Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What was your background before joining Planète Enfants & Développement?
On paper, the equation of my life looked like this:
(DCG + DSCG + Master’s in CCA) × 8 years at an audit firm + 2 years in the luxury hospitality industry = a successful career at a CAC 40 company.
Except that the final result was missing the essential element: meaning.
After seriously questioning my purpose on this planet, I decided to make a major career shift toward international solidarity. I started with a role at ACTED in compliance and auditing, then served as Director of Administration and Finance at HAMAP before settling into my current role as a socially conscious finance professional at Planète Enfants & Développement.
What made you want to join Planète Enfants & Développement?
To be completely honest, I didn't know about the organization before I applied!
Beyond the organization’s mission—which is essential—it was above all the personal interactions during the hiring process that made the difference. The teams’ energy, values, and vision immediately made me want to join them.
As Chief Financial Officer, what do your day-to-day responsibilities involve?
My role revolves around two main areas: supporting and guiding the finance team on a day-to-day basis, while keeping an eye on the long term to ensure the association’s financial sustainability. Administrative and financial work is often behind the scenes but essential.
How would you explain its importance in an organization like ours?
I like to say that it’s «the engine under the hood.» Today, the international aid sector relies on donors who are increasingly demanding when it comes to transparency and traceability. To meet these expectations, an NGO must be as rigorous and well-structured as a large corporation. With the overall decline in public funding, precise budget management has become essential. It is this management that enables leadership to make the right decisions at the right time.
What motivates you the most in your work? Is there an achievement you're particularly proud of?
As any self-respecting finance professional, I have a bit of an Excel geek in me! I love working with large files, automating repetitive tasks, and making complex processes easier to understand.
My greatest satisfaction comes when I manage to turn a long and tedious process into a tool that saves teams time. If I can make their day-to-day work easier, then I feel like I’ve really made a difference.
If you had to sum up your work in three words, which ones would you choose?
Organization, because it's better to be methodical when you're juggling so many numbers.
Resourcefulness, because in the NGO sector, every project is different, and we often have to come up with tailored solutions.
Rigor, after all, because when it comes to automating processes and saving time, it all starts with reliable data.
Outside of work, what helps you recharge?
American football! Whether as a player or a coach, it’s my best outlet for relieving the pressure of numbers and responsibilities. I also really love music, concerts, festivals, and traveling. After a few hours at a live show, I always feel like I’ve been on a three-day vacation.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to work in administration and finance at an NGO?
I’d tell them to go for it! From the outside, managing an NGO’s finances may seem complex, but with logic, organization, and a good command of computer tools—especially Excel—you’ll pick it up very quickly. If you’re curious, resourceful, and eager to put your skills to work on a meaningful project, you’ll find this to be a fascinating career.
