Financial Administrator / Finance Manager - Stichting Bellingcat

The present Financial administrator is going to enjoy his retirement. We are there for looking for an experienced Financial Administrator to join Bellingcat’s Operations Team. The scope of your role is to manage the full scope of the financial administration of Bellingcat’s 3 entities, These are a Dutch “Stichting” which has a so-called ANBI status, the Dutch Bellingcat production BV. and the Bellingcat Fund based in the USA.

The role’s main goals are to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent processing of financial data, and to organize and optimize the financial administrative processes. 

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and process invoices, payments, and other financial documents
• Maintain detailed financial records, prepare accurate and complete financial data
• Review and process various reimbursements
• Prepare and analyze financial statements and reports (for projects, monthly, quarterly and others), support periodic financial procedures and other reports
• Internal and external financial reporting in compliance with tax authorities’, donor, and organizational requirements
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks and opportunities · 
• Prepare multi-annual budgets and latest financial estimates for the organization
• Manage and oversee financial reporting and accounts for Bellingcat affiliate entities 
• Perform other administrative duties
• Prepare the annual accounts for external audit.
• Manage and maintain personnel and payroll administration 
• Various (international) tax-related tasks, such as, payroll tax, and VAT filings 

Bellingcat is an independent collective of international researchers using open source and social media investigations to probe conflict, corruption, crimes, disinformation, extremist groups and much, much more. They have received multiple awards for their research and publications that shine a light on wrongdoing. Their community (which includes 35 staff members, numerous contributors and hundreds of volunteers around the world) works in a unique field where technology, forensic research, journalism and the advancement of justice and accountability come together. In the Netherlands you might know them from their involvement in providing evidence analysis with regard to the shooting down of flight MH17.

Bellingcat has a young, innovative and diverse international team. Their distributed model of work encourages initiative, a high degree of responsibility and ownership of both your successes and challenges. We value and reward the drive for excellence and don’t put up with the bare minimum. As their finance professional you will experience a challenging responsibility in combination with enough room to work independently, yet collaboratively. 

The salary range, including holiday allowances, is between 50,000 – 75,000 EUR per annum gross depending on experience and track record.

Additional benefits include 25 (twenty five) days of paid holiday days per year, salary (70%) guarantee in case of prolonged illness, pension scheme, yearly budget for personal development and yearly paid sabbatical leave (the latter two are subject to eligibility).

This is a position with an initial one-year contract. This contract includes a three-month probation period. Subject to performance, the contract could be extended or turned into a permanent contract at the one-year mark.

Furthermore, you will be part of an ambitious, international and highly committed working environment

• Remote work (from home) is possible partially, preference for candidates based in the Netherlands
• 32-40 hours a week

You are an experienced professional in finance, accounting and control. You live in the Netherlands. You have an affinity with journalism, international relations or the non-profit sector in general. You have a hands-on mentality, are accurate, accessible and a team player. You are willing and flexible to perform other duties when necessary, and are comfortable working in an international setting of different cultures and backgrounds.

• Minimum of 6 years of financial administration/accounting experience and proven track record in a profit or non-profit sector (a combination of both is a plus)
• Completed (minimum Bachelor, HBO) professional degree in Finance, Control, Accounting, or a related field
• Experience with the Dutch reporting standards for the annual accounts of NGO’s is a plus
• Very strong written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English
• Sound knowledge of the Dutch tax system
• Experience with VAT regulations (in EU countries)
• Proven track record in working with financial software systems (Exact Online)
• Strong communication skills to work with various stakeholders (auditors, funders, tax authorities, payroll providers etc.)
• Professional and accurate, proactive attitude to take ownership of your work
• Independent, yet team working spirit
• Eager to learn and develop in an international working environment

Bellingcat is committed to a diverse working environment. Their team is international, with a wide range of backgrounds and they always welcome and appreciate new perspectives and life experiences. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, abilities, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

We might require recommendations from previous employers, and screen candidates in accordance with the Security Policy of Bellingcat.