Position title Finance Director, CGD Europe
Reports to: Managing Director, CGD Europe
Salary: £90,000 - £95,000 per annum plus excellent benefits
Posting date: 10 th November 2026
Closing date: 25 th November @ 10AM GMT
About CGD Europe
The Center for Global Development works to reduce global poverty and improve lives through innovative economic research that drives better policy and practice by the world's top decision makers. CGD Europe, based in London, is a UK registered charity and the European arm of CGD, with an annual budget of ~£7m, working on development policy across the UK, EU and Europe more widely.
Purpose of the role
The Finance Director oversees the financial management and financial business of CGD Europe (CGDE). Reporting to the Managing Director, the postholder is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, statutory and charity compliance, and oversight of all CGDE contracts and grants.
As a member of the CGDE senior leadership team, the Finance Director is a thought partner to the Managing Director on business planning, resource allocation and financial sustainability. The postholder keeps the Board of Trustees fully informed of actual and forecast performance, and works closely with CGD's finance team in Washington, DC to ensure consistent policies, systems and consolidated reporting.
Please read the note in the 'Application' section below, for your candidacy to be considered.
Key responsibilities
Business and financial planning Oversee CGDE's annual business planning and budget process in close coordination with the Managing Director, achieving clarity on priorities, resource allocation and accountability.
Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts; update core assumptions regularly to ensure optimal use of resources and financial balance year on year.
Monitor staff funding coverage throughout the year; identify funding gaps early and propose solutions.
Advise the Managing Director on financial strategy, risk, reserves and the financial implications of strategic and operational decisions.
Oversee monthly allocations of programme staff and finalise allocations for all non-programme staff.
Bring forward ideas to improve organisational performance, efficiency and value for money.
Financial management and reporting Oversee all accounting operations, including monthly closings, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and expenses.
Establish and maintain effective financial processes, policies and internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risk.
Review, interpret and present timely, accessible management accounts, dashboards and reports for the Managing Director, Programme Directors and the Board.
Prepare and present financial papers to the Board of Trustees and Finance and Audit Committee meetings, ensuring trustees are fully apprised of actual and forecast performance.
Oversee cash flow, banking and treasury, including management of foreign currency exposure.
Work with CGD's Comptroller in Washington, DC on consolidated reporting, intercompany transactions, shared systems and aligned financial policies.
Contracts and grants Provide oversight of all CGDE contracts, including funder grants and contracts, sub-awards, consultancy agreements, supplier contracts and leases.
Review contract terms for financial, legal and compliance risk before signature.
Establish procedures to manage the financial requirements of all grants and contracts, including accurate recording of new awards.
Work with the Institutional Advancement and Programme teams to develop project budgets and review all grant proposals for financial standards before submission.
Ensure timely, accurate financial reports and invoices to funders, and proper allocation and use of grant funds.
Lead partner due diligence process, including annual expenditure verification checks.
Lead grant and funder project audits.
Oversee procurement, ensuring value for money…