Chief Financial Officer at World Education Services | NY, US | Rezi

Chief Financial Officer at World Education Services

Chief Financial Officer

World Education Services · NY, US

2 weeks ago

Chief Financial Officer

World Education Services · NY, US

18 days ago
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About the Role

World Education Services (WES) is seeking an outstanding financial leader to be their Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This role is accountable for the administrative, financial, investment, and risk management operations of a global social enterprise with entities across the US, Canada, India, and UK, $100M in annual revenues, and over $300M in net assets. The CFO will develop, drive, and embed an effective and innovative financial and operational strategy, with control systems, processes, and metrics that enable the organization to effectively operate and govern as well as realize its growth potential. This strategic leader will support and guide teams through change and evolution, thriving in a dynamic environment where they can identify and manage risks while maximizing opportunities. As a highly effective member of the ELT, the CFO will provide counsel to and collaborate with ELT colleagues to help the organization make and implement enterprise-wide decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Act as a thought leader and partner within the ELT, assisting in formulating future strategies, initiatives, and approaches to strengthen and evolve the organization.
  • Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to define the M&A strategy, evaluate inorganic growth opportunities, and establish valuation guardrails.
  • Set clear financial strategies and lead long-term financial forecasting and budgeting for WES' operating budget that support the Enterprise Strategy and strategic priorities.
  • Oversee, evolve, and lead the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ELT; review and administer all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep the ELT abreast of the organization's financial status.
  • Recognize and anticipate opportunities and challenges as they relate to financial and tax systems and operations internationally; generate ideas, strategies, and solutions to drive impact.
  • Serve as a strategic business partner to the ELT, department heads, and leaders across the organization.
  • Work with the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team to deliver effective insights, data analysis and resulting actions in line with organizational objectives.
  • Review financial systems and processes and recommend enhancements that will enable our people to easily understand the benefits and costs of potential strategic and operational decisions.
  • Raise items for discussion or decision, engage in executive discussions and key decisions, including decisions that have an enterprise lens, representing and supporting approaches that are in the best interests of WES meeting its strategic and enterprise goals as a social enterprise.
  • Oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Board Committees focused on Finance, Audit, and Investment.
  • Oversee the Finance organization and all activities, planning, and programs including workforce and resource planning, initiatives, and projects to support sound financial operations and outcomes.
  • In relation to M&A activity lead on Financial and Tax due diligence; build, review, and stress-test financial models; and oversee the integration of financial and accounting systems, track cost synergies, and monitor post-close ROI against financial targets.
  • In partnership with the Chief Investment Officer advise on M&A deal terms, purchase agreements, escrow arrangements, earn-outs, and secure transaction financing.
  • Work in partnership with the Chief People Officer to plan for real estate or facilities capital needs across the organization and structure financing for real estate acquisition and development as needed.
  • Oversee pension fund investment options and arrange any debt financing as necessary.
  • Oversee the annual audit process; liaise with external auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees.
  • Manage and mitigate financial and compliance risk across WES entities, including various reporting and operating requirements in the U.S., Canada, and India (and any future operating countries).
  • Review, refine, and develop financial and operational systems, as well as standard operating procedures that WES needs to support its evolution as a social enterprise and its organizational structure that includes business and social impact initiatives.
  • Develop systems to guarantee accuracy and compliance of accounting and reporting, as well as leading the financial affairs of WES in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and city, state/provincial, and federal government regulations.
  • Act as the senior executive responsible for negotiating and executing contracts, maintaining all WES trademarks, and managing contractual frameworks including core documents and processes.
  • Set the standards to manage vendors, providers, and outside partners to ensure effectiveness and cost efficiency, managing and minimizing risk to WES.
  • Provide executive oversight to the Investments team ensuring that the investment portfolio is effectively managed and the necessary support, counsel and services are received from external investment firms or advisors.
  • Work with the Board Investment Committee to manage and revise, as necessary, broad guidelines for WES's investment portfolio linked to impact, return, and risk.
  • Monitor the progress of the investment portfolio and investment activity based on accountability standards.
  • In partnership with the Chief Investments Officer, review investment reports for investment policy compliance; develop investment policies, procedures, and controls for review and sign off through the Investment Committee; adjust investment practices as needed to reflect changing investment markets, economic conditions, and portfolio size; and provide investment reports to the Board and senior management.
  • Drive organizational strategy and accomplishment of goals as part of the ELT, including leading organization-wide or cross-functional challenges, questions, and issues to resolution.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with the ELT and other senior leaders to identify and support their needs and ensure collaboration and coordination.
  • Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to the CEO and the ELT, broader senior leadership, the Board Committees, and the full Board of Trustees.
  • Manage and develop the Finance and Investment teams to ensure each team is coached, developed, and well positioned to achieve their goals.
  • Serve as an organizational ambassador internally and externally; model WES' values and focus on building a healthy and feedback-driven organizational culture.
  • Embrace and operationalize WES' commitment to DEIB, helping to drive success of a multi-year plan to strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree and/or commensurate experience that demonstrates exemplary strategic and financial acumen.
  • Minimum of 10+ years of financial and operations management with a major company or division of a large corporation or non-profit organization.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of progressive senior responsibility in developing and building out financial reporting structures.
  • Experience as a trusted member of an organization's senior leadership team.
  • Experience partnering with an executive team and knowledge of working with a Board.
  • Knowledge of financial planning and management systems.
  • Knowledge and experience with management of an investment portfolio, including working with and engaging external investment providers.
  • Experience and management of grants management and funding regulations, impact investment, structured finance, or tax-credit finance (i.e., New Markets Tax Credits).
  • Track record of building and leading effective teams; evidence of building an outcomes/data-driven team culture and coaching/developing others to maximize their potential.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Personal qualities of honesty, integrity, credibility, commitment to quality, and dedication to the mission of WES.
  • Able to work with and influence a wide range of people and with cross cultural teams, gaining rapport whilst managing and aligning expectations.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Skills

