BACKGROUND
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England, a programme that is rapidly growing.

In Europe, the IRC has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, London, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Purpose of the Role

As a key business partner, the purpose of the role is to work with the SVP Europe and the Europe SMT in achieving excellence in financial management by providing accurate and timely financial reports on financial performance, along with expert financial analytical support for investments, strategic developments and projects that deliver on strategy.

Working Relationships

·       Reports to the Senior Director, Finance and Operations, Europe, with a technical reporting line to the Senior Director, Financial Planning and Analysis in IRC’s New York HQ

·       As a business partner, provides excellent financial reporting and advice to the SVP Europe and Europe SMT

·       Work closely with finance teams in Europe, supporting them to provide accurate, timely and relevant data to multiple stakeholders

·       Build and maintain relationships with key counterparts in IRC’s New York HQ

·       Line management of Finance Analyst Europe

Key Accountabilities

·       Lead the European budgeting and forecasting processes ensuring accuracy, completeness and a shared understanding of budget and reforecast submissions, including approved investments

·       Represent Europe Finance on global and regional strategic projects ensuring the needs of European entities are represented

·       Work with European finance teams to ensure quality and consistency of information being presented to local boards

·       Understand the fundamentals of each country in Europe in order to represent their needs to IRC globally

·       Support finance leadership in European countries to interpret and apply IRC global policies

·       Acts as the focal point for IRC Inc for providing financial MI relating to European offices

·       Provide financial expertise to Europe SMT members enabling them to interpret and utilise their financial management information (MI) 

·       Provide financial analysis and decision support on strategic initiatives prioritised by Europe SMT;

·       Review monthly financial MI for countries providing challenge and interrogation to identify issues and opportunities

·       Identify and lead implementation of opportunities to leverage IRC’s financial systems to improve reporting and analysis

·       Provide training to new Finance and European staff on IRC’s budget policies and processes;

·       Deputise for the Senior Director, Finance and Operations, Europe as required at external and internal meetings

·       Serve as the Finance key point of contact with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and oversee the processes regarding the Indicator of Capacity, cash drawdowns and income reporting.

·       Lead the UK’s quarterly risk review meetings and maintain the UK’s risk register. Provide updates on risk to the board and relevant committees.

·       Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director, Finance and Operations, Europe or Senior Director, Financial Planning and Analysis.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential
Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

·       Qualified Accountant (CCAB recognised body)

·       Excellent and proven stakeholder management skills at a senior level

·       Strong communication skills both written and oral

·       Confidence presenting financial information to board level audiences

·       Excellent Excel, Powerpoint and other MS Office skills.

·       Ability to manage competing priorities

Experience

·       Experience leading budgeting cycles, clearly communicating timelines and ensuring completeness

·       Experience working across multiple legal entities

·       Financial planning, reporting and analysis in a multinational environment.

·       Previous people management experience