Head of Finance
International Federation of Accountants
- New York City, NY
- Permanent
- Full-time
During 2024, IFAC shifted its strategic focus to maximizing member value and experience. The Member Value Proposition (MVP) was created and is currently being embedded into all of IFAC’s activities:
- IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.
- IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.
- IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.
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 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 US GAAP 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.
- 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.
- 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.