  • Financial leadership
  • Financial counsel
  • Strategic priorities
  • Operational innovation
  • Operational efficiency
  • Team leadership
  • Culture leadership
  • Relationship building
  • Stakeholder management
  • Financial planning
  • Financial management systems
  • Investment portfolio management
  • Grants management
  • Funding regulations
  • Impact investment
  • Structured finance
  • Tax-credit finance
  • Team building
  • Outcomes/data-driven team culture
  • Coaching
  • Developing others
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Cross-cultural collaboration
  • DEIB
  • GAAP

Location

  • USA - Remote

Work Type

  • Full Time
  • Remote

Experience Level

  • 10+ years of financial and operations management
  • 5+ years of progressive senior responsibility in developing and building out financial reporting structures

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree
  • MBA, MPA, or MS in Accounting or Finance (Preferred)
  • CPA or Certified Management Accountant designations (Highly Desirable)

Salary/Compensations

  • $290K - $320K USD

Benefits

  • Access to learning opportunities
  • Pathways for personal and professional development
  • Recognition of achievements
  • Remote work options
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Generous time-off policies
  • Comprehensive wellness programs
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits
  • Tangible rewards
  • Comprehensive training programs
  • Tuition reimbursement opportunities

About the Company

  • World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students.
  • For over 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals.
  • Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale.
  • From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, WES partners with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change.
  • Together with its partners, WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places.

Equal Opportunity

  • At World Education Services, we're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities, both in the US and Canada.
  • This commitment is underscored by our unwavering dedication to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics.
  • This commitment extends to every aspect of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, and benefits.
  • We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.
  • For us, diversity goes beyond compliance – it's about embracing unique perspectives and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
  • If you encounter challenges accessing or using our career site due to a disability, you may request reasonable accommodation by contacting us via email at hiring@wes.org.
  • Our Talent Acquisition team is dedicated to supporting qualified candidates by providing solutions that can meet their needs.
  • This email address is intended to receive and respond to inquiries concerning the accessibility of the online application system, and requests for assistance and accommodation during any part of the recruitment process.
  • We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints.
  • At our organization, individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel.
  • We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.