Chief Financial Officer at Save the Children

Chief Financial Officer Role purpose

The CFO directly leads the global Finance department (about 110 staff) and Supply Chain team with a wider leadership function for finance staff in our country offices. The CFO also convenes the Finance Leadership Team comprising CFOs from member organisations of the Save the Children Association. To provide leadership to the Supply Chain teams to ensure efficient and effective contribution to the achievements of SCI’s mission and objectives.

Budget Responsibility of Chief Financial Officer:

• Save the Children Association total annual income $2.7 billion
• Save the Children International annual budget $1.4 billion
• Save the Children International operating budget $140 million
• Finance and Global Assurance Team operational budget $9 million

People Management Responsibility: 8 direct reports/150 indirect reports

Principal Accountabilities of a Chief Financial Officer 

• Provide inspiring leadership to SCI’s global Finance and Supply Chain teams and the network of finance teams across country offices and members. Ensure these teams are diverse and inclusive, embodying the organisation’s commitment to equity and diversity in recruitment and development.
• Develop and implement a forward-looking financial strategy for Save the Children, working closely with the Director of Resource Mobilisation to identify and drive opportunities for maximising Save the Children’s income, including through innovative financing approaches.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. Ensure effective use of Save the Children’s resources to drive delivery of Save the Children’s strategy, and sustainable impact for children worldwide. Drive strategies for efficiency in delivery of programming, fundraising and support services across SCI and members, including changes in our operating model to automate and streamline ways of working across the movement.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Supply chain function to ensure that they are best placed to drive efficiency and support the achievement of SCI’s objectives and mission.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of financial data, and provide effective business partnering to operational leaders to support decision-making, ensuring that all financial information provided is accurate, timely, and insightful.
• Provide strong financial operations and services to SCI’s country offices and other functions. Develop and implement robust financial controls and Treasury management to ensure integrity and transparency, enhance organisational efficiency, and ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations.
• Drive value for money and cost-effectiveness across programming, fundraising, and support services.
• Foster a culture of transformation and automation within financial processes and systems and Supply Chain, championing digital solutions to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
• Provide effective organisational leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team. Support the Board of Trustees (and its Finance Committee and Audit and Risk Committee) to provide effective oversight of Save the Children’s financial management.

Experience and Skills you need as Chief Financial Officer 

Essential

• Extensive experience in financial management roles within a global organisation, with a strong track record of strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience in leading and managing teams outside of the finance function, with demonstrated ability in ensuring clear direction and accountability for achieving results
• Experience with treasury management and implementing robust financial controls.
• Proven history of contributing to cross-functional teams and initiatives that drive organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Demonstrated success in promoting an inclusive culture, ensuring recruitment and development practices that reflect the organisation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to align financial strategies with organisational objectives, ensuring resources are maximised for sustainable impact on children.
• Excellent Analytical Skills: Proficient in analysing complex data sets to inform budgeting and forecasting, ensuring accuracy and clarity in financial reporting.
• Leadership and Communication: Demonstrated capability to effectively lead and develop diverse teams, fostering an inclusive environment that embarks on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Problem-Solving: Creativity in developing innovative solutions to enhance cost-effectiveness and value for money across the organisation.
• Technological Acumen: Strong advocate for transformation and automation in financial processes, with competency in using financial software and tools.
• Integrity and Accountability: Committed to transparency in financial operations, upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Desirable

• Experience in international development and humanitarian programming.
• Familiarity with non-profit financial management and fundraising principles.

Education and Qualifications for Chief Financial Officer 

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification is required for the role.