The Role
The Head of Finance leads financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, audits, grants management, risk controls, and daily finance operations. The role manages the Finance team, oversees accounting for IFAC and related organizations, supports strategic resource allocation and funding initiatives, improves financial systems and processes, and partners with senior leadership, departments, auditors, boards, and external stakeholders across global operations.
Summary Generated by Built In
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF ACCOUNTANTS (IFAC)
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 has traditionally delivered member services from a centralized operating model based in New York. As part of the transformation to a new target operating model, IFAC will move to a global multi-location model, which will greatly enhance our ability to deliver value to member organizations around the world. As part of this shift, we welcome applicants from around the globe to apply and contribute to our mission.
IFAC also continues to provide operational and administrative support to the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA) through a service-level agreement. IFEA is a separate, independent non-profit organization that houses two international standard-setting boards focused on audit and ethics.
POSITION SUMMARY
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
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.
IFAC is an equal employment employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
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.
IFAC has traditionally delivered member services from a centralized operating model based in New York. As part of the transformation to a new target operating model, IFAC will move to a global multi-location model, which will greatly enhance our ability to deliver value to member organizations around the world. As part of this shift, we welcome applicants from around the globe to apply and contribute to our mission.
IFAC also continues to provide operational and administrative support to the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA) through a service-level agreement. IFEA is a separate, independent non-profit organization that houses two international standard-setting boards focused on audit and ethics.
POSITION SUMMARY
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.
IFAC is an equal employment employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Analytics, or a related field
- CPA certification
- 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience
- At least 3 years of executive-level experience
- 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, including engagement with financial committees
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with senior executives, boards, committees, external officials, and diverse cultural groups
- Excellent negotiation, diplomacy, and issue-resolution skills
- Commitment to quality processes and high-quality deliverables
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment
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The Company
What We Do
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is the global organization for the accountancy profession, dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. It works with member organizations in over 120 countries to encourage high-quality practices and drive the development, adoption, and implementation of transparent international standards for audit, assurance, ethics, and public sector accounting.
