Manager Finance & Control

Are you an enthusiastic financial professional and people manager who wants to make an impact together with your team in an organization that contributes to global challenges in the field of food, climate and biodiversity? Do you see financially complex issues as a challenge, and can you inspire and motivate employees? Then this position might be something for you.

Your job

We are looking for a Manager Finance & Control (F&C) for the Animal Sciences Group (ASG). In this role, you will work from a strategic perspective, share responsibility for the organization's financial policy, and ensure the quality of financial information for both individual parts of ASG and ASG as a whole.

You will contribute to the implementation and further development of ASG's entire planning and control cycle. ASG has three research institutes (Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen Livestock Research and Wageningen Marine Research) and the Department of Animal Sciences with 12 chair groups. Together, these divisions represent a total turnover of approximately €180 million and more than 1,100 employees.

The Finance & Control department consists of about 30 professionals, organized into teams of business and project controllers for each ASG component, supported by a project management coordinator.

As F&C Manager, you are responsible for the budget process, the year-end closing, the monthly reporting and the associated analyses. You will oversee annual (project) audits and ensure that they are completed on time. You keep a close eye on financial performance, identify risks and proactively make recommendations.

At a strategic level, you advise both the ASG management and the management of the ASG units. At WUR level, you participate in the Finance Policy Consultation (BOF) and actively contribute to WUR's overall financial policy

• You will act as a central coordinator, providing direction, frameworks and clarity, and fostering strong collaboration within the ASG F&C team
• You will ensure effective communication, trust and information sharing between F&C and the wider organisation.
• You are a strong strategic sparring partner for ASG management, Corporate F&C and the leadership of the ASG divisions. You keep them informed both proactively and on request about policy and the financial-economic implications of decisions, business cases and proposed strategies.
• You actively contribute ideas on how processes and approaches can be improved.
• You can effortlessly navigate complex environments and ensure that processes run smoothly. Where necessary, you tackle complex issues together with your team.
• You will be part of the team of staff heads and actively contribute to the development and implementation of new policies and business activities within ASG and WUR.
• You will participate in the Finance Policy Consultation and contribute to WUR-wide financial developments (e.g. dashboard-based reports, implementation of a budget tool, new project management system).

As F&C Manager, you report to ASG's Director of Operations and have functional reporting lines to the F&C Director of WUR. Your main workplace is Wageningen, and you are willing to travel regularly to locations such as Lelystad and IJmuiden.

• a master’s-level degree (MSc) in Business Economics, Accountancy, or a comparable financial discipline, preferably complemented by an RA or RC qualification;
• extensive relevant experience in a complex, project-based organisation;
• affinity with both private and public funding in an international context;
• proven experience in leading professionals, with an inspiring, connecting, and coaching leadership style;
• strong analytical skills and a solution-oriented mindset;
• an independent and critical mindset, with the confidence to express your views;
• the ability to see the bigger picture while maintaining attention to detail;
• a collaborative team player who actively seeks cooperation to achieve results;
• excellent communication skills in both Dutch, written and spoken.

In our international working environment, communication in English is becoming increasingly important. For this position, a C1 level of English proficiency is required.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these benefits, you will receive a competitive gross salary between € 5,972 and € 8,743 per month for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 14). A 32-hour contract can also be discussed.

We are offering you a temporary contract for a period of one year, with the intention of converting it into a permanent contract. Of course, we would be happy to discuss this further should you have any questions.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. 

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Communitypage contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

For more information about the position, please contact Menno van Manen, director of operations, via email: menno.vanmanen@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jeanine van ‘t Veer, Corporate Recruiter, via jeanine.vantveer-drost@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply up to and including June 1st, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 10 May 2026. First interviews are planned on the 10th of June. 

We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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