United States of America: Chief Financial Officer

Project Description:

The CFO position is based in Arlington, VA and will report to the Chief Executive Officer/President and report into the Board Audit and Financial Committee. The incumbent will provide strategic financial leadership and will be a part of the IFES Executive Management team.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a hands-on financial leader with responsibility for broad oversight and protection of the assets of the organization and its related domestic and foreign funding. He/she will serves as a strategic business partner to the Executive Leadership and Senior Management teams to collaboratively develop and implement systems and organizational structure to support the overall business strategic plan.
The CFO will assist the CEO in assessing and identifying operational strategies, performance metrics and financial challenges and opportunities to meet the challenging demands of a diverse donor base and multiple currency management. This forward-leaning individual will also assure the financial viability of the organization through proactive analysis and sound administration of policies and procedures. As a part of the Executive team the CFO will work towards improving operational efficiency, meet the challenging demands of the changing landscape of multiple currency funding and geographies in which IFES operates. He/ She will ensure excellence in a decentralized, world-wide operation to control all fiscal activities in numerous countries in an effective and efficient manner, while creating platforms that create opportunities to scale the organization. We are seeking a strong financial professional to provide overall financial leadership to a 600 person and $70 million per year global organization. Job Responsibilities:

• Provides key leadership and direction as a member of the Executive team for all strategic and day-to-day issues related to finance including investments, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, analysis, payroll, audit, multiple currency management of funds and tax (domestic and international).
• Directs preparation of fiscal records, defines Key Performance Indicators and interprets results; works closely with senior management and the Board Executive Committee.
• Directs oversight of audit & tax matters.
• Directs annual budget process. Oversees short-and long-term financial health of organization.
• Provides financial guidance to management on budgetary controls, costs, pricing, cost estimating or other special assignments.
• Builds infrastructure and systems, aligned with organizational goals, to support the timely and accurate reporting of financial results.
• Serves as advisor to the Executive Leadership team in evaluating the financial condition of the organization and developing proactive recommendations for growth as well as providing solutions to business issues.
• As a part of the Senior Leadership Team provides strategic fiscal planning to offer a basis for future decision-making in the organization, including future expansion.
• Develops and oversees an environment of strong internal controls across the organization.
• Ensures compliance with USG and Non-USG funder regulatory requirements.
• Maintains strong relationships across the organization and with the board to establish a reputation as a highly knowledgeable and responsive business partner.
• Leads a motivated, committed department encouraging optimum individual and team performance.
• Design, propose and implement a set of financial metrics that link to the strategic plan to allow for effective monitoring of financial achievements against long-term and annual operating targets.
• Lead the continued improvement of the current financial planning, systems, and management tools and the capital and operating planning, budgeting and reporting processes both domestically and internationally.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the organization’s performance financial and risk objectives.
• Develop an organization-wide technology improvement plan to enhance availability of current financial information and communication effectiveness.
• Ensure global financial controls on all awarded currencies and exchange rates are up-to-date and meet changing audit and/or funder requirements.
• Maintain a proactive and clearly communicated and globally understood compliance program. Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Strong academic credentials, including an advanced degree in finance or a related field, are preferred.
• CPA designation with public accounting audit experience or MBA preferred

Required Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of investment accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, investments, audit, tax, strategic planning, internal controls, risk management, data analytics, accounting system selection and multiple currencies and conversion.
• Knowledge of USG and Non-USG reporting requirements and compliance and auditing activities.

Experience Required:

• Long range planning and budgeting with a diversified donor base and multiple currency environment.
• Broad tax and audit knowledge.
• Experience selecting and implementing accounting systems.
• Prior experience as CFO or VP, Finance or deep financial leadership experience, including at least 15 plus years of financial management in a complex, global enterprise.
• Experience in managing or overseeing an international organization. Possesses the vision and skill to link business goals with enabling business strategies.
• Prior experience with strategic planning responsibilities, contract negotiations and capital management in international development environments.
• Knowledge of and experience with domestic and international currency, regulatory issues and non-profit operations would be a plus.
• Ability to quickly become conversant in the organization’s work and to communicate with all relevant stakeholders.

Skills/Abilities:

In addition to the responsibilities and required knowledge and experience outlined above, there are a number of traits the successful candidate will possess:

• Executive presence to lead discussions at all levels and across functional disciplines with an ability to explain complex information coherently.
• Adept at multi-tasking; one who thrives in an environment of rapid change.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude and ability to make things happen.
• Ability to train, develop and mentor staff.
• Team player and consensus builder who collaborates with others to achieve common goals.
• Dedicated to the mission of the organization.
• Business acumen, has detail to analyze and assess specific tactical business issues and also comfortable operating at a strategic level.
• Strategic Orientation, ability to see beyond the numbers and serve as a true voice at the table amongst the Senior Leadership Team regarding all strategic matters facing the organization.
• Results-oriented, with a track record of accomplishing objectives in a complex environment. Solid business judgment, high integrity and a passion for protecting capital and increasing value.
• Financial and accounting acumen, including broad finance knowledge and experience providing value-added analytical insight and perspective. Experience with accounting/controls and financial analysis. Ability to analyze and report on complex financial activities of the organization.

How to Apply:

You must go to http://www.ifes.org to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (e.g. resume, cover letter, application, etc). Resumes will only be reviewed and accepted for consideration if submitted through our Careers page.