Interim Head of Global Accounting

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for - and respond to - crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Since adopting our global strategy, 100 Million Reasons, our global work to advance children’s rights and equality for girls has had unprecedented impact. We have been transforming our operations at the Global Hub to be the best possible partner for the 8,000+ staff who work in our country offices, and working to become a more agile, efficient and accountable organization.

We have improved our mechanisms for collaboration, transparency and data-gathering. The transformation has also increased the number of decisions to be taken close to the point of impact and distributed power more widely throughout the organisation.

To bring about lasting change, we have to live our values. We are committed not simply to telling the world we are the go to organisation on girls’ rights, but to embedding justice and equality in all that we do.

Will you join us?

The Opportunity

It is an exciting time for the Finance team at Plan International. We have embarked on significant departmental transformation to ensure strong financial capability and to maximise the impact of our financial resources, for the benefit of children, especially girls. As we embark on this ambitious and exciting journey, we are recruiting for an Interim Head of Global Accounting, who will help to prepare, position and strengthen the organisation to achieve long lasting change in children’s lives.

As the Head of Global Finance you will act as functional lead with management oversight of key functional tasks in finance globally across Plan International. You will provide a customer-focussed technical finance advisory service to all colleagues by providing guidance on financial accounting, control and compliance, enabling colleagues to ensure they operate within requirements, protecting all parts of the Plan family by ensuring objectives are delivered in a compliant manner, while minimising bureaucracy and complex procedures.

You will provide strategic thought leadership to inform our approach to Statutory Accounts, ensuring effective production of final audited accounts and appropriate engaging papers to inform and advise key stakeholders including the Leadership Team, Financial Audit Committee, International Board and Members Assembly.

You will work across the organisation, influencing, engaging and communicating with finance and non-finance colleagues across Regional Hubs, Country Offices and National Organisations,

The Individual

We are looking to recruit a qualified Chartered Accountant with auditing experience and exceptionally strong technical accounting skills. Experience within the INGO or not for profit is essential in this role.

It is essential that you can manage and prioritise multiple demands and tasks to meet deadlines. You will also be able to work well with others and demonstrate a high level of adaptability and cultural and contextual sensitivity. Leading a team of specialists and managing their performance across all activities in order to achieve business objective will be key.

To be successful in this role you will have the ability to work on your initiative and take ownership for the completion of tasks. You will communicate clearly and effectively at all levels and promote continuous improvement, innovation and learning, championing change by role modelling the behaviours expected of all colleagues.

**Location**: Global Hub, Woking, UK or working from home in the UK. You will need to have the pre-existing right to live and work in the UK.
**Type of Role**: 12-month Fixed Term Contract
**Reports to**: Director of Accounting Services
**Salary**: Circa £75,000

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan Internationa