Finance Manager to ICARS Would you like to be part of an international institution with highly skilled colleagues from more than 20 different countries? Would you like to join a purpose-driven institution contributing to global health and development where you will have the opportunity to shape and strengthen the support functions as we continue to grow and mature as an organisation? Then you may be our new Finance Manager. This is a full-time position available as soon as possible. About ICARS ICARS is an autonomous, self-governing, non-profit organization, international in character, established by the Danish Government and overseen by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ICARS receives funding from the Danish Government and other institutional donors and foundations and supports low- and middle-income countries in developing solutions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). ICARS collaborates with governments, research institutions and global organisations to bridge research, policy and implementation.
With an annual budget is around 100m DKK, 50+ FTE’s, more than 70 projects across 30+ countries, a growing global footprint, and increasing organisational complexity, the Finance Team plays a crucial role in the management of all financial aspects of ICARS’ projects and running ICARS as an organization.
We offer We offer an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team that is developing the scientific and organisational foundation of ICARS. Our team is composed of enthusiastic international pioneers from across the globe that all believe in ICARS’ mission and are highly motivated to ensure its success.
We are based at Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Please visit www.icars-global.org for more information.
About the position As an experienced Finance Manager, you will have overall professional responsibility for ICARS’ financial management, budgeting, reporting, annual and project auditing to ensure that ICARS meets all accounting and reporting requirements from funders. Furthermore, you are responsible for maintaining and further developing efficient work processes and promoting the effective use of IT systems and digital tools to support operational excellence.
While the role does not have direct people management responsibilities, it is expected to provide strong professional leadership by acting as a trusted sparring partner and subject matter expert for the team. The Finance team consists of 3.5 FTEs working closely together to ensure the effective delivery of financial services across the organisation.
Your main tasks - Take overall professional responsibility for ICARS’ financial accounting and ensure complete, accurate and timely financial records.
- Lead preparation of ICARS’ annual organisational budget and consolidated project portfolio budget.
- Lead the monthly, quarterly and year-end closing processes and the liaison with the auditors.
- Prepare forecasting, financial analysis and reporting to the management and the board.
- Coordinate and quality-assure finance activities and provide professional guidance to other finance and operations staff.
- Advise budget holders and project managers on financial performance, risks and required actions, and ensure quality reporting according to donor requirements.
- Act as functional owner of ICARS’ financial systems, reporting structures and finance data, including Navision Stat, Business Central.
- Further develop and continuously improve ICARS financial reporting system, financial management structures, digital tools and automation.
Your background, professional and personal qualifications We expect that you hold a degree in finances, economics, accounting or equivalent. It will be considered an advantage, if you have worked in an institution administrating funds from multiple donors, including the Danish government.
Professional qualifications - At least 3 years of proven success in a similar role.
- Relevant professional experience in leading financial accounting, financial management and audit, including independent responsibility for financial closing, reporting or audit processes.
- Understanding of Danish public-sector financial management, preferably gained in a Danish state institution, a self-governing institution or an organisation working closely with Danish government authorities.
- Assuring compliance with regulations, standards and requirements associated with budgeting, financial reporting, grants and project administration.
- Experience with international operations, foreign currency management, and partner-managed grants is an advantage.
- Strong practical experience with Navision Stat, NAV, Business Central and associated state systems (SDI, RejsUd etc) or similar systems. Advanced Excel skills and the ability to develop useful financial analyses and reports.
- Experience and interest in adopting AI to increase efficiency in finance controlling environment.
Personal qualifications - Excellent organisational skills with demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing priorities.
- Combine strong attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to maintain an overview of the organisation’s overall financial position.
- Work systematically, meet demanding deadlines and plan effectively around reporting and audit cycles.
- Can explain complex financial matters clearly to colleagues without a finance background.
- Ability to build strong relationships and good collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Interested in improving processes, systems and the use of data and automation in finance.
- Proficiency in English (English is our working language). As you will be collaborating with Danish partners, experience in Danish will also be considered an advantage.
Terms of employment This is a full-time position available as soon as possible.
Salary and appointment terms will be based on the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the recognised negotiating organisations, depending on the candidate’s educational background. We expect the position to be classified at the level of chief consultant (Chefkonsulent) according to the AC Collective Agreement.
For non-Danish citizens living outside Denmark, relocation is a requirement. In this case a monthly relocation supplement and a relocation package consisting of a lumpsum and administrative assistance by settling in Denmark is added to your salary.
Please note that your total income is subject to taxation according to ordinary Danish tax rules and not under special beneficial tax schemes.
Further information For further information about the position, please contact Executive Director Helle Engslund Krarup, at +45 24852974.
Application and recruitment process Press “apply for the position” and submit your CV and relevant diplomas along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and motivation for applying no later than August 17th, 2026, at 23.59.
