interview contact.

Additional job opportunities are available at https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

While we do our best in sharing high quality job postings, Jobs in Geneva can't guarantee or be made responsible for the content in the postings (e.g. specified deadlines or links).