Director of Finance

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 14 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all.

Overview of Team

The Finance Department is one of two teams within the Finance and Information Technology (FIT) Division of AJWS. The Finance Department is responsible for the oversight of the organization’s financial sustainability and financial assets. The team prepares the organization’s annual operating and capital expenditure budgets; advises management and AJWS’s Board of Trustees on the organization’s financial position; prepares monthly, quarterly and/or annual financial reports and forecasts; collaborates with AJWS’s investment management advisor to safeguard AJWS’s investments and ensure alignment with AJWS’s mission and values; collaborates with Development on donor proposals and reporting; prepares the organization’s annual Form 990 report and related filings; and oversees the organization’s annual financial audit(s) and preparation of its audited financial statements. Additionally, the team, develops and implements a broad range of organizational policies and processes; ensures compliance with tax and regulatory requirements; provides training and support to staff in diverse roles across the organization; ensures timely recording and processing of all transactions and continuously assesses the financial needs of the organization.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance leads the global financial operations of the organization and ensures that AJWS’s financial management capacity is in line with the increasing complexity of its internal and external operating environment. The Director of Finance works closely with the Vice President for Finance and Administration on budget forecasting, financial modeling and identifying cost-saving measures to ensure AJWS has the right financial structure to support AJWS’s strategic plan. The position requires strategic thinking, collaborative management and engagement style and familiarity with the international non-profit landscape. The Director of Finance also acts as a mentor and hands-on manager. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Information Technology, the Director of Finance will oversee a team of 6 staff, and be responsible for the planning and oversight of the finance department with an increased focus on strengthening and enhancing:

• Short- and long-term financial planning, reporting and analyses, and monitoring activities.
• Efficiency of data tracking, analysis and financial reporting functions.
• Cash management, short-term investing, and maximization of exchange rates in foreign transactions.
• International financial operations.
• Financial modelling and scenario planning

Job Description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collaborating with the Vice President for Finance and Administration to set long-term and short-term financial objectives, including the annual budget development and monitoring processes.
• Serving as a resource for members of senior management, counseling and partnering with them on matters of fiscal control, regulatory compliance and monthly budget review meetings.
• Hiring, training, motivating and managing finance staff, including staff development, and working collaboratively with direct reports on achieving excellent cross-functional relationships with other departments in the Finance and Administration division.
• Ensuring responsible tracking of fundraising dollars, including compliance with funding restrictions.
• Managing all external financial reporting, ensuring accurate preparation and issuance of internal and external financial reports, including review and assessment of current accounting and reporting systems, as well as implementation of enhanced financial strategies, analysis and systems.
• Overseeing financial compliance reporting, including but not limited to annual audit and IRS 990.
• Oversight of all independent audits as well as federal and donor-specific audits.
• Supporting the Vice President with presentations to the Audit, Finance, and Investment committees of the Board.
• Analyzing and developing monthly, quarterly, and/or annual financial reports to the Board and senior management.
• Enhancing financial reporting functions, including the preparation of financial statements, forecasting, cash flow, actual vs. budget reports & analyses.
• Developing effective fiscal policies, systems, and procedures for financial management, reporting, and auditing. Ensuring all finance policies and procedures are documented, communicated, and reflect current practices.
• Implementing projects that increase the efficiency of the financial function; and
• Approval and oversight of other activities, including, but not limited to, reviewing payroll, releasing wire transfers, approving consultant agreements and checks, and negotiating vendor and bank relationships.

Qualifications

• At least 10-12 years of financial management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree, MBA/CPA a plus.
• Experience in the non-profit sector and/or global experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with accounting and GAAP.
• Proven ability to lead and be a visionary with at least five years of supervisory experience.
• Excellent skills in problem solving and critical analysis.
• Strong business instincts, able to quickly identify problems, synthesize a variety of factors to make effective and practical decisions, and develop an appropriate course of action.
• Proven high standards of performance, eager to pursue aggressive goals, and works hard and smart to achieve them. Must be persistent, decisive, resourceful, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Understands programmatic activity and can convey information to people with varying levels of financial expertise.
• Strong written and oral communicator with excellent storytelling, presentation and organizational skills.
• Capable of managing difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work well in teams as well as independently, and must be able to collaborate and build consensus internally and externally.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; financial modeling & accounting packages; must have knowledge of accounting software and systems, experience with MIP a plus.
• Flexible work style and an interest in being part of a dynamic and evolving organization; and
• Commitment to social justice and human rights, and passion for the work of AJWS.

Additional Information:

• Salary Range: $112,000-$157,000
• This role is full time (40 HRS), Exempt
• This is not a union position

Location:

Remote – Contiguous US-Based

• This role is flexible in nature and can be performed from a home office in the contiguous United States.

Compensation and Benefits Information

• AJWS is committed to a salary framework that aligns with our culture and values. The compensation range reflected is in alignment with our framework, and individual pay decisions will vary based on skills and experience while still allowing for growth.
• Paid Time Off: 15-22 Federal and religious holidays off each year in addition to generous vacation and sick days;
• Full health benefits coverage with minimal contribution by employees;
• 403(b): 4.25% company match (safe harbor);
• Flexible Spending Account and Commuter Benefits;
• Workplace flexibility and generous leave policy.

Additional Considerations

Black, Indigenous and People of Color; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Trans and Gender non-conforming people; women; and differently abled people are encouraged to apply. We also encourage applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual and cultural backgrounds.

As an organization committed to promoting social justice around the world, it is essential that we incorporate a diverse, equitable and inclusive lens into all aspects of our work at AJWS. We encourage applicants with a global perspective and a commitment to values around diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply.

Authorization to work in the US is required.