Join SGAC as Finance Comptroller and Finance Event & Scholarship Associate

SGAC is looking for two professionally qualified and motivated young volunteers to join our Finance Team in two exciting positions: 

1) Finance Comptroller (new),
2) Finance Event & Scholarship Associate (join team of 2).

Under the direction and supervision of the SGAC Treasurer, these positions will be in charge of facilitating the financial soundness of SGAC, enabling the success of our events all over the world, undertaking finance and accounting related activities, and facilitating the issuance of impactful scholarships to bright young minds in need of support. 

Deadline for applications: May 31st, 23:59 Central European Summer Time (CEST).

Responsibilities:

The Finance Comptroller and Events & Scholarships Associate will work in cooperation with and under the supervision of the SGAC Treasurer to ensure SGAC’s finances are managed in compliance with legal obligations and the internal policies of the organisation. Day to day operations include monitoring the financial viability of SGAC events all over the world, training SGAC volunteers on financial and budgetary aspects, as well as budgeting and accounting processes for the broader organisation.

All members of the SGAC Finance Team will be responsible for the following main tasks:

• Working closely with the SGAC Regional & Local Events Team, as well as SGAC Event Managers, to ensure the smooth organisation and conduct of SGAC events all over the world
• Reviewing scholarship reimbursement requests and liaising with scholarship winners as needed
• Creating standardised budgets, invoicing forms, and other financial templates
• Operating finance tools and keeping financial records under control
• Organising and hosting training sessions for SGAC members on financial and budgetary aspects of their activities, including through the creation of relevant video tutorials
• Participating in regular meetings with the SGAC Treasurer to monitor progress and executing relevant action items resulting from such meetings.

Events & Scholarships Associate will:

• Support local and regional event teams with handling their budgets, and
• Enable SGAC members to attend events through scholarships by facilitating quick turnaround times when it comes to reimbursements of their claims.

The Deputy Treasurer will: 

• Assist the Treasurer in coordinating SGAC’s budgeting activities and setting financial targets aligned with organizational strategy
• Monitor global financial performance, maintaining clean and categorized financial records to support FP&A and decision-making across SGAC operations
• Identify financial trends and operational inefficiencies to recommend cost savings or revenue growth opportunities
• Support the preparation and submission of tax documents and compliance filings

All members of the SGAC Finance Team work under the direction and supervision of the Treasurer and under the oversight of the SGAC Chairs. The work of the Treasurer is undertaken in close collaboration with the SGAC Executive Director. 

Estimated time commitment: 5 – 10 hours a month

Necessary Qualifications (Finance Team)

The Treasurer has to be an SGAC member and below 34 years of age at the start of the position.
Further requirements include the following:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced international  environment and meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of work
• Proven experience with team working, especially in a multidisciplinary and multicultural fashion
• Strong working knowledge of key remote working tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft applications
• Professional fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English. Knowledge of German is a plus
• Proven experience with and/or education in creating budgets and standardised templates
• Familiarity with the space and non-profit sectors and experience in event management are a plus

Preferred Qualifications (Comptroller)

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) and expertise in spreadsheet functions
• Preference will be given to skilful candidates with demonstrated experience in managing the financial activities of a non-profit organisation

Benefits

Volunteers in this position will get exposed to SGAC sponsors and partners across the entire space sector, from industry to space agencies and academia, significantly enhancing their management skills and international network. Members of the SGAC Finance Team will also work closely with key young space leaders within SGAC’s Executive Committee, as well as SGAC Event Managers and scholarship winners from all over the world, boosting their involvement in key decision making within SGAC.

Please note that all advertised roles are volunteer, unpaid positions with an estimated commitment of 5-10 hours per month. Active members of SGAC teams are considered for nomination for SGAC Scholarships and Awards, including fee waivers or discounts for SGAC event fees.

General benefits of the two positions include:

• Closely working with space sector leaders and SGAC event managers from around the world
• Building leadership skills and other skills that are directly translatable to your career
• Having a significant impact on SGAC’s image on the international stage
• Contributing to the growth and sustainability of the organisation.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete our Vacancy Application by 31 March 2024 with the following documents as attachments:

•  A Letter of Intent (maximum 1 page)
• Your CV (maximum 2 pages)
• List of three past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role (maximum 1 page)

Only complete applications will be considered.

Timeline for applications

Selection Process:

A search committee comprised of the following members will be involved in the selection and interviewing of candidates:

The SGAC Co-Chairs, The SGAC Executive Director , The SGAC Treasurer

Contact

In case you have any questions pertaining to the position or application process, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] & [email protected]