MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.
We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.
People are our priority . At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees . We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they intersect .
O ur Finance department is looking for a n :
Operational Accounting Team Lead
Based in Amsterdam or Nairobi
MSF Operational Centre Amsterdam (MSF OCA) is undergoing a reorganisation of its Finance Department. Historically organised along a split between Programs and Headquarters, Finance is moving towards an integrated, global functional model designed to better support MSF OCA’s strategic direction.
This new model enables Finance to operate as one global function across headquarters and country-level operations. The Operational Accounting Team sits within Global Accounting and is managed by the Head of Global Accounting.
As part of this transformation, we are recruiting an Operational Accounting Team Lead to lead the daily work of the Operational Accounting team. You will guide a team of four Operational Accounting Administrators, set clear priorities, keep work moving, and help the team deliver reliable accounting support to MSF OCA country programs. You report to the Head of Global Accounting.
This role is central to making the new Global Accounting function work in practice. The Operational Accounting Team Lead is the leader of the daily work: the person who creates clarity, helps the team focus, supports good decisions, and ensures that operational accounting outputs are accurate , timely , and useful for country programs.
You will bring strong technical accounting judgement together with a practical , hands-on, leadership style. You have a can-do spirit, helping the team navigate daily challenges, improve ways of working, and contribute to a more consistent and connected Finance function.
As Operational Accounting Team Lead, you act as a trusted expert and daily leader for the team. You support operational finance teams in bookkeeping, balance specifications, complex transactions, financial reporting, and audit preparation, while proactively identifying risks and inconsistencies. This is also a hands-on role: you work directly in the relevant systems, support and review system transactions, and help resolve operational accounting issues as they arise. Through close work with multiple stakeholders, you strengthen internal controls, support system and ERP improvements, and continuously improve accounting processes to effectively support MSF’s humanitarian operations.
Team Leadership and Daily Delivery
Manage the Operational Accounting team day to day, including workload allocation, prioritisation, performance management, staff development, and wellbeing. Provide leadership and technical guidance to ensure accurate and compliant accounting practices across country programs, while promoting shared standards and knowledge exchange.
Technical Accounting Oversight
Act as a key accounting reference for operational finance teams, providing expert advice on bookkeeping, balance specifications, financial statements, complex balance sheet transactions, and audit preparation. Ensure effective application of global accounting policies, procedures, and controls, and proactively identify and address accounting risks or inconsistencies.
Quality, Compliance, and Delivery
Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of operational accounting outputs in line with global standards and deadlines. Monitor operational risks, workload, and delivery timelines, flag issues and trends early, and strengthen internal controls to safeguard financial integrity across operations.
Audit, Systems, and Continuous Improvement
Lead the team’s inputs to audit preparation and follow-up for country programs, working closely with internal and external stakeholders. Contribute directly to process, system, and ERP changes from an operational accounting perspective, including hands-on support for system transactions, issue resolution, and practical improvements in day-to-day ways of working.
You are a team lead who enjoys making daily work run well. You bring structure, energy, and a positive attitude, helping people stay focused even when priorities shift.
You combine technical accounting credibility with a hands-on leadership style. You know how to translate standards, procedures, and deadlines into clear daily priorities, and you are willing to step in directly when the team needs support.
You are steady, approachable, and resilient. You build strong working relationships with country programs and colleagues across Finance, and you help bring people along through a period of change without losing sight of quality and delivery.
This is a meaningful opportunity to help make the new Finance structure work in practice. If you are motivated by leading daily delivery, supporting people, and strengthening the quality of operational accounting across MSF OCA, this role offers a direct and practical way to contribute to our humanitarian work.
An exciting opportunity to join the Finance department within a major international organisation and play a practical leadership role supporting medical and humanitarian operations worldwide.
This is a permanent role. We start off with a 12-month contract, with the intention of renewing based on performance.
For Amsterdam-based candidates, this role is offered on a Dutch employment contract (40 hours/week), with a preferred start date of 1 September 2026 . For Nairobi-based candidates, the employment offer will depend on applicable local terms and conditions.
A g ross monthly salary ranging between €4, 269 and € 5 , 877 (full-time) . The exact salary depends on relevant work experience.
A diverse working environment with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and backgrounds.
For Amsterdam-based candidates, the main benefits include:
For Nairobi-based candidates, salary, benefits, and other conditions will be based on the local employment framework and applicable MSF terms and conditions.
Do you recognise yourself in this profi le, we welcome you to apply directly via our website and upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English) .
The closing date for applications is : 19 Ju ly 2026 . Selection will be by means of one i n terview round. A test will be par t of the selection/interview process.
Intervi e ws t a king p lace in the w eek of 20 and 27 July 2026 .
Please note the application deadline specified above may be subject to change at MSF-Netherland’s discretion.
For questions about the role or process, contact Johanna Wilflingseder ( Team Recruitment) at [email protected] .
*** No agencies please ***


