INNOVATIONS FOR POVERTY ACTION CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CFAO)

Transcription

1 INNOVATIONS FOR POVERTY ACTION CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CFAO) The Organization: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy non-profit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence on which programs succeed is rare and, when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 400 leading academics to conduct over 600 evaluations in 51 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide. IPA has annual revenue of over $40 million and receives a majority of its funding from grants and contracts. The organization employs approximately 600 individuals in the United States and overseas, with a majority of its staff working across 18 countries globally. The Role: Location: Reports to: Team: New York, NY or New Haven, CT Executive Director (ED) Direct line to the Board of Directors This role will lead the Finance, Grants Management and Human Resources teams; as well as overseeing the Management Information and Systems Technology ( MIST ) team,

2 Overview: The Chief Finance and Administrative Officer (CFAO) is a newly created role and will be responsible for the development and implementation of IPA s financial, infrastructural and administrative management strategy. Specifically, this leader will: Lead a comprehensive resource allocation and planning process, based on the organization s priorities, in conjunction with the Board Finance Committee; Improve and ensure organizational efficiency, effectiveness and financial sustainability through strong internal systems, processes, policies, and internal controls, efficient human and financial resource mobilization and accountability mechanisms across multiple locations; Supervise and actively participate in the implementation of all the financial, intrastructural and administrative functions, including: Finance, Grants Management, Human Resources, Management Information and Systems Technology; Oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the Board Finance Committee; Oversee all compliance and recognition of government and private contracts and grants, and be responsible for driving a global effort to increase the structure, discipline, systemization and sophistication of IPA s financial operations, in a continually evolving environment; As a member of the senior management team (SMT), advise programmatic leads, evaluating and assisting them with their financial plans and modeling. Key Responsibilities: Financial Strategy & Leadership: Partner with, and support, the ED and SMT in establishing annual objectives and assessing organizational performance against the annual budget and IPA s long-term strategy. Participate in the development of the organization s plans and policies as a strategic partner. Develop tools & systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the Board, ED and SMT, and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations. Play a critical role in strengthening IPA s business model and produce financial projections to assess its sustainability. Facilitate the Board Finance Committee s engagement on issues, trends, and changes in the operating model(s) and operational delivery. Assist in selecting and engaging outside consultants when necessary. Foster financial leadership, efficiency and discipline throughout the organization through the development and administration of financial policies, procedures, and plans. Work with the SMT to design accountability mechanisms and advise on organizational structure at the global and country level to ensure operational efficiency and compliance integrity.

3 Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of financial and administrative service delivery; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships. Provide guidance and leadership through management of IPA s metrics and measurement reporting process.

4 Financial Operations & Grants Management: Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP, regulatory requirements, and OMB audit requirements. Develop and maintain internal controls and coordinate all external audit activities. Develop and implement a plan to improve IPA s accounting practices to ensure timely and accurate revenue recognition, grants and project level budget vs. actuals and invoicing. Oversee the treasury function; develop and update cash flow forecasts; develop strategies that ensure the stability of IPA s cash position. Oversee IPA s financial progress against budget; prepare reports and interpret financial results for management decision-making. Develop predictive models and activity-based financial analyses to provide insight into IPA s operations and plans. Represent IPA to various financial institutions, investors, foundation executives, auditors, etc. Negotiate agreements with key funders. Develop policies and procedures to ensure effective and compliant management of grants and costs allocation, and oversight of sub-awards. Human Resources & Operational Management: Responsible for the oversight and integration of the operational activities between finance, grants management, HR, and MIST teams; assist team leaders in the building and managing of effective teams. Oversee all HR-related activities for all IPA offices including policy development, training, succession planning, compensation and benefits administration, employee relations, new employee orientation, employee development, regulatory oversight and legal compliance. Develop strategies and processes to recruit, retain and motivate exceptional talent across the U.S. and global offices. Manage performance and identify professional training and development opportunities for staff, at all levels. Partner with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to ensure all systems meet IPA s needs for financial compliance and accurate reporting of internal information to support decision-making and resource re-allocation, in a dynamic global environment. Continuously update global standards, systems and training for the organization s international safety and security, and ensure proper implementation by Regional and Country Leadership. Oversee the design and implementation of IPA s global procurement policies and procedures in line with compliance requirements; oversee the country adaptation, training and roll out. Manage IPA s office space in the US and oversee office space management across IPA Country Offices. Partner with the General Counsel to manage enterprise risk and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

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6 Candidate Profile: Professional Experience: Experience successfully managing finance (accounting, budgeting, control, reporting and grants) and other operational functions in a complex global non-profit, research or academic institution with a budget exceeding $30 million. 10+ years of successful financial and operational leadership experience Significant knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including sophisticated grant accounting, compliance, and reporting; experience managing sponsored research strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to drive change and innovation on a global basis. Evidence of partnering with senior management to improve operational decision-making through effective decision-support metrics, resulting in the development and implementation of effective financial management strategies. Strong analytical skills and experience with proven ability to translate a strategic vision into an operational model. Ability to manage multiple funding sources including government, multi-lateral, and large foundation contracts delivered across diverse program areas internationally; understanding of procurement regulations and experience managing the finances of USAID-funded contracts and grants, preferred. Track record of success partnering with technology leadership to manage critical financial management and reporting systems. Significant experience leading or influencing the human resources function at a global organization strongly preferred. Knowledge and experience of Sage (Abila) software strongly preferred. Personal Attributes: A change agent with the ability to create and implement an actionable plan, translating strategy into action, while engaging fellow team members behind a shared vision. Effective communicator at all levels of an organization; strong oral and written skills and a willingness to share information. Excellent leadership skills, confident in working collaboratively with diverse groups of people in a multi-country environment. Collaborative and flexible management style, persuasive and diplomatic in effecting change in a continuously evolving environment. Outstanding business acumen, balancing financial strategy with day-to-day fiscal excellence. Demonstrated passion for IPA s mission, cultural sensitivity and comfort interfacing with leaders in all parts of the world. Personal qualities of integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and striving for continuous improvement. Willingness to travel to countries where IPA has programs. Education:

7 Minimum Bachelor s degree required. CPA designation, preferred. Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. How to Apply If you, or anyone you know, are interested in this opportunity please your resume and cover letter to: Janet Albert, Partner Bridge Partners janet.albert@bridgepartnersllc.com or Tory Clarke, Partner Bridge Partners tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com