Director of Finance (Interim) – ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 is an international “think–do” organisation that propels the freedom of expression movement locally and globally to ensure all people realise the power of their voices. Together with our partners, they:

• THINK: They develop cutting-edge research and legal and policy analysis to drive change worldwide.
• DO: They lead work on the frontlines of expression through our 9 regional hubs across the
  globe.
• PROPEL: They propel change by sparking innovation in the global freedom of expression movement.

ARTICLE 19 carry out their mission by working on many themes such as promoting media independence; increasing access to information; protecting journalists; expanding civic space; and placing human rights at the heart of developing digital spaces.

For over 35 years, ARTICLE 19 has worked for a world where all people everywhere can freely express themselves and actively engage in public life without fear of discrimination. They do this by combining research, campaigning, and cutting-edge legal analysis.

Your contribution to the team

ARTICLE 19 is entering a period of transformation as we develop their global strategy and the operating model they need to serve. As Director of Finance, you will play a vital role in shaping this change process. ARTICLE 19’s global strategy consists of four workstreams and one of your key priorities for this role is to review the finance workstream where you will review and redesign the finance model.

You will also provide strategic and operational leadership of ARTICLE 19’s finances during a period of transformation and renewal. You will manage the Finance team in London and will coordinate the global finance team, consisting of finance staff within ARTICLE 19’s regional branches and affiliates.

This position requires strong strategic financial skills and an ability to provide hands-on and operational support to staff. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in a complex international organisation with experience in leading during times of change, embedding new practices and ways of working and team building to produce deliverables for the longer term.

What you can expect in a typical day

Planning, budgeting and forecasting (30%)

• Lead SLT input into the longer-term transformation of ARTICLE 19 to be fighting fit for a new world order; including modelling different organisational changes and their costs.
• Oversee the implementation, management and revision (as necessary) of ARTICLE 19’s global operating budget, developing and strengthening budget monitoring, reporting and cashflow forecasting.
• Oversee the process to provide quality and timely oversight of ARTICLE 19’s financial situation for projects, teams and the overall organisation.

Financial management, review and redesign (40%)

• Fully implement ARTICLE 19’s current financial policies to ensure full compliance, and where necessary (re)develop policies to identify gaps in controls and compliance.
• Ensure ARTICLE 19 complies with statutory, legal and taxation requirements for Netherlands, US and Canada;
• Review and strengthen the control environment, ensuring that relevant accounting processes are in place.
• Review treasury management policies and processes.
• Produce year end accounts and lead on statutory audit. Liaise with auditors for effective and timely production of audited accounts (30th September 2026).
• Support the International Office and Regional Office finance teams to ensure compliance with all audit requirements including project audits, donor audits and the global US audit.
• Ensure day-to-day financial obligations of ARTICLE 19 International Office are met, including purchase ledger and payroll compliance.

Finance system (10%)

• Ensure the roll out of the global finance system remains on track and implemented successfully.
• Identify operational efficiencies resulting from the finance system roll out.

Project management (10%)

• Oversee the International Grant Accountant team, ensuring effective business partnering is provided to grant holders across the organisation.
• Oversee compliance with financial budgeting and reporting requirements for donors and with the business development team, ensure strong compliance with the cost recovery policy.

Leadership and staff management (10%)

• Support the Executive team with development of the organisation’s overall strategy and operational plan.
• Attend the International Board meeting, the Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGPC) meeting and Europe Board meeting.
• Manage an accountable and collaborative team of finance and administration staff in the International Office as well as coordinate the global finance team.

What you will bring to the role

Knowledge and Skills

• You will have relevant experience or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relatable field or full membership of an established accounting body.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required.
• Strong initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively.
• Ability to work efficiently, under pressure, both independently and as part of a team, and to respond positively to challenges.
• Good interpersonal skills including experience of working cross-culturally, across different time zones and with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Experience

• Significant professional experience in finance at a senior management level in an international organisation.
• Experience with, and sound understanding of, international organisations and challenges linked with managing in national/regional office structure.
• Proven ability to implement, improve and manage systems, in an international organisation during times of transition.
• Demonstrable experience of people management and mid-level managers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with good attention to planning and achieving strategic objectives.
• Experience of developing and presenting high-level reporting to senior management and/or boards.
• Ability to play a collaborative leadership role within a senior management team in an organisation.
• Experience in change management or experience in supporting transformation of processes

Other

• Knowledge and/or experience of working for a human rights organisation will be an advantage.
• Commitment to work with our vision, mission, core values and objectives.
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours, including weekends and evenings, when necessary

Click the link to learn more about how to apply!