The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a leading philanthropic initiative dedicated to addressing the climate crisis by fostering the development of a net-zero emission society at national, European, and global levels. ECF supports over 1,000 partner organisations, empowering them to implement activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in alignment with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Our work contributes to the public debate on climate action and advances a socially responsible transition to a sustainable, net-zero economy in Europe and beyond.
ECF brings together diverse perspectives and expertise to find the most innovative solutions to climate change. We are committed to engaging and hiring individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to strengthen our mission. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, we encourage you to join our team.
Position
The Head of Business Control is a full-time, strategic leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This role leads and develops a team of four Business Controllers, playing a pivotal role within the Finance & Governance Management team. The Head of Business Control is responsible for overseeing business analysis, budgeting, financial planning, and the implementation of robust business control processes across the organisation.
A key focus of this role is to provide strong, stabilising leadership to the Business Control team, especially during periods of transition. The Head of Business Control is expected to proactively drive process improvements notably linked to the transformational programmes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure high standards of financial stewardship. Collaboration and partnership with both internal and external stakeholders are essential to effectively support ECF’s strategic objectives and deliver impactful results.
Requirements
Key responsibilities
* Business Control Leadership: Provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership to the Business Control team, ensuring a high level of performance, cohesion, and resilience through change. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development within the team.
* Budgeting, Planning, and Financial Analysis: Oversee the full budget cycle, including the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of budget processes. Collaborate closely with ECF budget holders and programme teams to ensure accurate, timely, and effective budget preparation, allocation, and monitoring.
* Stakeholder Partnership: Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal teams (programme, finance, grant management) and external stakeholders. Act as a trusted advisor, providing clear financial analysis, business insights, and proactive support to enable informed decision-making.
* Process Improvement & Efficiency: Lead initiatives to streamline business control processes, enhance data quality, and drive operational efficiency. Identify opportunities for automation, improved reporting, and adoption of best practices, leveraging tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Excel, and Adaptive.
* Financial Planning & Compliance: Ensure that business control practices enable compliance with all relevant regulations, legislation, and internal policies. Monitor funding streams, oversee allocation to cost centres, and align proposals with overall budgetary objectives.
* Management Reporting: Supervise the provision of high-quality financial data, analysis, and commentary for management and governance purposes. Ensure that all reporting requirements for projects, funders, and stakeholders are met with accuracy and clarity.
* Template & Tool Development: Develop, adapt, and communicate budget and business control templates. Facilitate effective communication and training on budgeting tools and processes across the organisation.
* Operational Coordination: Coordinate and monitor the progress of business control initiatives and budget processes, providing regular updates and recommendations to the CFO and relevant committees.
* Financial Proposal Development: Oversee the integration of business control in the development of financial proposals. Collaborate with the Finance Grant Management team to ensure budgets are structured for effective monitoring and reporting.
Requirements
* Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in business control, financial planning & analysis, budgeting, and business partnering within multi-stakeholder and complex organisational environments.
* Experience: 8+ years in business analysis, budget management, or financial analysis roles, with proven experience in leading teams, managing multiple stakeholders, and navigating organisational change.
* Competencies: Exceptional people management and team leadership skills; strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; advanced competence with financial tools (MS Office, Power BI, NetSuite, Adaptive); excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills; proactive and collaborative mindset.
* Collaboration: Ability to foster strong cross-functional relationships and drive collective success through effective partnership and communication.
Other Information
* The opportunity to work in a dynamic, international team of passionate professionals committed to climate action.
* A flexible and supportive work environment that encourages growth, innovation, and self-development.
* Accessible, collaborative management and a culture rooted in strong values.
* The chance to make a tangible impact on climate action from a pivotal business control perspective.
* Full-time, permanent position.
Location: Brussels or remote (Belgium)
Start date: As soon as possible.
How to Apply
Please upload your CV and a short cover letter (both in English) explaining your motivation.
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