THE OPPORTUNITY

Associate General Secretary, Finance

The AGS Finance is responsible to lead the development and implementation of the financial strategy, policy and direction of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in partnership with the General Secretary and senior leadership ensuring the organization’s overall financial health and sustainability. Work closely with the Associate General Secretary for Advancement to manage, account for, and project income from gifts, grants, endowments and other sources. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, manage the organization’s financial and accounting processes including budgeting, financial reporting, investments, and risk management. Oversee an efficient and effective Finance Department that is properly resourced and managed to carry out its duties. In collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, assist with payroll and long-range planning for health and retirement benefits as well as financial budgets, impacts and overall costs of labor negotiations. Oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities and policies, in conjunction with the General Secretary, Board of Directors, the treasurer and relevant committees of the board.

Department of Finance GOALS

• Stabilize and professionalize financial operations.
• Restructure and strengthen the finance team.
• Rehabilitate and Optimize the ERP system.
• Align global finance strategy across regions.

Responsibilities

Strategy:

• Manage AFSC’s fiscal resources and long-term budgetary planning to maximize the financial health and sustainability of the organization in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and AFSC’s long-term strategy providing regular reports to senior management, the treasurer, and the board of directors.
• Develop forecasts, analyses, systems, and tools to provide critical financial and operational information to senior management and collaboration with staff across all regions and programs.
• Engage the Stewardship Committee, Audit Committee, Retirement Subcommittee and Investment Subcommittee around issues, trends, and changes in the internal and external environment. Assist in establishing yearly objectives and meeting agendas and selecting and engaging outside consultants such as auditors and investment advisors.
• Conduct orientation and training in financial operations for members of the board, appropriate board committees and across the organization to build leadership development and understanding of Finance processes and Financial Sustainability.

Financial and Operations Management:

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, budgeting and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and grant audit requirements.
• Maintain internal control safeguards and coordinate all audit activities while ensuring adherence to timely meeting timelines.
• Oversee budgeting and the implementation of budgets to monitor progress and provide user-focused financial reports both internally and externally.
• Maintain procedures, training, and support to ensure consistent financial and accounting practices in all AFSC offices.
• Provide oversight, training and support for staff working on the production of budgets and reports for foundations and institutional funders, monitoring expenses, and overall financial compliance for grants.
• Manage AFSC’s U.S. and International financial compliance procedures and assess potential risk by developing and monitoring appropriate grant requirements and overall financial compliance standards and procedures.
• Partner with the Director of Information Technology (IT) to maintain specialized finance IT ERP systems that meet the needs of the organization.
• Partner with the Development Department to provide periodic analytic reports and forecasting tools that enhance fundraising. Continuously align fundraising plans and projections with budgeting and fiscal management.
• Partner with the Human Resources Department to select and analyze health, retirement, labor relations and other fringe benefits, and ensure smooth, accurate and timely allocation of payrolls.
• Oversee AFSC’s relationship with all banks and financial institutions. Manage cash flow, lines of credit, and corporate credit cards for staff.
• Monitor financial status using sound forecasts; analyzing budgeted vs. actual variances; keeping a tab of restricted and unrestricted funding sources; and recommending improvements.
• Monitor and report on the financial status of AFSC’s retirement programs.
• Monitor the performance of AFSC’s investments, managing according to Quaker principles and employing socially responsible criteria in compliance with established board policies.
• Regularly review and recommend any needed changes to financial policies and procedures.
• Maintain and regularly update the general Accounting Manual and issue new staff directives to enhance systems and controls, as required.

Team Management and Other Duties:

• Manage, mentor, and develop the staff of the Finance Department, managing work allocation, training, problem resolution, customer-focused service, performance evaluation, and the building of an effective team dynamic.
• Responsible for the staffing, recruitment, and professional development of the Finance Department staff.
• Support, and when appropriate guide, cross-unit teams addressing organizational issues or processes of which finance is a part. Maintain working relationships with the financial managements of other faith-based NGOs with which AFSC may occasionally partner.
• Attend meetings of the Senior Leadership Team, and other staff and governance groupings as needed, including some evening and weekend meetings, travel, and consultation outside office hours.
• Carry out administrative, analytical, and other assignments as requested by the General Secretary and/or the Deputy General Secretary.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
• Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

 Supervisory and Management:

Directly and indirectly supervise Finance Department employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training and engaging employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Basic Qualifications

Experience, Knowledge and Values:

• MBA in Finance, Accounting, Business or other related field required. CPA required.
• At least 10 years of broad finance experience and leadership, including accounting, budgeting, and analysis of financial information at a senior level required. Non-profit sector or NGO experience preferred. Demonstrated experience in managing the finance function (accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting) within a diverse organization operating in multiple global locations.
• Experience managing large complex budgets, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Experience and proficiency in contemporary technologies and financial management systems, including IT/ERP software.
• Proactive leadership and managerial skills, including good judgment, integrity, resilience, and an ability to work collaboratively and build engagement, relationships and trust.
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen well.
• Experience working within a complex organizational structure, with committees, with consultative processes, and within a formal framework of shared decision-making. Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and to travel, as required.
• Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
• Experience and strong proficiency with standard Microsoft Office and related technology.
• Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC regarding issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
• Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
• Respect for and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender and religious diversity and familiarity with non-violent approaches to problem solving.
• Ability to organize, plan and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of and commitment to the faith-based principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC regarding issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities.

About American Friends Service Committee

AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker religious organization dedicated to peace, justice, and sustainable development worldwide. AFSC works across 22 countries, engaging communities to build peace and justice through advocacy, support, and systemic change, guided by the Quaker belief in the inner light of every person. “AFSC works for a just, peaceful, and sustainable world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. We join with people and partners worldwide to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.” Mission & Strategic Goals Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light of each person, AFSC works with people of all faiths and backgrounds to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace. The interconnectedness of our world has never been so apparent—nor the urgency to resist the many forces that fuel inequality, oppression, and violence. In their work for a better future, AFSC focuses on three strategic program goals. •Just & Sustainable Peace •Just Economies •Just Responses to Forced Displacement & Migration

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