Business Controller

Join The Great Bubble Barrier in the fight against plastic pollution by playing a pivotal role in shaping our finance strategy and ensuring the financial health of our organisation.

As Business Controller, you will produce and analyse financial information that drives sound decision-making. Working closely with the management team as well as operations and the department leads you will maintain an accurate and up-to-date financial administration while providing insightful analysis, forecasting, and strategic recommendations. Your responsibilities will span financial planning and analysis, cost control, reporting, and compliance, with a focus on making the most of our resources in service of our mission.

You will also manage the financial administration, supported by project and department managers, the office manager, and our bookkeeper and accountant. A collaborative approach will be essential to keeping financial records accurate, streamlining processes, and improving the efficiency of our financial operations.

This role offers real scope for growth, with a potential pathway to Head of Finance. As you develop in the position, you will have the opportunity to take on greater responsibility and help shape the financial future of The Great Bubble Barrier. If you are a driven finance professional with a passion for sustainability and a background in financial administration or business control, we would love to hear from you.

The Great Bubble Barrier is a Dutch social enterprise, founded in 2017, which developed an effective technology to stop plastic pollution in rivers before it flows into our oceans, using bubbles. Our Bubble Barrier technology captures plastic across the entire width and depth of rivers, operates 24/7, and does not disrupt regular river activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations

• Bookkeeping & accounting – accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions in Exact Online, managing accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, and supplier payments, as well as overseeing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing
• Process payroll, manage expense reimbursements and corporate credit cards
• Ensure compliance with labour laws, tax withholdings, and social security contributions
• Track project budgets, costs, and profitability
• Ensure time and expense allocation is accurately recorded for billing and internal reporting

Reporting, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Develop and manage the annual budget & align budgets with department heads, manage rolling forecasts for revenue, expenses, and capital expenditures
• Monitor daily cash flow and provide scenario analysis to ensure liquidity for operations, payroll, and project deliveries by coordinating with Directors on funding needs
• Analyse key financial metrics (e.g., gross margin, burn rate, customer acquisition cost, project profitability), provide variance analysis (actual vs. budget) and explain deviations
• Prepare & present accurate and timely financial reports each quarter, including key performance indicators for internal and external stakeholders

Risk Management & Advisory to Directors

• Identify financial risks (e.g., cash flow gaps, project overruns, currency fluctuations) and propose mitigation strategies
• Implement internal controls to monitor contractual financial obligations and prevent fraud, errors, or non-compliance.
• Advise the directors on the financial implications of business decisions (e.g., hiring, pricing, investments).
• Evaluate cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements (e.g., supplier negotiations, process automation)

Funding & Investor Relations

• Supports and/or leads grants or impact funding applications for strategically aligned grants, subsidies or loans
• Support fundraising efforts (e.g., preparing financial models, pitch decks, and due diligence materials for investors)
• Prepares investor updates, financial presentations, and board materials

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Intermediate or Secondary Vocational Education (MBO-4) with a diploma in Business Administration or equivalent of job-related and educational experience
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in financial or business control; Knowledge of general bookkeeping, accounting, and filing procedures and practices; Experience working with the Dutch tax system.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal abilities. Pro-active, organised, structured, communicative and open-minded.
• Language Proficiency: Good command of the English language, both written and verbal. Speaking Dutch is a benefit, but not necessary.
• Technical Skills: Experience with accounting software (preferably Exact Online) and Microsoft Office programs, proficiency in Excel
• Mission Alignment: Genuine interest in ocean health, sustainability, and preventing plastic pollution

WORK REQUIREMENTS

• Working Hours: 30 – 40 working hours per week
• Location: Office-based with flexibility for remote work
• Travel: Some travel may be required on occasion
• Permit: Based in the Netherlands with an EU working permit

WHAT WE OFFER

• Salary: 3.500 – 4.500 EUR gross for 40 hours/week, plus holiday allowance of 8%
• Leave: 25 holidays (based on 40 hours/week)
• Pension: A personal account with Bright Pension, and a 4% employer contribution

• Additional benefits:
• Transport compensation (public transport)
• Flexible work hours/working remotely possible
• Room for your ideas/creativity
• Free lunch, social drinks, and team events
• Centrally located office in Amsterdam, at the vibrant Marineterrein

At The Great Bubble Barrier, salaries are set using a transparent compensation framework, so pay stays fair and consistent across the organisation. Each role is assigned a salary band, a range that reflects the full breadth of experience for that position, from someone just starting out to someone with around 10 years in a similar role. The salary band shared above is not a fixed offer; after a successful interview process, you will be made a formal offer based on your skills and experience. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter in English via the link before 31 July, 23:59 CET. Have a question? Send us an email at hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com.