For The Ocean Cleanup, we are seeking an experienced and strategically strong Group Controller.
The Role
The Group Controller is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the CFO.
You are responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial information across the Group. You ensure strong internal controls, compliance with relevant accounting standards (Dutch GAAP / IFRS), and effective governance across multiple entities and jurisdictions. In addition, you will actively contribute to the further professionalization of the Finance function, including treasury. tax, investment governance, and finance transformation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Reporting
- Oversee full Group accounting operations (GL, AP/AR, fixed assets, inventory, payroll)
- Ensure timely and reliable consolidation and financial reporting (Dutch GAAP / IFRS)
- Coordinate statutory accounts and tax compliance across entities
- Manage relationships with external advisors and auditors
Governance & Internal Control
- Design and implement a robust internal control framework aligned with organizational growth
- Develop and maintain key financial policies (accounting, treasury, reserves, transfer pricing)
- Advise on cross-border entity structuring in close collaboration with Legal and Tax
Audit & Stakeholder Management
- Lead external audit processes and annual reporting cycles
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO and senior leadership
- Prepare and present financial and governance materials to executive and supervisory boards
Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop a high-performing Controllers team
- Drive further specialization within Finance (treasury, tax, investment management)
- Foster a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement
Digitalization & Transformation
- Drive the finance digital roadmap in collaboration with IT and Finance Business Partners
- Lead finance transformation initiatives, including ERP optimization (SAP S/4HANA preferred)
- Improve automation, reporting efficiency, and data-driven insights (Power BI / AI is a plus)
Profile
- Executive Master’s degree with focus on Accounting or Finance
- RA / CA / CPA (or equivalent) is required
- Minimum 10 years of relevant financial controlling experience in an international, fast-moving organization
- Strong knowledge of IFRS and Dutch GAAP
- Audit background is an advantage
- Experience with SAP S/4HANA and strong Excel skills
- Affinity with engineering, offshore, project-driven environments, or impact-driven organizations
- Fluent in English (Dutch is an advantage)
Personal Attributes
- Strategic yet detail-oriented
- Proactive and independent
- Able to switch between operational execution and big-picture thinking
- Strong people leader
- Comfortable in a dynamic, international environment
- Intrinsically motivated by working on a meaningful global mission
Intrinsic motivation to work on this ambitious and meaningful mission is the primary factor driving people to join The Ocean Cleanup. The remuneration policy for all staff takes into account that all income comes from donations.
