Finance Director

The Finance Director (FD) is a new position that will plan, organize, direct, and monitor all financial aspects of the organization. Initially, the FD will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, our accountants and grant management organization to transition the finance function and handle all financial activities such as financial management and reporting, budgeting, general accounting, billing, payroll, compliance, and audits. He/she will develop and implement a longer-term strategy for the finance department including systems, team, budget, controls, reporting and compliance.

This position will oversee finance for the two Freedom Fund charitable organizations, US- and UK-based, and help to ensure the Freedom Fund is able to achieve its ambitious goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the senior finance officer and oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities and other administrative functions as they relate to finance;
• Collaborate with the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the senior team to develop short- and long-term finance strategies;
• Lead, design, and manage the annual budget process along with ongoing monitoring of the budget and fiscal position of the organization;
• Partner with the Board regarding financial and audit matters;
• Work with the Program and Fundraising teams to provide financial insight and support for fundraising and grants management efforts; and
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to provide sufficient internal controls and protect organizational assets.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Lead the collection, recording, processing, and reporting of all financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and fixed assets;
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, and oversee development of reporting to convey financial accomplishments;
• Oversee preparation of cash projections and manage cash flow to adequately fund operational needs;
• Maintain banking relationships and assess investment alternatives;
• Manage the annual financial audits for both charities and ensure compliance with all state and federal legal requirements governing non-profit organizations, including tax, legal, and regulatory requirements; and
• Manage due diligence investigations and documentation associated with major contracts along with overseeing compliance with contract and donor reporting, and other requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

The Freedom Fund seeks a strategic and highly-skilled executive leader and manager to direct and execute the fiscal responsibilities of the organization. The successful candidate will have non-profit financial know-how along with the ability to manage a variety of finance activities and projects simultaneously. The FD will be a hands-on leader and a strategic partner to the CEO and Board. He/she will be of high integrity, strive for excellence, be committed to hard work, take ownership of the program for all things large and small, and be a strong team player.

Professional Experience includes:

• Significant executive level financial management experience with proven ability to lead and build a department;
• Demonstrated understanding of non-profit organizational structure, accounting and operations, including current working knowledge of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and 501(c)(3) provisions;
• Knowledge of restricted and unrestricted non-profit funding financial management;
• Ability to anticipate and establish appropriate internal controls in all areas, emphasizing accounting and finance;
• Excellent business and contract background with effective negotiating and contract management skills;
• Familiarity with audit, compliance and internal control issues, and best practices along with risk management and insurance; and
• An understanding of US and UK charitable regulations.

Personal Attributes include:

• Strategic and tenacious about achieving objectives; handles multiple projects simultaneously with excellent follow through and attention to detail;
• Motivated by an entrepreneurial, fast-paced and results-oriented culture;
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written with a facility for preparing and clearly presenting technical information to multiple audiences;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment; adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards;
• Passionate about international issues and human rights with a global mindset and perspective.

REQUIREMENTS 

• 7-10 years of experience of financial management, preferably in a non-profit.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Master`s degree preferred.
• Mac Office environment.
• Must be entitled to work in the US without work permit sponsorship from The Freedom Fund.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Applications should be submitted by 5pm EST Monday 19 January 2015. Applications should include a CV, cover letter (maximum one page) and contact details of three referees to jobs@freedomfund.org.

Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

The Freedom Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.