Chief Financial Officer-DC

We are looking for a CFO who wants to give back and use his or her financial skills to contribute to making the world a better place.  Our ideal candidate is someone who has excellent leadership talents in financial management and accounting and who wants more out of life than working for a large accounting firm or a major corporation.  We seek an accomplished professional who shares our vision and commitment to preventing conflict and building peace – someone who wants a job in which he or she can enjoy meaningful engagement on the human level, while working collaboratively to find solutions to complex issues. We are a $35 million NGO with over 40 institutional funders in 30 countries.  Most of our funders have different requirements for reporting and spending. We are looking for a person who rejects one-size-fits-all approaches, who understands, but is not limited by, complexity, and who has experience working in different cultures.  This person should value the simplifying of systems and be willing to spend considerable time empowering our staff around the world. He or she should be a strong team player, with good interpersonal skills, a flexible working style, and an ability to think outside the box to find innovative solutions.  In sum, we are searching for someone who can provide sound and appropriate financial management to an organization where social entrepreneurship is a very important quality. The CFO will be based at our Washington DC headquarters and will travel considerably.  He or she will be a member of our Executive Team; will report directly to the President and the Board of Directors; and will be supervised on a daily basis by the Executive Vice President (EVP).   The Organization Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international, 501(c)(3), non-profit organization whose mission is to transform how the world deals with conflict – from adversarial, win-lose approaches to non-adversarial, win-win solutions. Our headquarters are in Washington, DC and Brussels.  We seek to build bridges and help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities.  We have 600 staff members worldwide, working out of 50 offices in 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.   Work Environment We believe we offer an excellent work environment. Our staff tends to be hard-working, committed, and friendly.  We encourage team-building and involvement in staff events. .

The CFO has the following responsibilities:

• Serves as primary financial liaison with the finance committee of the Board and the Treasurer of the organization.
• Is chief problem-solver for all financial matters of the global organization.
• Develops and monitors internal controls.
• Develops operating forecasts and analyses in consultation with the President and the EVP.
• In consultation with the President and EVP, as well as with Project Directors, prepares, administers, and monitors the organization-wide operating budget as part of a financial plan that effectively supports the organization’s goals and objectives and financial welfare.
• Works closely with the external auditors to develop and implement policies, systems, and procedures to govern financial functions.
• Maintains, updates, and oversees implementation of organizational financial policies and procedures.
• Manages the HQ finance team to ensure accurate financial representation of organizational activities, compliance with external reporting requirements (including the standard and special provisions required by USAID, European Union, as well as other donors), and the smooth operation of the organization’s financial systems.
• Liaises with the EVP to ensure accurate financial representation of the Belgian corporation and compliance with Belgian GAAP as well as EU and Belgian funding rules.
• Ensures that Financial Managers in the field comply with the organization’s policies and procedures for financial management and, in consultation with Project Directors, that they accurately report financial information to the Finance Department and to external funders at the appropriate times.
• Oversees payroll processing (currently provided by ADP) ensuring that proper taxes are made in accordance with local laws and practice.
• Oversees the overall annual external audit process.
• Advises Project Directors on the development of effective financial management strategies and policies.
• Is responsible for the finance information system.
• Oversees global cash management, investments, and lines of credit.
• Conducts pre-audit examination of field offices to determine compliance with internal controls, and for coordination of audits by external auditors.
• Works with the Executive Team to guide the organization as a whole in financial strategy and vision.
• Performs any other duties as agreed with the EVP & President.

  As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

• Degree in accounting/business administration, CPA and/or MBA (preferably in finance or accounting)
• 10+ years financial management experience working in an international context required.
• Strong team player, with good interpersonal skills, a flexible working style, and a creative approach
• Significant experience with the negotiation and administration of grants, contracts, and sub-awards required
• Prior supervisory experience
• Ability to streamline/install financial processes that will enhance overall operations and effectiveness of the organization
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Office applications and excellent skills in computerized financial report programming and presentation
• Strong organizational and financial management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to employment@sfcg.org with the subject line heading: Chief Financial Officer. Please be sure to include salary requirements (in currency figures) or current salary, projected start date, and to mention where you found this posting.   Position is open until filled. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for more details of our work. Please note Internal Applicants are encouraged to apply.  Please send cover letter and resume to poconnor@sfcg.org