Finance Officer, Projects

Iucn; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An international non-governmental organization in Cambridge seeks a Finance Officer - Projects. The role involves supporting the finance team, forecasting project cashflows, and managing project audits. Candidates should have strong financial management skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. AAT qualification or equivalent experience is preferred. The position offers a competitive salary and a full-time contract.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.
• Solid experience in cost recovery or time charging.
• Fluency in written and oral English required.

Responsibilities

• Support the finance team and operations department.
• Produce regular cashflow forecasting for all project income and expenditure.
• Organise annual US Government single audit.

Skills

Accounting

Budgeting and forecasting

Financial reporting

MS Office, specifically Excel

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

University degree or equivalent

AAT qualification or QBE

Job description

Location: TRAFFIC International, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Reporting to: Financial Accountant

Work percentage: 100%

Grade: P1

Expected start date: 05 January 2026

Type of contract: Indefinite

Closing date: 03 December 2025

BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organisation working to ensure that global trade in wild species is legal and sustainable, for the benefit of the planet and people. At a time of unprecedented biodiversity loss, TRAFFIC provides evidence, solutions, and influence to combat environmental degradation and ensure a nature-positive future.

TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC’s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC’s local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes.

The salary for this position is circa £45,000 per annum depending on experience. This role will be based from our Cambridge, UK office.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

This position provides support to the finance team and wider operations department to support the provision of quality and reliable management information on time and in budget. The Finance Officer - Projects will work closely with the Finance and Project Support teams to ensure full understanding of project finances to feed into organisation budgeting and cashflow forecasting. The role will also provide financial support and reporting for all project audit processes.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Finance – projects:
  • Support and review the analysis of the project portfolio risk profile (ABC list) in budgeting and forecasting and align budget/forecast to the cashflow forecast.
  • Produce regular cashflow forecasting for all project income and expenditure including transfers to the programme offices.
  • Monitoring cost recovery to budget/forecast including:
    • Review and variance analysis of staff time allocation sheets and provide supporting recommendations.
    • Maintain monthly salary and social rates for the global office.
    • Produce Global actual rates against budgeted rates for review, approval and necessary adjustments in finance system.
    • Review annual actual cost recovery rates from overseas offices and provide assistance as required.
    • Quarterly review and variance analysis of Global project management fees and posting onto finance system.
  • Review and explain project balances on a monthly basis with Project Support Officers.
  • Prepare project deficit/surplus forms and present to Chief Operating Officer quarterly.
  • Review project balances annually for foreign exchange write offs.
• Project audits:
  • Support the Project Support Team in all donor audits ensuring all financial information is collated, checked and evidenced and be the point of contact for finance queries.
  • Responsible for organising the annual US Government single audit.
  • Work with Project Support Officers and Finance staff on compiling proofs of expenditure for audit.
• Project Support:
  • Update and maintain the Project Registry and other project information management data sources as required.
  • Directly support the administration of a small portfolio of low-risk projects and be responsible for contracting, invoicing and reporting requirements to donors.
  • Assist in the support of other projects as required.
  • Support the finance and excel training of project support officers.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ideally educated to a university-degree level, although not essential.
• Accredited finance training (e.g. at least AAT) or QBE.
• Proven track record in accounting, budgeting/forecasting, financial reporting and financial management.
• Solid experience of cost recovery or time charging, unit cost or job costing if from a commercial background.
• Strong MS Office skills with focus on intermediate to advance Excel skills.
• Strong organizational and communication abilities, including attention to detail and ability to analyse data.
• Ability to work independently to ascertain work priorities as appropriate and a capacity to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a global team to ensure production of meaningful management financial information.
• Fluency in written and oral English required.
• Be eligible to work in the UK.
• Relevant experience in project support for Government Aid Agency projects and audits and in particular USAID, DFID, GIZ, European Commission, DEFRA would be very welcome.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.