Head of Finance

CONTEXT

Every day 10 million kg of plastics end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics. As our Head of Finance, you play a crucial part in this journey ensuring excellent financial management. You work closely with the Head of Partnerships, COO and the CEO/Founder.

OUR STORY

River Cleanup started in 2017 with a 10-minute cleanup and was founded in Antwerp in 2019 as a nonprofit organization. In our first five years (2019-2024), we activated 288.000 volunteers via 6.224 events in 101 countries, removed 3,6 million kilograms of river waste from nature and developed the Clean River Model as an open-source theory of change for plastic-free rivers. 

Through strategic and early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we turn off the tap on new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste on land and in rivers. The Clean River Model consists of 3 pillars (Empower people, Prevent pollution and Accelerate change) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation). Together, they encompass the entire lifecycle of river plastics. We are validating the Clean River Model in three action zones in 2025/2026 and will scale-up the implementation to 100 rivers by 2030. 

YOUR ROLE

As Head of Finance at River Cleanup vzw, you take the lead in all aspects of our financial management. You strengthen financial processes to ensure compliance, accurate and timely internal and external reporting. In doing so, you help safeguard the trust and confidence of our partners, demonstrating that we manage the resources entrusted to us with care, transparency, and impact.

With a direct report to the CEO, your tasks & responsibilities include:

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with Belgian nonprofit financial regulations and donor requirements
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Manage cash flow, forecasts, and annual budget planning
• Liaise with external auditors, accountants, legal and financial partners
• Support project reporting, grant management, and cost control
• Advise management on financial strategy and risk management
• Ensure the finance manual and related (internal) financial procedures/process are up-to-date

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE

• Min. 3 years experience in a financial management role in a Belgian non-profit
• Strong knowledge of Belgian accounting standards and nonprofit regulations
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. WinBooks, Exact Online) and Excel
• Impeccable written and spoken Dutch or French (no need to apply if one of these languages is not at, or close to, native proficiency level) and English. Other languages are an asset.
• The ability to combine strategic thinking with a hands-on mentality and attention to detail.
• Strong people, communication and negotiation skills.
• The proven ability to work independently and demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• The embodiment of our values: positive, inclusive, expert, responsible, impact-driven.
• A high degree of flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced start-up environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to have an impact at the forefront of making rivers plastic-free.
• Being part of a growing, dynamic and fun team.
• The opportunity to use River Cleanup electric vehicles for work-related travel
• A non-profit competitive benefits package incl. 20+6 paid vacation days

DETAILS

• Tuesday and Thursday are office days in Antwerp. Remote work is possible for the remainder of the week.  
• This position is a full-time position (39 hrs / five days). 
• Starting date: to be determined

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply via the LinkedIn page of River Cleanup latest by May 31st 2025 at 23.59 hrs (CET). 

At River Cleanup, we believe in the power of diversity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We encourage everyone to apply, regardless of age, gender, origin, or physical abilities

Together for clean rivers!