Head of Finance

International Federation of Accountants

$175K — $225K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Analytics, or related field; CPA required
  • 10+ years in finance leadership, with 3+ years in an executive role
  • Strong expertise in nonprofit and international financial management
  • Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes
  • Experience with grants administration and global compliance
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills for engaging with diverse groups
  • Strong negotiation and diplomacy skills; consensus-building ability
  • Adaptable in a dynamic work environment

Responsibilities

  • Oversee financial report preparation and analysis for senior leadership
  • Lead annual budgeting and multi-year financial planning
  • Develop financial models, KPIs, and performance dashboards
  • Manage financial closings, ensuring compliance and accuracy
  • Ensure adherence to IPSAS and other financial standards
  • Oversee grants management and compliance for restricted funds
  • Support risk management efforts with strong internal controls
  • Manage annual audit process and coordinate with external auditors
  • Lead financial management for the Forum of Firms
  • Identify and implement financial system improvements
  • Mentor the finance team to enhance capabilities
  • Collaborate with departments for financial planning and resource allocation
  • Assist in diversified funding initiatives and revenue management
  • Prepare financial presentations for leadership and stakeholders
  • Support contract management through financial analysis
  • Engage in strategic initiatives as directed by the CFAO

Benefits

  • Group healthcare plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan and deferred compensation plan eligibility
  • Hybrid work model with in-office requirements
  • Support for employee development and mentorship programs
  • Engagement with global and culturally diverse teams
Full Job Description
POSITIONSUMMARY
The Head of Finance is a key member of IFAC's finance leadership team, responsible for overseeing financial planning and analysis, budgeting, compliance, reporting, and day-to-day financial operations. This hands-on role partners closely with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) to maintain strong financial stewardship, support strategic decision-making, and maintain IFAC's financial health and sustainability. The Head of Finance leads a team to deliver timely and accurate financial insights, supports enterprise risk management, and helps drive operational efficiency across IFAC's global operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include those that are set out below. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
  • Oversee the preparation and delivery of financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to inform decision-making by the CFAO and senior leadership team.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process and multi-year financial planning, ensuring alignment with IFAC's strategic goals.
  • Develop and maintain financial models, key performance indicators (KPIs), and dashboards to track organizational performance.
  • Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.
  • Ensure compliance with IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) for nonprofits, tax regulations, donor requirements, and other relevant financial standards.
  • Oversee grants management and restricted funds, ensuring proper accounting and compliance.
  • Support enterprise risk management efforts, maintaining strong internal controls and financial policies.
  • Coordinate and manage the annual audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
  • Oversee accounting for IFEA and assist with annual financial statement audit.
  • Lead the accounting and financial management of the Forum of Firms, including oversight of reporting, compliance, and alignment with IFAC's financial governance standards.
  • Identify and implement improvements in financial systems, processes, and digital tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
  • Manage, mentor, and coach the Finance team to enhance leadership capabilities and drive organizational impact.
  • Partner with departments across IFAC to support operational planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
  • Partner with various departments to support diversified funding initiatives, providing financial insights and ensuring proper accounting treatment for new and existing revenue streams.
  • Prepare financial presentations for the CFAO, Senior Leadership, and external stakeholders as required.
  • Support contract and vendor management with financial analysis and risk assessment.
  • Participate in strategic initiatives and projects as assigned by the CFAO.
  • Provide Finance support in alignment with established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely, high-quality service delivery to partner organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's or an equivalent degree in Accounting, Finance, Analytics, or a related field; CPA strongly required
  • 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, with at least 3 years at the executive level
  • Deep knowledge of nonprofit, international NGO, or association financial management
  • Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes
  • Familiarity with grants administration and global financial compliance
  • Strong board and governance experience; able to engage with financial committees
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior executives, boards, committees, external officials, and diverse cultural groups.
  • Excellent negotiation, diplomacy, and issue-resolution skills, with the ability to achieve consensus among varied viewpoints.
  • Commitment to quality processes and high-quality deliverables.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Additionally, if an applicant is US-based, provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees will also be able to enroll in our company's 401 (k) plan, as well as a deferred compensation plan, provided they meet plan requirements.

The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At IFAC, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range for candidates in the NY-Metropolitan region is $175,000 to $225,000.

If NY-Metropolitan based this is a hyrbid position with in-office work 1-2 days per week.

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