Business Controller

About WWF-NL 

WWF-NL is a professional and dynamic organization with a casual work culture based in Zeist, the Netherlands.

The organization consists of three departments: Conservation, Engagement, Organization & Talent Development (OTD), and Finance & Operations (F&O). The OTD and F&O departments are responsible for the business operations of WWF-NL and consist of the HR, Finance, ICT, and Legal & Compliance teams. The Finance Team is responsible for the organization’s planning and control cycle, external reporting, financial, personnel, and payroll administration, and the financial monitoring of WWF’s global nature conservation projects. In light of this, the Finance Team at WWF-NL is seeking a Business Controller (32–40 hours per week).

Roles and responsibilities

As a Business Controller, you will work within the annual plan developed by the CFO. Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

• The WWF-NL organization– You will support the Conservation department with financial management. This includes preparing and analyzing periodic and ad hoc financial reports and providing advice on the financial, legal, and compliance aspects of contracting.
• Project cycle management– You evaluate proposals for national and international nature conservation projects, focusing on project budgets and compliance with standards. You draft project agreements, manage them, and initiate payments to contractors. You will also assess the financial progress and results of nature conservation projects.
• Planning and control cycle– You help develop the annual budgets, forecasts, and latest estimates. You identify and analyze variances and provide input and recommendations for adjustments.
• Processes and systems– You assist the Conservation Department in implementing internal processes for nature conservation initiatives and in using the relevant systems.
• Backup forEngagement: You will assist the Business Controller for Engagement with financial management for the Engagement department. This includes budgeting, periodic analysis, ad hoc financial reporting, and advising on the financial and tax aspects of business cases.

The Business Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Tanja Seydlitz.

Who are you?

• You are analytical, data-driven, quality-oriented, and up to date on relevant developments, such as BI tools and reporting;
• You are proactive, a self-starter, and able to work independently; you make suggestions and take action that lead to process and efficiency improvements;
• You understand and can convey the story behind the numbers, e.g., through storytelling;
• You enjoy interacting with colleagues both within your team and across the organization, as well as within the broader international network, such as business partners;
• You are collaborative and cooperative, and you find it easy to share knowledge, information, and ideas on your own initiative;
• You are customer-focused and respond promptly to requests from the (internal) client;
• You maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.

WWF-NL is part of a large international network, so a strong command of English and Dutch (both spoken and written) is required.

Experience

• Educational background in finance, business economics, or business administration: associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree
• 3–5 years of work experience as a controller, and a desire to learn and grow in the role;
• Experience with grant applications and financial management is a plus;
• You have experience with Exact Globe and Salesforce; familiarity with BI tools is a plus;
• Fluency in spoken and written Dutch and English is essential;
• Knowledge of other languages, such as Spanish, is a plus, but not required.

Core values

You identify with the core values of WWF Netherlands:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration

What do we offer?

• You will be able to work in a sustainable office surrounded by nature;
• Fun coworkers and the opportunity to build an international network;
• Vegetarian lunches in our cafeteria and free after-work drinks every other Thursday;
• An employment contract for 32–40 hours per week. We initially offer a one-year fixed-term employment contract with a one-month probationary period;
• Salaries that are in line with the standard in the Dutch nonprofit sector; the minimum gross salary for this role is 3,726 EUR per month and the maximum gross salary is 5,752 EUR per month, depending on relevant experience (based on a 40-hour, full-time contract) (please note: the salary associated with this position does not allow us to sponsor individuals over the age of 30 who are not eligible for the reduced salary criterion. Please see the IND website for more information if needed);
• Employees receive a personal budget consisting of an 8% vacation allowance and a 2.08% flexible budget, and are entitled to 6 weeks of vacation per year (based on a 40-hour workweek);
• We encourage flexible work arrangements, the use of public transportation, and biking for work-related travel. Employees receive an NS Business Card for second-class travel to and from work;
• We also have a hybrid work model, so employees can alternate between working from home and from the office. 

Information and procedure

If you are interested in this position, please apply through our website byMonday, November 4, 2024.

Please note that you must have a valid work permit to work for WWF-NL.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Babette Vanlancker (Recruitment Coordinator) atbvanlancker@wwf.nl. Questions about this role can be directed to Tanja Seydlitz (CFO) attseydlitz@wwf.nl.

We actively strive to ensure that our workforce reflects society and the international nature of our organization. We therefore especially encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

We take the safety and protection of our colleagues seriously. The successful candidate is therefore required to complete an integrity statement and provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag). We may also request references.

If you are an intermediary, please do not contact us. We will contact recruitment agencies directly if necessary.