Chief Financial Officer

World Education Services • New York, NY

20d • $290,000 - $320,000 • Remote

About The Position

World Education Services (WES) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead the administrative, financial, investment, and risk management operations of a global social enterprise with entities in the United States, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. WES has $100 million in annual revenue and more than $300 million in net assets. The CFO will develop and embed financial and operational strategies, controls, processes, and metrics that support effective operations, governance, and organizational growth. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the CFO will advise and collaborate with colleagues on enterprise-wide decisions and guide teams through organizational change and evolution.

Reporting directly to the CEO and Executive Director, the CFO provides strategic counsel and leads financial strategy, management, and planning. The role oversees the Finance department, including accounting and controllership, financial planning and analysis, mission-aligned investment management, procurement, and contract and vendor management. The CFO works with the CEO, ELT, Board of Trustees and its committees, department leaders, and staff to advance WES's business and social impact priorities from conception through execution.

The position leads strategic and financial planning; financial and fiduciary oversight; financial systems, reporting, and contract management; investment oversight; and organizational leadership. It includes responsibility for budgeting and forecasting, M&A financial and tax due diligence and integration, audits, financial and compliance risk across countries, investment policies and reporting, team development, and clear communication of financial matters to senior leadership and the Board. The CFO is also expected to advance WES's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

The role is full-time and remote in the USA. Compensation is $290,000–$320,000 USD. Candidates must apply through On-Ramps; applications submitted directly to WES will not be considered.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and/or commensurate experience demonstrating exemplary strategic and financial acumen.
• At least 10 years of financial and operations management experience with a major company, a division of a large corporation, or a nonprofit organization.
• At least 5 years of progressive senior responsibility developing and building 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 managing an investment portfolio, including working with external investment providers.
• Experience managing grants and funding regulations, impact investment, structured finance, or tax-credit finance such as New Markets Tax Credits.
• Track record of building and leading effective teams, developing an outcomes- and data-driven team culture, and coaching others.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with varied internal and external stakeholders.
• Honesty, integrity, credibility, commitment to quality, and dedication to WES's mission.
• Ability to influence a wide range of people and work with cross-cultural teams while building rapport and aligning expectations.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Nice To Haves

• MBA, MPA, or MS in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA or Certified Management Accountant designation; these are considered highly desirable.
• Multisector experience across public-sector, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations.
• Experience working and managing across multiple geographies, including outside North America.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the ELT to formulate future strategies, initiatives, and approaches that strengthen and evolve the organization.
• Partner with the CEO and ELT to define M&A strategy, evaluate inorganic growth opportunities, and establish valuation guardrails.
• Set financial strategy and lead long-term financial forecasting and operating-budget development in support of WES's enterprise strategy and priorities.
• Lead the annual budgeting and planning process with the ELT; review and administer financial plans and budgets, monitor progress and changes, and communicate the organization's financial status.
• Anticipate international financial and tax systems and operational opportunities and challenges, and develop strategies and solutions.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to the ELT, department heads, and leaders across the organization.
• Work with FP&A to deliver insights, data analysis, and actions aligned with organizational objectives.
• Review financial systems and processes and recommend improvements that help staff assess the costs and benefits of strategic and operational decisions.
• Participate in executive discussions and enterprise decisions, advocating for approaches that support WES's strategic goals as a social enterprise.
• Oversee fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities in conjunction with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Finance, Audit, and Investment Board Committees.
• Oversee Finance department activities, planning, programs, workforce and resource planning, initiatives, and projects; implement best practices and fit-for-purpose systems and processes.
• Lead financial and tax due diligence for M&A; build and stress-test financial models; oversee financial and accounting systems integration; track synergies and post-close ROI against targets.
• Partner with the Chief Investment Officer on M&A terms, purchase agreements, escrow arrangements, earn-outs, and transaction financing.
• Partner with the Chief People Officer on real estate and facilities capital needs and financing for acquisition and development, as needed.
• Oversee pension fund investment options and arrange debt financing as necessary.
• Oversee the annual audit and liaise with external auditors and the Board Audit Committee.
• Manage and mitigate financial and compliance risk across WES entities, including reporting and operating requirements in the United States, Canada, and India, as well as future operating countries.
• Review and develop financial and operational systems and standard operating procedures to support WES's social-enterprise model and organizational structure.
• Establish systems that ensure accurate, compliant accounting and reporting, and lead WES's financial affairs in accordance with GAAP and applicable government regulations.
• Lead contract negotiation and execution, maintain WES trademarks, and manage contractual frameworks, core documents, and processes.
• Set standards for vendors, providers, and external partners to promote effectiveness and cost efficiency while minimizing risk.
• Provide executive oversight of the Investments team and ensure effective portfolio management and appropriate external investment support and counsel.
• Work with the Board Investment Committee to manage and revise portfolio guidelines relating to impact, return, and risk.
• Monitor investment portfolio progress and activity against accountability standards.
• Partner with the Chief Investment Officer to review investment reports for policy compliance; develop investment policies, procedures, and controls for Investment Committee review and sign-off; adjust practices to changing markets, economic conditions, and portfolio size; and provide reports to the Board and senior management.
• Drive organizational strategy and goals as an ELT member, leading organization-wide and cross-functional issues to resolution.
• Build strong relationships with ELT members and senior leaders to understand needs and ensure collaboration and coordination.
• Communicate and present critical financial matters to the CEO, ELT, senior leadership, Board committees, and the full Board of Trustees.
• Manage and develop Finance and Investment teams through coaching and development so they are positioned to achieve their goals.
• Represent WES internally and externally, model its values, and help build a healthy, feedback-driven culture.
• Advance WES's DEIB commitment and help deliver its multi-year plan for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Benefits

• Remote work options and flexible scheduling.
• Generous time-off policies.
• Wellness programs.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Recognition and tangible rewards for contributions.
• Learning opportunities, training programs, and professional development.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee-led resource groups, town halls, collaborative team events, and volunteer opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive