Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than 750 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

IREX is seeking an inspiring, mission-driven, dynamic, and forward-leaning CFO for this critical executive leadership role. The CFO serves on the executive management team of IREX and reports directly to the President and CEO. Working in partnership with the CEO, Board of Governors and executive leadership, the CFO will develop and execute global financial strategies, budgetary planning, and compliance management to enhance and sustain the financial health of IREX.

The CFO oversees all fiscal fiduciary responsibilities for IREX and works closely with the Board’s Finance Committee to mitigate financial and operational risks. With a direct team of two, twenty-two indirect reports, and business operations in over 30 complex global environments, the CFO oversees the heads of the Finance and Finance Technology Group, including Accounting, Auditing, and Assurance; Budget & Analysis; Global Financial Management; Grants, Contracts and Compliance; and Financial Technology.

The CFO has oversight responsibility for IREX’s controllership, allocation of financial resources, generation of financial data and reporting for organizational decision making, compliance, and engagement of financial stakeholders. This is a highly collaborative position and will require flexibility and strong communication skills in a multicultural environment.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including experience managing geographically dispersed finance teams in a matrixed organization.
• At least five years’ experience as CFO or ten years’ experience in a Deputy CFO role in an international development nonprofit organization with a budget of at least $90 million.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior financial management role at an organization that works internationally and has revenue that comes from a wide variety of entities, e.g., government agencies, private foundations, and corporations that provide donations and contracts.
• Demonstrated and deep knowledge and understanding of the Single Audit (previously Office of Management and Budget Circular A133 audit) and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and other relevant accounting standards.
• Depth of knowledge and experience in compliance of USG cooperative agreements and contracts.
• Experience overseeing audits and navigating complex audit requirements.
• Experienced in forecasting, negotiating, implementing and managing the US Government indirect cost rate (NICRA) to ensure full cost recovery and effective cost allocation throughout the organization.
• Knowledge of the challenges local offices face in developing countries and experience navigating international banking, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Able to lead a diverse set of functions that include global finance (in the DC office and country offices), accounting, payroll, compliance, and co-lead FinTech with Global Operations and Management.
• Demonstrated experience managing and working with information technology staff to manage organizational software packages and application.
• Superior experience producing financial plans, economic modelling, and financial performance reports for optimal management.
• Experience offering expert financial guidance and support to the organization’s executive and senior leadership, providing excellent and timely service to our network of country offices and programs around the world.
• Experience streamlining and automating financial processes, including refining processes, developing user-friendly tools and training programs, and deploying suitable technology.
• Possess strong strategic thinking with demonstrated experience contributing to organizational strategic mindset.
• Experience procuring and implementing automated workflow systems and ERP applications (on premise, cloud-based or industry specific).
• Demonstrated experience managing and working with information technology teams to manage organizational software packages and applications, including experience with cloud-based financial systems and data analytics tools.
• Knowledge of industry trends in financial performance management, operating benchmarks, and costing.
• Able to travel internationally as needed to visit country offices and to attend key meetings and conferences.
• You must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Your Daily Tasks

• Provide financial leadership, including business compliance, developing and managing the organization’s annual budget, developing financial models for new revenue streams, and performing cost-benefit analyses for the marketing and sale of services and IREX’s intellectual property.
• Lead annual forecasting for presentation to the board of directors.
• Provide regular financial reports for senior management that support and strengthen leadership-level decision making.
• Oversee the organization’s annual audit process and tax filings.
• Represent the organization externally with partners, funders, and financial and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee tracking, control, and assurance of pipeline, backlog, investments, and unrestricted funds.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws as well as donor rules and regulations, and financial requirements in countries where IREX operates.
• Develop, update, maintain and implement standardized finance, audit and compliance policies and procedures. Provide guidance on complex issues to the accounting, budget directors, and country office finance staff to ensure solid financial management of overseas operations.
• Serve as staff liaison to the board’s finance committee, providing regular updates on the organization’s financial performance and key initiatives.
• Collaborate with the executive and senior management teams to identify and mitigate financial risks, at both an organizational and programmatic level
• Other duties as assigned.

IREX will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is eligible for Telework. The eligible employee is a regular, full-time DC-based staff who works from a worksite outside the DC office for one or more days a week.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.