Head of Global Accounting

MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.

We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.

People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they intersect.

With immediate effect, our Finance department is looking for a:

Head of Global Accounting (40 h/w)

- Based in Amsterdam

Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Amsterdam (MSF OCA) is undergoing a significant reorganisation of its Finance Department. Historically organised along a split between Programs and Headquarters, Finance is moving towards an integrated, global functional model designed to better support MSF OCA’s strategic direction.

This new model brings together expertise across geographies and teams and is structured around three core functions:

• Global Accounting
• Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
• Innovation and Learning

The aim of this reorganisation is to strengthen consistency, accountability, and quality while enabling Finance to operate as one global function, working seamlessly across headquarters and country-level operations.

As part of this transformation, we are recruiting a Head of Global Accounting to lead the newly integrated accounting function, with teams based in Amsterdam and Nairobi. You report to the Director of Finance and Business Operations.

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to realising the new vision for the Finance Department. The Head of Global Accounting will be responsible for shaping and leading a single, coherent global accounting function that supports MSF OCA’s operational and strategic ambitions.

You will bring together people, processes, and systems that were previously organised along different lines, define a clear vision for global accounting, and ensure disciplined and high-quality execution. This role combines leadership, technical depth, and change management, and requires a strong balance between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.

Objective

As Head of Global Accounting, you will:

• Lead and further develop the integrated global accounting function across Amsterdam and Nairobi
• Define the vision, operating model, and priorities for global accounting in line with the new Finance structure
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant accounting, reporting, and consolidation across MSF OCA
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and governance frameworks
• Bring harmonisation of processes and ways of working across locations, with a strong eye to technological innovations that improve efficiency and transparency
• Embed multi-currency treasury best practices in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders
• Work closely with FP&A, Innovation &Learning, and other functions to support decision-making
• Represent global accounting at the leadership level and act as a key finance partner for senior stakeholders
• Lead and develop a diverse, multicultural team in a period of change

What We’re Looking For

• You are a builder. You are motivated by the opportunity to shape something new and make it work in practice.
• You are a strategist who is not afraid to roll up your sleeves. You bring a strong track record of building and combining teams, setting a clear direction, and executing with precision. You are structured and disciplined in planning and delivery, while also able to communicate the bigger picture and bring people along.
• You combine technical credibility in accounting with strong leadership and change management skills. You are comfortable working across cultures and geographies and can balance standardisation with the realities of a complex humanitarian organisation.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in Accounting or a relevant field
• Chartered accountancy qualification is an advantage
• Proven leadership experience in senior accounting roles, preferably in a complex or international organisation
• Strong knowledge of Dutch and other global accounting standards, consolidation, and internal controls
• Experience leading teams through change and integration
• Fluency in English required, other languages including Dutch are an asset
• Willingness to occasionally travel to MSF meetings country programs

This is a rare opportunity to help define and lead a global accounting function at a moment of significant organisational change. You will play a key role in shaping how Finance supports MSF OCA’s work around the world, contributing directly to the organisation’s ability to deliver medical humanitarian assistance effectively and responsibly.

To foster a healthy work-life balance we work with a remote working policy where you can work 40% of your weekly hours from home, 60% working in person in the office. Coming together at our office in Amsterdam allows us to have informal exchanges and chance encounters, share ideas more freely and solve challenges together in real-time.

We Offer

An exciting opportunity to shape a new function and team within a major international organization.

A Dutch employment contract (40 hours/week), with a preferred start date of 1 July 2026.

A management contract for 3 years with option for renewal, subject to satisfactory performance, with another 3 years (maximum 6 years in total).

Gross monthly salary between €5,922 and €8,153 (full-time), depending on experience.

An environment that fosters diversity, with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and backgrounds.

Other benefits include:

• 30 days off (based on a full-time employment)
• A premium free pension where MSF covers 100% of the monthly pension contribution
• 8% holiday allowance, paid out with the salary in May
• Commuting allowance (terms and conditions apply) & work from home allowance
• L&D will support you with a variety of learning and development opportunities with internal and external trainings and courses

Application

Do you recognise yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via our website and upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English) as one combined document.

The closing date for applications is: 14 May 2026.

Selection will be by means of two interviewing rounds. A certificate of good conduct/VOG is needed should you be selected for the role. First-round interviews: week of 18 May 2026.

Please note the application deadline specified above may be subject to change at MSF-Netherland’s discretion.

Information

For questions about the role or process, contact Irene Tellekamp (Team Recruitment) at [email protected].

***No agencies please***