Financial Controller

MISSION TO METRICS

At The Ocean Cleanup, our mission is to rid the world’s oceans of plastic through developing and scaling technologies. Our Finance team plays a critical role in this mission by ensuring smooth financial operations, accurate reporting, and strategic financial planning. We are preparing for a significant scale-up of our global operations and will need new capabilities to address our increased level of complexity, international reporting, and more commercialized activities. This role reports to the Group Controller, who is responsible for managing and overseeing the financial operations and reporting at The Ocean Cleanup.

“As a non-profit, robust financial management is a non-negotiable; particularly as we scale-up and grow rapidly, our financial operations team form the strong and dependable financial foundations from which data-driven decisions can be made.” Joy Gao, Finance Director

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage all aspects of financial reporting, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review statutory financial statements in accordance with Dutch GAAP for group accounting.
• Prepare and review local financial statements in accordance with IFRS and other international GAAP, such as US GAAP where required.
• Lead statutory and tax reporting processes, ensuring full compliance with regulations, particularly with Dutch tax requirements.
• Partner with external auditors and manage audit processes effectively.
• Collaborate with Group Controller on consolidation, reporting, and technical accounting matters.
• Drive process improvements and enhance internal controls across entities.
• Review financial commitments in contracts and agreements to ensure correct and accurate accounting treatment.
• Support FP&A team with financial analysis, forecasts, and performance insights.
• Act as a key business partner to various internal stakeholders, providing financial expertise to support strategic decision-making.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

“Even if you don’t meet every professional qualification listed, we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the right skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to our mission. We recognize that talent and potential come in many forms, and we value diverse perspectives and unconventional career paths. If you’re passionate about the work we do and confident in your ability to make an impact, don’t hesitate to submit your application—we’d love to hear from you.”

• Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CA / CPA / RA or equivalent) with audit experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' post-qualification experience within an international business or scale-up environment.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with Dutch GAAP, US GAAP, and IFRS.
• Experience in statutory reporting, financial control, and tax compliance.
• Strong communication skills – able to build healthy relationships with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with SAP S4HANA and BI tooling is a bonus.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Dutch.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong work ethic & commitment – demonstrates reliability, accountability, and dedication to the mission.
• Hands-on approach with a can-do, collaborative attitude.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and proactive in creating solutions.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication skills.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Starting date – As soon as possible.
• Conducting a pre-employment check may be part of this recruitment process.