Head of Advocacy, Regulatory, and Policy
(Multiple states)
Full Time
Experienced
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.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head of Advocacy, Regulatory, and Policy leads IFAC’s global advocacy initiatives, regulatory affairs, and public policy development. Reporting to the Head of Global Advocacy and Market Insights, this role is responsible for executing strategies that strengthen IFAC’s influence and shape global policy environments affecting the accountancy profession. This role manages relationships with regulators, policymakers, standard setters, multilateral institutions, and other key external stakeholders. It also leads the development of globally relevant policy positions, technical responses to regulatory consultations, and high-impact publications that reinforce IFAC’s thought leadership and global voice. This role will also provide strategic oversight for Professional Accountants in Business, including Small and Medium-sized Practices (SMPs) and Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include those that are set out below. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Advocacy
Policy Development & Regulatory Affairs
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS
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.
IFAC welcomes applicants from all geographical locations, and this role can be remote. 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.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head of Advocacy, Regulatory, and Policy leads IFAC’s global advocacy initiatives, regulatory affairs, and public policy development. Reporting to the Head of Global Advocacy and Market Insights, this role is responsible for executing strategies that strengthen IFAC’s influence and shape global policy environments affecting the accountancy profession. This role manages relationships with regulators, policymakers, standard setters, multilateral institutions, and other key external stakeholders. It also leads the development of globally relevant policy positions, technical responses to regulatory consultations, and high-impact publications that reinforce IFAC’s thought leadership and global voice. This role will also provide strategic oversight for Professional Accountants in Business, including Small and Medium-sized Practices (SMPs) and Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include those that are set out below. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Advocacy
- Support the Head of Global Advocacy and Market Insights in implementing IFAC’s global advocacy strategy, aligning efforts with IFAC’s mission, Member Value Proposition (MVP), and strategic objectives.
- At the discretion of the CEO, represent IFAC in international policy dialogues, regulatory consultations, and high-level stakeholder engagements.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with senior officials at IFAC member bodies, regional bodies, standard-setting bodies, global networks, regulatory bodies, governments, and other key stakeholders.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and spokesperson for IFAC on key policy issues, including ESG, anti-corruption, public financial management, corporate governance, and financial stability, and the role of Professional Accountants in Business, including SMPs and SMEs.
- Advocate for the needs and perspectives of SMPs and SMEs, ensuring their voices are represented in global policy dialogues and that IFAC’s work reflects their importance to the profession and the global economy.
- Contribute to coalition-building efforts and strategic alliances that enhance IFAC’s influence and amplify the profession’s global voice, particularly in relation to SMP and SME ecosystems.
- Translate complex trends into accessible, actionable resources for member organizations, regulators, practitioners, SMPs, and SMEs.
- Provide strategic oversight of the work of the SMP Advisory Group and Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Advisory Group, ensuring that its insights, recommendations, and priorities inform IFAC’s advocacy efforts and global positioning.
- Oversee and support the Senior Associate in managing strategy and implementation, including delivery of IFAC’s multi-year PAIB, SMP/SME strategy and the operations and outputs of the related advisory groups.
Policy Development & Regulatory Affairs
- Lead the development of policy positions across key global themes, ensuring alignment with the public interest, SMP, and SME needs and member priorities.
- Contribute to IFAC’s global public interest mission, and provide strategic direction on topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, assurance services, and access to finance, and the enabling environments for SMPs and SMEs.
- Oversee the preparation of technical comment letters, position papers, and responses to global regulatory consultations, incorporating the unique perspectives of SMPs and SMEs.
- Monitor global regulatory developments and assess potential impacts on the accountancy profession, advising leadership on strategic risks and opportunities.
- Manage the development and delivery of high-impact publications, technical briefs, and external communications on policy and regulatory matters, including resources tailored to SMPs and SMEs.
- Support the work of the Public Policy & Regulation Advisory Group (PPRAG).
- Manage, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team by fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and cross-functional collaboration.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; advanced degree in Business, Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, or a related field required; Professional accountancy qualification (e.g., CPA, CA) strongly preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in administration, public policy, regulatory affairs, advocacy, or global professional services leadership.
- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams across cultures and geographies.
- Deep understanding of global trends and regulatory environments impacting the accountancy profession.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills.
- 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.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, including those imposed externally.
- 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.
IFAC welcomes applicants from all geographical locations, and this role can be remote. 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.
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