Head of Finance

Under the responsibility of the Tournament Director and in collaboration with the FIFA Finance division, the Head of Finance will contribute to the development of the financial strategy, will oversee the financial operations of the new entity and will manage the dedicated finance team.

The finance department of the entities will include the following functions: Accounting, Controlling, Treasury, Tax, Insurance and Procurement

Key Responsibilities

Initial Phase

• Build and lead a Finance Team including Accounting, Controlling, and Procurement.
• Establish financial functions, open bank accounts, and implement FIFA Financial tools.
• Review and implement FIFA policies and procedures to ensure compliance and transparency.
• Perform basic accounting and payroll tasks; develop initial budget forecasts.
• Prepare financial reports as required by FIFA and entity management.
• Support legal entity set-up and cooperation with third parties and authorities.

• Lead all finance functions (Accounting, Controlling, Procurement) for FIFA Subsidiary in Brazil.
• Oversee tax, insurance, and financial compliance with IFRS and FIFA principles.
• Act as a business partner to guide decision-making and manage financial risks.
• Coordinate with FIFA on budgeting, consolidation, and reporting requirements.
• Establish relations with senior management, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Analyze cash flow, expenditures, and revenues; produce error-free accounting reports.
• Oversee tax audits, tax returns, GST returns, and improve accounting processes.
• Support FIFA in overall tournament financial planning.
• Implement procurement processes; assist with insurance coverage implementation.
• Manage, supervise, and motivate the Finance team; contribute to daily financial tasks as needed.

• Higher business education, specialized in Finance or Accounting (university degree or equal education)
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in audit or finance at senior level including 5 years of proven experience in a managing financial function preferably in an event organisation (organising major sport events or other similar projects)
• In-depth understanding of local GAAP
• Experience in Insurance and Procurement matters
• Previous experience within a finance position in Brazil is preferred.
• Good computer knowledge (user), especially MS Excel and SAP
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills
• High ability of lateral thinking
• Ability to take initiative and have a persistent focus on quality
• Excellent analytical skills
• Forward looking mind-set with strong results-orientation
• Flexibility and open-mindedness
• Ability to work under pressure and endurance
• Very high sense of responsibility
• Strong and transparent communication skills
• Ability to engage with staff at all levels of the organisation and exercise sound judgement.
• Reliability with a strong sense for cooperation/teamwork
• Right to work in Brazil.
• Fluent in English (oral and written)
• Fluent in Portuguese (oral and written)
• Ability to re-locate to Rio de Janeiro.