Volunteer Finance & Accounting Lead: 4WARD.earth

4WARD.earth; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global climate organization in the United Kingdom is looking for a Volunteer Finance & Accounting Lead to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance. Ideal candidates will have experience in finance and accounting, particularly within startups. Responsibilities include budgeting, cash flow management, and advising on strategic financial planning. This role provides opportunities for mentorship and collaboration, while also allowing volunteers to expand their professional network in the sustainability sector.

Benefits

Hands-on experience with global finance operations

Mentorship from leadership team

Networking opportunities in sustainability sector

Qualifications

• Proven background in finance or accounting management.
• Strong understanding of Swiss accounting and taxation.
• Experience in budgeting and cash flow management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations and accounting.
• Manage cash flow, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Support tax compliance and regulatory filings.

Skills

Finance

Accounting

CFO-level management

Budgeting

Cash flow management

Strategic thinking

Financial tools

Communication skills

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

Bexio

Excel/Sheets

Job description

Help shape the future of the world's leading climate & sustainability community! 🌱

At 4WARD.earth, we're building the global bridge for climate collaboration — uniting innovators, investors, and changemakers to drive sustainability forward.

We’re seeking a Volunteer Finance & Accounting Lead to manage and strengthen the financial foundation of our growing global organization. This critical role oversees financial operations, budgeting, accounting, tax compliance, and cash flow for our Swiss GmbH and international activities.

Working closely with 4WARD’s leadership team, you’ll help ensure transparency, financial sustainability, and compliance while also contributing strategic insights to support our continued growth.

Importantly, this volunteer position also offers the opportunity to become 4WARD.earth’s preferred finance and CFO consulting partner for startups and scaleups within our community. Through this, you can expand your professional network, gain clients, and generate revenue while helping climate-focused companies grow responsibly.

Core Volunteer Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations and accounting for 4WARD.earth’s Swiss GmbH and its global ecosystem activities
• Manage cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to ensure long‑term sustainability
• Track and manage invoices, payments, and accounts receivable/payable for clients, partners, and vendors
• Support tax compliance and regulatory filings in Switzerland, including coordination with local accountants or authorities as needed
• Develop and maintain financial models, dashboards, and systems for transparent company reporting
• Advise leadership on strategic financial planning, including investment readiness, cost management, and fundraising preparation
• Help structure and manage consulting contracts, payment terms, and client billing for 4WARD’s advisory services arm
• Establish strong internal controls and best practices to safeguard company resources and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Collaborate with 4WARD’s global community team to support budgeting and reporting for events, partnerships, and new initiatives

Helpful Skills & Experience

• Proven background in finance, accounting, or CFO‑level management, ideally within startups or small‑to‑medium enterprises
• Strong understanding of Swiss accounting, taxation, and reporting requirements (GmbH experience strongly preferred)
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management in dynamic or mission‑driven organizations
• Familiarity with financial tools and accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Bexio, Excel/Sheets)
• Strategic thinker able to translate financial insights into actionable business decisions
• Comfortable working across multiple revenue streams — consulting, partnerships, and community initiatives
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with attention to detail and integrity
• Passionate about climate, sustainability, and helping purpose‑driven ventures thrive

How You’ll Benefit

• Hands‑on experience managing the finance and operations of a global climate innovation platform
• Mentorship and collaboration with 4WARD’s leadership team
• Opportunity to become 4WARD.earth’s preferred finance & CFO consulting partner for startups and scaleups in our ecosystem — opening the door to new clients, revenue, and experience in the sustainability sector
• Deep exposure to climate tech founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders worldwide
• A chance to build and showcase your expertise in sustainable finance, startup strategy, and impact‑focused business models
• Potential for expanded leadership or paid consulting engagements as the organization and client base grow

Ready to make a global impact?

Apply to join 4WARD’s volunteer team at 👉 https://4ward.earth/volunteer

Include your resume and a short note about why you’re excited to help build 4WARD.earth’s financial foundation and empower the next generation of climate innovators through sound strategy and fiscal stewardship. 💼