Finance Manager

Disclaimer: This job opportunity is associated with the adidas Foundation gGmbH and subject to their terms & conditions. adidas AG is not connected with this position and the career site of adidas AG is used solely as a platform for external publication and submission of applications. adidas Foundation gGmbH independently manages the hiring process.

ABOUT US
Welcome to the adidas Foundation We are an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to harness the transformative power of sport to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. As an initiative launched by adidas AG in Herzogenaurach, we believe in the unparalleled ability of sport to unite communities and drive positive change in the face of global issues such as conflict, inequality, discrimination, and climate change. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity, the adidas Foundation strives to create a brighter future for both people and the planet. Through direct action, capacity building, and advocacy, we collaborate with like-minded partners across the globe to bring our vision to life. Learn more about us here

FUNDING & IMPACT

While maintaining a strong connection with adidas AG, our primary funding source, we operate with full autonomy to strategically allocate resources toward fulfilling our charitable mission. We drive impactful initiatives, including grants for nonprofit organizations worldwide, support local projects aligned with our mission and empower social entrepreneurs through grants and seed funding. Our collaborations with essential service providers guarantee the successful execution of initiatives, ranging from refurbishing community football pitches to conducting impact assessments. Our local initiatives in the greater Nuremberg area serve as a launching pad for global expansion, empowering communities around the world. Additionally, we actively contribute to research and advocacy efforts, furthering our overarching goals. By offering expertise and support to stakeholders within the sport-for-good sector, we foster collaboration and collective progress towards achieving our mission.

JOIN OUR TEAM

As the adidas Foundation is celebrating its first year of operations, we are building our team to drive great impact. If you are passionate about leveraging sport for positive change and want to be part of a dynamic organization committed to making a difference, consider joining the adidas Foundation. Together, we can create a world where the transformative power of sport is accessible to all, changing lives and shaping a better future for generations to come.

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FINANCE MANAGER - ADIDAS FOUNDATION (M/F/D)

The Finance Manager at the adidas Foundation plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial stability and compliance of the organization by coordinating financial activities, developing budgets and robust financial management processes, and providing tools and guidance for effective resource management across the organization. This position supports organizational sustainability and accountability by ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with tax and legal requirements, and efficient cash management. By fostering collaboration across teams and maintaining proper accounting records, the Finance Manager contributes to the adidas Foundation's overall mission and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate financial activities and develop financial management processes, including tracking income and expenditure, management of restricted funds, strategic cash management, payroll, financial reconciliation, reporting, and risk mitigation, develop relevant tools and policy and support internal capacity building where appropriate
• Create and monitor annual financial plans and, where appropriate, multi-year plans to ensure organizational stability and sustainability and support collaboration across teams for aligned budgeting, reporting, and income projections
• Develop and monitor budgets to allocate resources efficiently, achieve financial goals, and adjust operations based on forecasts, implementing consistent systems and procedures
• Ensure a robust and compliant financial planning and management processes are in place for fulfilling grantee comittments around the world and donor requirements, particularly with regards to restricted funds
• Maintain proper accounting records according to generally accepted accounting principles and closely collaborate with external accounting services to ensure accurate accounting
• Highlight variances, guide forecasting exercises and make recommendations for resource reallocation and target shifts
• Manage tax exemptions and obligations, especially in the areas of corporate tax, trade tax, and value-added tax, to ensure compliance with all tax regulations
• Support the creation of annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and annual reports, to present the adidas Foundation's financial position, build trust with donors and supporters and report to various supervisory authorities
• Support the annual financial audit with external auditors to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reports
• Identify and manage financial risks with particular focus on compliance with all legal requirements and internal policies, montitoring and proactively recommending adaptations required in response to, e.g., changing legislation, currency fluctuations andinterest rates.
• Ensure adequate liquidity to remain solvent at all times, planning and monitoring cash flow and guide and support management of reserves according to the organizational policy and compliance requirements
• Support financial investments in alignment with nonprofit criteria to maximize funds while safeguarding against value loss, ensuring adherence to legal obligations and ethical standards

Key Relationships: 

• adidas Foundation’s Head of Operations & team
• adidas Foundation’s Managing Director
• adidas Foundation’s department heads and broader team
• adidas Stiftung Board of Directors
• External vendors and consultants
• Public & state authorities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• A results driven and self-motivated team player with compassion, integrity, trust, and perseverance, with a strong desire to work in a hands-on startup environment 
• Strong business and financial acumen, including accounting, audit, tax, reporting and risk management, preferably in the context of an internationally operating German-registered non-profit organization
• Experienced with common accounting softwares (preferably DATEV) and proficient in the development of financial processes and monitoring of financial performance
• Skilled in working with external accountants and auditors, as well as in preparing financial statements
• Proven experience tracking and reporting on utilization of restricted funds is preferred
• Exhibits sound judgment, tact, humility, and discretion in working with stakeholders and partners. Culturally savvy with extensive interpersonal skills, connecting effectively with diverse communities, stakeholders, and cultures, prioritizing trust-based relationship building.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines and objectives
• Applies strong analytical, research, and creative thinking skills, demonstrating excellence in problem-solving and translating ideas into action
• Effective English and German presentation and communication skills (verbal and in written) and composure in conveying information.

Requisite Education and Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Financial Management, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or equivalent)
• 5-7 years of work experience in finance and accounting, preferably in a grantmaking and/or non-profit context
• Additional qualifications in Tax Law or Non-profit Management are advantageous

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YOUR FUTURE WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Experience and thrive in a dynamic, true startup environment and be part of building a non-profit organization from day one
• Competitive compensation in line with industry standards for the non-profit sector
• Flexible work arrangements (based on 35 hours) with up to 80% remote work
• Annual leave in line with common practices & opportunity of up to 30 days' working from elsewhere across the EU and country of citizenship (based on individual work permit)
• Perks include commuter support, health & wellness benefits and individual professional development opportunities
• Continual enhancement of benefits during and beyond 2024

Please note that relocation, visa sponsorship and permanent cross-border employment are currently not possible.

APPLY TODAY
Believe you are a great fit for our team? We're excited to hear from you Please submit your CV along with a cover letter explaining why you'd love to join us and the adidas Foundation and how you can contribute to our mission. We can't wait to review your application and create a better world through the power of sport together

Disclaimer: This job opportunity is associated with the adidas Foundation gGmbH and subject to their terms & conditions. adidas AG is not connected with this position and the career site of adidas AG is used solely as a platform for external publication and submission of applications. adidas Foundation gGmbH independently manages the hiring process.