CIVICUS is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Finance to provide senior financial leadership across the organisation. Based remotely in the United States, the successful candidate will lead financial strategy, reporting, budgeting, compliance, risk oversight and financial systems while supporting informed organisational decision-making. The position offers an opportunity for an accomplished finance professional to contribute to the financial sustainability and accountability of a global, mission-driven organisation focused on strengthening civil society and advancing civic freedoms. Position Highlights • Job Title: Head of Finance• Department: Finance• Employment Type: Full-Time• Contract: Permanent, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability• Location: Remote – United States• Annual Salary: USD 87,845.85, excluding benefits• Reports to: Chief Operations Officer• Direct Reports: Finance Manager, with seven indirect finance staff• Application Deadline: 18 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. SAST The successful candidate must have the legal right to work in the location from which they are based. About the Role The Head of Finance will provide both strategic and operational leadership for CIVICUS’ financial management function. The position requires a finance leader who can combine strong technical expertise with practical implementation, sound judgement and an ability to operate effectively within a dynamic, mission-driven environment. The role will oversee the organisation’s financial strategy, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, audits, risk management, compliance and internal controls. The successful candidate will also provide financial insights to programme teams, management and the Board to support effective resource allocation and organisational planning. Working closely with the Chief Operations Officer, the Head of Finance will help embed strong financial stewardship throughout CIVICUS while promoting transparency, accountability and long-term financial sustainability. Key Financial Responsibilities The Head of Finance will lead and oversee a broad range of financial management functions, including: • Preparing accurate and timely financial reports for budget holders, management, the Board, donors and other stakeholders• Leading organisational budgeting, forecasting and financial performance monitoring• Ensuring annual financial statements are prepared on time and comply with IFRS, US GAAP and other applicable standards• Overseeing month-end and year-end financial processes, including balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls• Coordinating statutory, organisational, donor and project audits• Reviewing donor financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with funding agreements and accounting requirements• Maintaining effective financial systems, reporting tools and data processes• Driving continuous improvements in financial controls, processes and systems• Ensuring compliance with relevant tax, statutory and regulatory requirements across applicable jurisdictions Financial Governance and Systems A major component of the position will involve strengthening CIVICUS’ financial governance framework. The Head of Finance will be responsible for designing, implementing and continually improving financial policies, procedures, systems and controls. This will include maintaining a fit-for-purpose finance manual aligned with organisational priorities, regulatory obligations, donor requirements and recognised best practice. The successful candidate will also be expected to drive digital transformation and innovation within the finance function, identifying opportunities for automation, system enhancement, improved data quality and more efficient financial reporting. Financial analysis, modelling, forecasting and scenario planning will be used to provide practical recommendations to management and the Board. Budgeting and Financial Planning The role will lead the development and consolidation of organisational budgets and forecasts, ensuring financial plans reflect strategic priorities and available resources. Responsibilities will include: • Monitoring expenditure and budget performance• Identifying variances and recommending corrective action• Coordinating proposal budgets and supporting appropriate cost recovery• Ensuring budgets comply with donor requirements• Strengthening the financial management capabilities of budget holders• Providing guidance on restricted and unrestricted funds• Supporting informed financial decision-making through forecasting and financial analysis People Leadership CIVICUS is looking for a leader capable of building and sustaining a high-performing, geographically dispersed finance team. The Head of Finance will mentor and supervise finance staff, establish clear objectives, conduct performance and development reviews, and promote continuous professional development. The successful candidate will be expected to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, integrity and high-quality service, while empowering team members to deliver effectively and take ownership of their responsibilities. Minimum Qualifications and Experience Applicants should meet the following essential requirements: • A recognised professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent• At least seven years of post-qualification experience• At least three years of experience in a Head of Finance or comparable senior finance leadership position• Senior-level experience within an organisation of similar scale and complexity• Strong written and verbal English communication skills• Significant experience working within the non-profit sector• Extensive experience administering financial processes for restricted donor funding• Strong knowledge of institutional donor regulations and financial compliance requirements, including those relating to the European Union, US foundations and European government agencies• Experience communicating complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues• Experience developing and delivering financial management training for non-finance teams• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop geographically distributed teams Desirable Skills and Experience Additional experience that would strengthen an application includes: • Understanding of human rights and social justice principles• Experience implementing automated financial systems and technology-enabled process improvements• Experience improving the accuracy and efficiency of financial reporting through digital solutions• Knowledge of one or more UN languages other than English Application Instructions CIVICUS will assess applications through a competitive recruitment process. Applicants are advised to complete the application form manually rather than using autofill, in order to minimise submission errors. Importantly, AI-generated CVs, resumes and cover letters are not permitted. All application materials must be prepared by the applicant and must accurately represent their qualifications, experience and capabilities. Applications containing AI-generated materials will not be considered. Candidates who have applied for this position previously do not need to submit a new application. Their previous application will be considered alongside new submissions. Application Deadline Applications must be submitted by 18 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. SAST. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be contacted approximately three weeks after the closing date to arrange interviews. CIVICUS will update applicants once the position has been filled. A Senior Finance Leadership Opportunity The Head of Finance position presents an opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take responsibility for a critical organisational function within CIVICUS. The successful candidate will help strengthen financial governance, improve systems and controls, guide resource allocation and provide the financial leadership required to support sustainable programme delivery. Professionals with strong non-profit finance experience, donor compliance expertise, strategic leadership capabilities and a commitment to accountable financial stewardship are encouraged to consider this opportunity. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.