Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

Global Communities•Bethesda, MD

21d•$203,988 - $379,209•Remote

About The Position

Overview WHO WE ARE: Global Communities champions innovative solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. We ensure our approaches are as dynamic and diverse as the communities we serve. We bring together local ingenuity and global insights to save lives and secure strong futures. POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Finance and Administration Officer (CFAO) is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Executive Steering Committee (ESC), reporting directly to the President and CEO. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight of Finance, Information Technology (IT), and People and Culture (P&C) to ensure Global Communities’ financial integrity, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness. The CFAO drives the organization’s financial strategy, oversees budgeting and reporting, ensures compliance with donor and regulatory requirements, and safeguards the organization’s assets and long-term sustainability. As a member of the Executive Steering Committee, the CFAO contributes to strategic planning and decision-making at the highest level, leading initiatives to enhance business operations, technology systems, and people strategies. This leader ensures that financial and administrative systems effectively support a high-performing, innovative, and engaged workforce while advancing Global Communities’ mission and strategic goals.

Requirements

Master’s degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field required; CPA or equivalent professional certification highly preferred.
Minimum of 15-18 years of progressive experience in financial and administrative leadership, including at least 5–7 years in a senior executive role (CFO, CAO, or equivalent) within a complex international non-profit, profit, and global organization.
Demonstrated expertise in complex accounting, financial management, and reporting systems, encompassing multi-currency operations, cost allocation, forecasting, and audit oversight across international offices.
Deep understanding of fund accounting principles, U.S. Government, Private donors and other international donor regulations, and the financial management of diversified revenue streams including grants, contracts, sub-awards, and fee-for-service mechanisms.
Demonstrated experience leading finance and operational strategy in environments shifting toward stronger revenue generation, cost recovery, and margin discipline, including building systems and behaviors that support a more self-funded, sustainable operating model.
Strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, scenario planning, cash management, and enterprise-wide performance reporting (KPIs, dashboards, variance analysis).
Proven success in developing and executing financial strategies that strengthen organizational sustainability, optimize resources, and drive accountability and performance excellence.
Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a record of building and leading high-performing global finance and operations teams and fostering collaboration across diverse geographies and functions.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, able to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for executive decision-making.
Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with boards, donors, auditors, and senior executives.
High degree of cultural intelligence and interpersonal acumen, with demonstrated success operating across diverse cultural, regulatory, and business environments.
Advanced proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and financial software, coupled with expert command of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Power BI for analytics and visualization.
Proven ability to maintain the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and fiduciary accountability, upholding the organization’s mission and values in all financial decisions.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy Provide visionary strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight for all global financial operations, encompassing advanced financial planning, robust budgeting, accurate forecasting, dynamic cash flow management, and transparent reporting across diverse funding sources, including the US Government, private donors, and other international donors.
Architect, implement, and continuously refine cutting-edge financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to guarantee fiscal integrity, stringent compliance, and optimal resource utilization.
Direct and oversee the annual external audit process, serving as the primary liaison with auditors, meticulously reviewing findings, and driving the implementation of recommendations to fortify financial accountability and transparency.
Conduct sophisticated analysis of complex financial data, market trends, and programmatic performance metrics to deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations to the CEO and Executive Steering Committee, informing critical decision-making.
Guarantee unwavering adherence to all legal, contractual, tax, and regulatory requirements across all operational jurisdictions, mitigating financial and reputational risks.
Cultivate and sustain robust relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, regulatory agencies, and financial institutions, to foster trust, strategic collaboration, and enduring partnerships essential for organizational growth.
Champion and execute long-term financial planning and sustainability strategies, leveraging advanced cash flow modeling, strategic capital allocation, and comprehensive scenario planning to ensure organizational resilience.
Direct sophisticated investment and liquidity management strategies, ensuring optimal financial performance and robust safeguarding of organizational assets.
Provide strategic financial guidance and support for resource mobilization and fundraising initiatives, ensuring seamless alignment of financial planning with overarching programmatic priorities.
Administrative & Operational Oversight Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for Information Technology (IT), ensuring that technology infrastructure, systems, and digital tools are optimally leveraged to advance organizational objectives, enhance operational efficiency, and drive innovation.
Provide executive oversight for the People & Culture (P&C) function, ensuring that cutting-edge workforce strategies, comprehensive talent management programs, and progressive organizational policies cultivate and sustain a high-performing, diverse, and engaged workforce.
Proactively identify, assess, and strategically mitigate all organizational risks, including financial, operational, and strategic exposures. This includes ensuring robust insurance coverage and comprehensive crisis preparedness protocols.
Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership, offering expert guidance on complex financial, administrative, IT, and P&C matters to inform strategic planning and facilitate effective operational problem-solving.
Direct the strategic management and professional development of global Finance, IT, and P&C teams through mentorship and coaching, cultivating exceptional leadership capacity, fostering continuous professional growth, and building high-performing, collaborative teams.
Champion and drive continuous innovation in operational systems and processes, thereby significantly enhancing efficiency, transparency, and overall organizational impact.
Strategic Leadership & Advisory Responsibilities Serve as an influential member of the Executive Steering Committee, providing critical input to organizational strategy, long-term planning, and high-impact cross-functional decision-making.
Deliver incisive analysis and strategic recommendations that critically inform optimal resource allocation, strategic program expansion, and sustainable organizational growth.
Lead and champion significant organizational transformation initiatives, including enterprise-wide process improvements, strategic technology adoption, and comprehensive performance optimization across all functions.
Function as a principal strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors, adeptly translating complex financial and operational data into actionable insights that directly drive decisions advancing organizational sustainability, innovation, and mission delivery.
Cultivate and embed a robust culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence, consistently modeling exemplary executive leadership standards and actively mentoring senior managers across Finance, IT, and P&C functions.
Governance & External Relations Uphold and enforce rigorous corporate governance practices, ensuring full compliance with board policies, robust internal controls, and stringent reporting standards.
Prepare and deliver compelling financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors, key donors, and executive leadership, providing critical insights into organizational health, performance, and strategic priorities.
Serve as a principal ambassador for the organization in high-level financial, regulatory, and industry forums, strategically cultivating and nurturing relationships with donors, financial institutions, and other critical external stakeholders.
Act as a trusted and authoritative spokesperson on all financial, operational, and administrative matters, thereby significantly enhancing organizational credibility and reputation.