ABOUT SIGHT AND LIFE
Sight and Life’s vision is a malnutrition-free world, where science-led solutions and sustainable business models are amplified to not just uplift the world’s most vulnerable populations but enable them to be self-reliant. Sight and Life is a Swiss-based foundation. Two years ago, we embarked on a journey of implementing our strategy in-country and on the ground. As a consequence, our operations became concrete and action oriented. This requires active finance execution.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The head of Finance & Accounting is responsible for implementing and monitoring Sight and Life’s financial strategy and overseeing day-to-day financial activities. With the support of the project’s heads, the senior Manager is responsible for budgeting and accounting, audits, compliance, contract oversight, and will also support donor communications, including financial reporting and audits.
This role will build up a new finance and accounting function in line with our increased focus on in-country implementation. It will also engage with and support a growing number of donors and their requirements. We are looking for an experienced professional and independent leader.
The ideal candidate will have both the technical know-how and the mindset of a problem-solver and collaborator, someone who actively engages with our project teams, understands the realities on the ground, and supports them to deliver effectively.
The role is located in Basel area, Switzerland.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Passionate
- Strong commitment to improving nutrition and eradicating malnutrition in Africa and Asia
- Genuine curiosity and connection to projects and their leaders on the ground
Astute & Culturally Savvy
- Navigates effectively across Switzerland, Africa, and Asia
- Enables teams by unblocking challenges and aligning finance with project needs
- Balances the demands of a growing organization with the need for both structure and adaptability
Hands-On
- Links financial details to strategic priorities
- Gets things done with a player–coach mentality leads by doing and guides others when needed
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as a direct link to country financial operations in Africa and Asia
- Align finance processes with project implementation cycles to enable delivery
- Partner with Project Directors on budgeting and forecasting
- Manage cash flow and financial planning
- Develop and implement finance policies and internal controls
- Prepare donor financial reports and lead donor communication on finance matters
- Present financials to the Board
- Oversee invoicing, accounting, and monthly closing/reporting
- Manage banking, payments, and cash
- Ensure fiscal compliance, working with auditors (e.g., BDO/KPMG in Switzerland)
- Conduct periodic internal audits
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Background in small–medium sized organizations
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; CPA qualification a plus
- 7–10+ years of experience, ideally with a tax-exempt or nonprofit organization
- Strong experience in operations and project management, with proven ability to implement policies and internal controls
- Preferred: knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including fund management, compliance, and reporting
- Effective communicator with strong written and oral communication skills
Please send your CV and cover letter mentioning salary expectations to HR@sightandlife.org