THE ROLE
We are seeking a highly adaptable and experienced Finance Business Partner. In this role, you will oversee the accounting and financial performance of an assigned portfolio of projects. You will also support the Swiss Centre as a visible and proactive finance representative—providing financial insight, offering practical solutions, and connecting colleagues to expertise from the wider finance function when needed.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
CABI, in conjunction with our international donors and partners, implements and manages a wide range of initiatives around the world, from research programs to rural development activities. The successful candidate will join the Projects finance function, providing strong financial oversight across these donor-funded projects. You will manage day-to-day project accounting, maintain accurate financial records, and ensure timely donor reporting. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling in collaboration with project managers and technical teams. The role ensures full compliance with IFRS/GAAP, donor rules, and internal financial controls. You will analyse financial performance, identify risks, and provide clear, actionable insights to support decision-making.
Key Accountabilities
Accounting
- Manage day-to-day project analysis
- Provide invoices to the donors on time
- Maintain project codes, contract values, and the Project Ledger
- Book and monitor expenditures for correct allocation to project activities
- Ensure compliance with IFRS/GAAP, donor rules, and internal policies
- Support internal, external, and donor audits
Reporting
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual project financial reports to internal stakeholders and donors
- Produce donor-specific reports (expenditure, financial statements, pipeline, variances)
- Develop consolidated dashboards across multi-country programs
- Analyse budget vs actuals and financial risks
- Track deliverables, milestones, and cost-efficiency metrics
- Highlight risks and recommend corrective actions
Planning & Budgeting
- Develop project forecasts, as well as multi-year project budgets, in collaboration with key stakeholders
- Support annual and multi-year project budgeting
- Prepare detailed activity-, workstream-, and project-level budgets
- Collaborate with project managers and technical teams to validate assumptions
- Ensure alignment with donor guidelines and corporate policies
- Build financial models for planning, cost-benefit analysis, and scenario modelling
Decision Support
- Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights
- Serve as the embedded finance business partner
- Strengthen financial literacy through tools, training, and decision frameworks
- Quantify financial impacts of scope changes, donor amendments, or delays
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, improved absorption, and efficiency gains
- Act as the lead Finance partner to the Centre Leadership, driving financial insight, strategic planning, and performance management
ABOUT YOU
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Required:
- Demonstrable project accounting skills
- Competent user of fully integrated ledger systems and strong Excel skills (intermediate to advanced level)
- Sound commercial experience across the key finance areas of payables, receivables, budgeting, and reporting
- Excellent analytical and reconciliation skills
- Ability to communicate with non-financial colleagues at both senior and junior levels
- Experience in developing and enhancing relevant management information
Personal Characteristics Required:
- Highly motivated, organized, and adaptable, with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Proactive and enthusiastic in communicating with and supporting colleagues
- Comfortable working both independently and as a collaborative team player
- Able to work under pressure and deliver high-quality products to tight deadlines, with flexibility, including occasional out-of-hours working
- Trustworthy and capable of handling sensitive information discreetly
- Skilled at managing and prioritizing a high workload in changing environments
- Swiss national or holder of a B or C residency permit
Desirable:
- Strong experience using enterprise collaboration, workflow, and CRM platforms to enhance financial operations
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and analytics tools - including Excel, Power BI, Word, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint
- Extensive hands-on experience with leading Accounting Systems and project accounting systems
- Creative and innovative in generating new ideas and conducting research
- Ability to work and interface at a senior level both internally and externally
Education & Qualifications
- Accounting Degree (I.E brevet fédéral de spécialiste en finance et comptabilité)
- Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken essential; knowledge of German is an advantage
WHAT WE OFFER
We aim to recruit and retain passionate individuals who possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and commitment to help us achieve our mission. Our benefits are designed to enhance your work-life balance, improve your well-being, and support your personal and professional growth. They include:
- Competitive salary
- Defined contribution pension scheme covering Pillar 1 and Pillar 2, with three pension options for the Pillar 2
- 26 standard days of annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, with a full calendar of health and wellbeing initiatives
- Income protection plans, life assurance, and long service awards
- Flexible working options including family-friendly policies
- Career development opportunities including internal promotions, mentoring, and a Development Bursary to visit another CABI centre
- A culture committed to being a fully inclusive, enjoyable, and fulfilling place to work
- Long Service Awards
- Employee Recognition Scheme
- Personal Accident and Business Travel Insurance
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.