Finance Controller

Financial Controller - Global Maritime Forum, Copenhagen - Apply before 22 January 2025 

Do you want to join our mission to make the maritime industry more sustainable for both people and planet? You have the chance to become part of our international, diverse team of purpose-driven individuals in a role that helps organise one of the most important maritime events of the year.  

Does that sound interesting? Keep reading to learn more! 

We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller, who wants to put your passion for financial reporting, planning and analysis into play to drive better decision-making in a dynamic and ambitious not-for-profit organisation committed to shaping the future of global seaborne trade. 

Financial planning and analytics are at the core of your interests and experience. You thrive at the interface between finance management and business partnering; developing and running core finance processes but are also energised by translating your insights and analytics to create overview, inform decisions and guide planning. You are an ambitious and pro-active finance professional with a flair for details and numbers but are also able to offer specialist perspectives and oversight relevant for financial planning. 

⚓ Who we are 

If you’re new to the Global Maritime Forum, let’s start with the basics. 

The Global Maritime Forum is a Copenhagen-based international not-for-profit organisation. We bring leaders from across the maritime value chain together with influential decision-makers and opinion shapers to tackle collective challenges and develop new solutions and ideas for action. 

The Global Maritime Forum is behind several initiatives, such as the All Aboard Alliance, the Poseidon Principles, and the Getting to Zero Coalition. Through building and nurturing these and similar powerful communities, we can instigate change. Our work spans from reports, webinars, workshops, and much more. Our yearly trademark event, the Annual Summit, brings together around 200 high-level decision-makers, thought leaders, and experts from across the maritime value chain and beyond to shape the future of global seaborne trade to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human wellbeing.  

Our culture is based on continuous learning and growth, curiosity and collaboration, and an empowering and inclusive work environment. Working at the Global Maritime Forum means joining a tightknit and passionate team, where we support each other and succeed together.  

👔 Finance Controller, Global Maritime Forum 

As our new Finance Controller, you will be responsible for ensuring that financial plans and spending are supported by robust processes. You will be coordinating our budget process, reconciling expenses, running payrolls, and producing financial reporting. Your analytical skillset and interest in translating complex into accurate business analytics allow you to help providing senior management with the information they need to make major operational, financial and strategic decisions. 

Based on your experience working with similar responsibilities and preferably from an organisation funded in part by contributions from institutional donors, you have a good command of working with multiple funding streams, financial donor reporting and compliance, and you understand the importance of maintaining a resilient and flexible financial platform. 

🔎 Who is suitable for this role? 

We are looking for someone who is as passionate as we are about facilitating change. Someone curious and with an open, “can do” mindset wanting to grow with the organisation. You will report to the Managing Director, Head of Finance and Operations but work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including grants management, fundraising and project implementation.  

Responsibilities can meaningfully be segregated into Financial Planning & Analysis and Business Partnering. 

FP&A 

Support the annual organisational budget and prognosis processes, including the provision of recommendations in terms of equity, investment means, etc. 
Develop and monitor KPIs for overall spending and the organisational financial well-being, including advising on financial risks and mitigation measures. 
Develop, document and implement core financial processes for the Global Maritime Forum to operate in compliance with relevant standards and guidelines.  
Contribute to the financial parts of the Annual Report. 

Business Partnering 

Help develop business intelligence and offer financial advice to management. 
Participate in quarterly meetings with programme leads on spending and financial gaps. 
In close coordination with our grant managers, advise on and contribute to financial donor reporting and compliance. 
Prepare overviews and recommendations for senior management.  
Support the development and implementation of the financing strategy and financial elements of the business model. 

About you 

You enjoy working with financial modelling in e.g., Excel, and you have created PowerPoint presentations with data storytelling.  
You are naturally curious, wanting to understand the bigger picture of the organisation and how the numbers match. You are not afraid of challenging the narrative, especially if there is something that does not add up.  
You are proactive and able to drive initiatives with a high degree of integrity. Towards colleagues, you are service-minded, collaborative and accessible, and willing to pitch in at all levels to deliver high-quality outputs. 
You have a “can do” approach and would like to be part of an organisation where your ability to influence and set standards is high. 
You are comfortable working in a truly global context with English as the preferred language. 

We are hiring a senior finance manager to drive the financial controlling of the Global Maritime Forum, and the two of you will work closely with the Managing Director - Head of Finance & Operation. 

Preferred qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in economy, Finance, Accounting or related degree in business, management, or social sciences  
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably within FP&A and/or financial business partnering. 
Hands-on experience working with financial management and reporting of donor grants for an international NGO or similar. 
Full proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing. 

🌊 What we offer 

We offer an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, growing organisation and a young, purpose-driven team. We are driven by our passion for making the maritime industry more sustainable. We have high ambitions, and a strong culture of collaboration, being friendly, humble, helping and supporting each other. 

Besides that, we offer: 

📍        Beautiful office central in Copenhagen 

💼        Flexibility to work remotely in agreement with your manager 

💰        Market level salary (depending on your experience) 

🌍        An international and inclusive team, currently counting ~ 25 different nationalities 

♻️An opportunity to make a real-life difference for people and planet 

🏡        A salary package including health insurance, mobile phone, paid Wi-Fi, and lunch scheme 

📑 How to apply 

Please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Please mark your application with your full name and “Finance controller” no later than 22 January 2025.  

For more information about the Global Maritime Forum or the position, please contact Michael Søsted, Managing Director, Head of Finance and Operation at +45 4253 2047. 

Practical information 

The position is full-time. The expected start date is as soon as possible. 

The duty station is our Copenhagen office with the possibility to work from home as per the agreement with your manager. A valid working permit in Denmark is required.