Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO)
New York, NY
Full Time
Senior Executive
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 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 Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) is an executive leader at the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), responsible for overseeing key enterprise functions that ensure the organization's strategic, financial, and operational effectiveness. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CFAO plays a critical role in stewarding IFAC’s financial health, managing its intellectual property portfolio, ensuring compliance, advancing organizational governance, and optimizing enterprise systems, talent, and infrastructure. As a core member of the leadership team and a trusted advisor to the CEO, the CFAO also helps drive day-to-day business operations and long-term sustainability. The role ensures cross-functional alignment and operational excellence in support of IFAC’s mission to strengthen the global accountancy profession.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential duties and responsibilities are outlined below. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Finance
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 if outside of the NY-Metropolitan area. 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 $250,000 to $400,000.
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 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 Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) is an executive leader at the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), responsible for overseeing key enterprise functions that ensure the organization's strategic, financial, and operational effectiveness. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CFAO plays a critical role in stewarding IFAC’s financial health, managing its intellectual property portfolio, ensuring compliance, advancing organizational governance, and optimizing enterprise systems, talent, and infrastructure. As a core member of the leadership team and a trusted advisor to the CEO, the CFAO also helps drive day-to-day business operations and long-term sustainability. The role ensures cross-functional alignment and operational excellence in support of IFAC’s mission to strengthen the global accountancy profession.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential duties and responsibilities are outlined below. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Finance
- Lead annual budgeting, financial planning, cash flow forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Oversee audits, financial statement preparation, and regulatory compliance following applicable accounting standards and nonprofit requirements.
- Provide financial analysis and strategic advice to the CEO and senior leadership to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
- In conjunction with the HC team, oversee the development and implementation of HC strategies, including talent acquisition, performance management, professional development, and organizational culture.
- As a partner with the Head of HC, assist with the management of office operations, facilities, and administrative support services to ensure efficiency and alignment with evolving organizational needs.
- Partner with functional leaders to drive operational improvements and employee engagement across the organization.
- Guide the development and implementation of IT strategy, infrastructure, and systems, specifically Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Content Management System (CMS) in the short term to support secure and scalable operations.
- Ensure technology solutions are aligned with IFAC’s MVP, goals, data protection standards, and business continuity requirements.
- Oversee vendor relationships and IT governance processes.
- Provide oversight of IFAC’s intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, licensing, and usage compliance.
- Ensure appropriate contracts, controls, and processes are in place to manage IP assets effectively.
- Support the CEO and senior leadership with board and committee engagement, including the preparation of financial and operational reports.
- Contribute to the development of IFAC’s MVP, strategic plan, risk management, and organizational performance metrics.
- Ensure governance policies and internal controls are regularly reviewed, updated, and adhered to across functional areas.
- Provides strategic leadership and actively leads or supports discussions at Board, Council, Audit Committee, and Planning and Finance Committee meetings.
- Provide oversight and support for the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit, ensuring alignment on financial, administrative, and operational deliverables in coordination with internal teams and IFEA leadership.
- Support the President and CEO of IFAC in their roles as trustees of IFEA, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary information, resources, and strategic guidance to fulfill their governance responsibilities.
- Assist in managing IFAC’s funding relationship with IFEA, including oversight of financial contributions, reporting requirements, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
- Foster a high-performance culture across all managed functions by setting clear expectations, supporting professional development, and recognizing achievement.
- Mentor and coach team leaders across IT, IP, Governance & Strategy, Operations, Human Capital, and Finance to enhance leadership capabilities and drive organizational impact.
- Drive alignment between departmental goals and enterprise strategy, empowering teams to contribute meaningfully to IFAC’s MVP and transformation objectives.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and IFAC leadership, offering strategic insight, candid counsel, and sound judgment to support organizational priorities and effective decision-making.
- Identify and develop alternative sources of revenue to support IFAC’s MVP and long-term sustainability, including partnerships, grants, service offerings, and other mission-aligned opportunities.
- Collaborate with Senior Leadership to evaluate and pursue innovative funding models that diversify income streams and reduce reliance on traditional sources.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS
- Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required, CPA, CA, or equivalent required.
- 15+ years of progressive experience in strategic, project management, or leadership roles; global nonprofit or professional body experience is a plus.
- At least 8–10 years of progressive experience in financial and operational management, preferably within an international nonprofit or membership-based organization.
- Extensive experience working with Boards and Governance Committees, including Planning and Finance and Audit Committees.
- Proven track record of leading organizational transformation initiatives that drive strategic impact, operational efficiency, and cultural alignment.
- Ability to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the administrative operations across multiple organizations, ensuring seamless integration and operational excellence
- Strong knowledge of accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, US GAAP, or IPSAS), budgeting, compliance, and audit processes.
- Demonstrated experience managing HC, IT, and general operations.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and build trusted relationships.
- High level of integrity and commitment to IFAC’s mission and public interest mandate.
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 if outside of the NY-Metropolitan area. 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 $250,000 to $400,000.
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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