Background
WWF has been working in Thailand since 1983 and established a country office in 1995. As part of the world’s leading conservation organization, we are dedicated to safeguarding Thailand’s biodiversity and natural resources through impactful programmes focused on wildlife, forests, freshwater, and marine and coastal ecosystems. Our work addresses the root causes of environmental challenges by protecting and restoring critical habitats, conserving endangered species, advancing evidence-based conservation, and promoting sustainable development. In collaboration with local communities, government agencies, civil society, and international partners, WWF Thailand strives to deliver lasting conservation outcomes that benefit both people and nature, contributing to climate resilience, ecosystem health, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
Major Role and Responsibilities
The Head of Finance is a senior management role at WWF Thailand. He/she will lead the Finance team, manage the organizational budget, conduct financial analyses and budget forecasts, and provide regular advice to the Country Director CD) and the Country Management Team (CMT), as well as to WWF Asia Pacific staff as needed. He/she will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and review of overall WWF Thailand budget with the objective that the financial outlook is sustainable, responsive to organizational goals, and meets the debt reduction, cashflow, and reserve goals of the 4-year finance plan recently developed jointly with WWF Asia Pacific.
1. Oversee and manage the country budget, and country finance-related processes:
Ensure that Finance Unit maintains accurate bookkeeping and accounts; timely payments and closing of monthly books.
Ensures that organization constantly maintains a healthy reserve with adequate cash-flow.
Develop a monthly dashboard of financial KPIs for CMT as a management tool.
Responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and review of WWF Thailand annual core budget.
Review and monitor program and project budgets to ensure donor requirements are met.
Set up internal financial controls and conduct periodic systemic reviews to ensure sound financial operation and management.
- Oversee and advise on project financing and accounting,
Develop a good understanding of project finance with the aim to maximize cost recovery and management fees to build up core reserves.
Ensure donor requirements are met with regards to reporting and audit requirements.
Develop good relations with donors and fellow finance directors/Chief Finance Officers to contribute to additional funding.
Monitor large project accounts for any potential issues with serious financial implications.
- Ensure Finance Unit’s systems, processes and documentation compliance with Thai taxation, accounting and audit standards:
Ensure that the Finance Unit maintains required documents and paperwork for internal and external audits.
Ensure that the organization’s accounting processes are fully compliant with local standards.
Prepare year-end accounting and taxation reports to ensure that the organization complies with legal requirements.
Prepare all audit schedules, terms of reference, contracts including year-end external audits and individual project audits.
- Lead and manage Finance Unit into a high-performing team:
Oversee all direct reports to track and monitor the completion of assigned tasks in an effective and timely manner.
Build team spirit and cohesiveness among all team members.
Problem-solving with team when issues or challenges arise.
Mentor and coach team members to fulfill their potential.
Coordinate with WWF International for any necessary training for staff on financial updates or new procedures.
- Maintains strong, collaborative relationships between the Finance Program and WWF Thailand's Conservation Program and Operations programs.
Participate in Conservation staff meetings as appropriate
Conduct occasional site visits to maintain a strong understanding of conservation goals and activities.
Provide advice and propose solutions to the Country Director, Program and Project Leaders, staff on all aspects of finance and IT.
- Liaise and coordinate with WWF Asia Pacific and WWF International’s Finance and Accounting:
Ensure that quarterly financial reports, budgets, forecasts, and other reporting requests are submitted on time and accurately.
Oversee preparation and review of consolidated financial reports prior to submission to WWF International.
Respond to queries and requests for all finance, accounting and administration related information from other WWF Regional and International functions.
- Oversee and manage IT function at WWF Thailand:
Manage Senior IT Specialist to ensure completion of tasks and IT objectives are met.
Coordinate with Regional IT Manager and WWF International to align IT policies, systems and procedures.
NOTE: This list is not exhaustive of all the responsibilities but serves to demonstrate the overall content and general spirit of the role.
Working Relationships
Internal:
Interact on a regular basis with CMT members to update on financial status as well as key issues.
Work with the Conservation Director and Program and Project Managers in revising project budgets during proposal development with the aim to maximize cost recovery and management fees.
Engage with and support WWF-Thailand staff as required.
Engage/coordinate with regional staff as well as Asia Pacific staff as necessary, or upon request of Country Director.
External:
Interact with donors, central government partners, provincial, district, and commune levels, as well as NGO partners, auditors, tax and bank agents, consultants, suppliers, and other stakeholders as needed. Engage with other NGOs on finance and accounting systems and practices for learning and sharing as appropriate.
Staff must comply with all WWF International's policies, procedures, and commitments, including WWF's Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) and uphold the organization's values and standards in all aspects of work.
Required Qualifications
- Education and Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Accounting or Finance. A master's degree in a related field is an advantage.
Full professional accounting qualification, i.e. CPA, ACCA is preferred.
Minimum of 10 - 15 years of practical experience in leading and managing a Finance role.
A proven track record of strong financial management and team building at a global organization will be given special consideration.
- Other preferred qualifications:
At least 5 years of project management or involvement with financial oversight of complex projects.
Understanding or experience of the international development and/or conservation sectors is an advantage.
Experience working in a multi-cultural environment or international organizations.
- Skills and Competencies:
Strong people management, coaching and capacity building skills
Good networking and influencing skills
Strong presentation and communications skills
Fluency in written and spoken Thai is essential
Strong command of English
Proficiency in Excel, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, and Oracle (preferred)
Knowledgeable on general IT issues and procurement
