Due to the departure of one of our controllers, we are looking for an interim (Grant) Controller to strengthen the temporary flow of funds and the financial management of projects and programs within the 1st, 2nd and 3rd flow of funds. The position focuses on ensuring proper financial setup, monitoring and accountability of activities within education and research.

The Interim (Grant) Controller is responsible for the financial monitoring, execution and realization of internal and external projects. The role requires intensive collaboration with the Project Controller, Business Controllers and project leaders. The professional serves as a financial advisor to directors, heads and management and contributes to the development of structure, policy and process improvement within project administration and grant management.

The assignment will be performed within the Control & Advisory Department (10 employees), which includes both Control and Information Services. The department acts as an independent sparring partner for directors, management and the Executive Board. Hierarchical direction is provided by the head of the department, who is also Group Controller.

Tasks and responsibilities

Core activities

• Financially monitor, monitor and report on projects and temporary activities within 1st, 2nd and 3rd money streams.
• Advise project managers, directors, heads and fellow controllers on setup, progress and risks.
• Contribute to policy proposals and decision making based on financial analysis.
• Participate in consultations with management and project teams; act as a sparring partner.
• Preparation of combined interim financial and substantive reports in collaboration with the Project Controller.
• Ensure structure, transparency and compliance with financial guidelines and procedures.
• Identify deviations, risks and competing interests within project execution.
• Promote financially sound and efficient operations within teaching and research activities.

Consulting & Stakeholder Management

• Sparring partner for project managers, directors, the grants desk, business controllers and management.
• Advising on design, control and optimization of temporary cash flows and projects.
• Support decision making in consultations with heads, directors and project teams.
• Identify financial risks and make process and policy proposals.
• Bridge between finance and the executive organization within a political-administrative context.

Process Optimization & Reporting

• Improve project administration, control processes and internal/external reporting.
• Monitor the project portfolio and projects in the pipeline in collaboration with the grants desk.
• Realize structures and practices that contribute to a robust project control foundation within ArtEZ.

• Is analytically strong, assertive, independent, accurate and results-oriented.
• Possesses a college or university degree, preferably in business administration, finance or a similar field.
• Has proven experience as a controller or financial advisor in the public domain.
• Has specific knowledge of grant streams (1st, 2nd, 3rd funding streams).
• Works project-based and has extensive experience in planning & control.
• Is politico-administrative sensitive and can deal with diverse interests.
• Experience with public and private grant programs (NWO, SIA, EU).
• Experience in auditing, project administration, timekeeping and risk management.
• Possesses persuasiveness and well-developed consulting skills.
• Has a positive critical attitude and actively contributes to financial quality and stability.

• Relevance and depth of grant and project control experience within higher education or non-profit.
• Experience in process optimization, reporting improvement and setup of financial structures.
• Experience in creative or academic environments (preferred).
• Degree of independence, advisory skills and persuasiveness.
• Fit within the culture of ArtEZ: connecting, proactive, accurate and managerially sensitive.
• Availability and extent of immediate deployment.