CRS Chief Financial Officer - (US Only)

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.  CRS works to save, protect, and transform the lives of over 200 million people across more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through humanitarian and development programs in eight sectors, including emergency response & recovery, education, health, water, environment & sanitation,  agriculture & livelihoods, justice & peacebuilding, capacity strengthening of partners, and microfinance.

 

Job Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key leadership position within the agency, assuming both a strategic and functional role in the overall leadership, management, and development of CRS’ worldwide Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Financial Planning, Audit, and Risk Management. The CFO must be a visionary leader, responsible for contributing to a high-performing organization. The CFO must provide financial and audit acumen, while building and developing a talented global team to execute at a high level in support of the Agency’s vision, mission, and strategy.

 

The CFO will lead the development and implementation of all financial systems, policies, processes, and activities to ensure strong resource stewardship, operational efficiency, risk management and mitigation, audit and compliance, and exceptional financial management across the agency.  S/he will provide strong, consistent strategic support to the relevant governance structures, including the Budget and Finance Committee, the Audit and Risk Management Committee, and the Investment Subcommittee of the CRS Board, as well as the Board of the CRS Foundation. S/he will work to continuously improve the effectiveness of all financial functions and processes to meet Board, Donor, Beneficiary, and other stakeholder needs. The CFO plays a fundamental role in ensuring cross-divisional collaboration, and the provision of all services and support on the basis of a “One Agency” vision.  S/he will be responsible for building a team which facilitates strong decision-making support for the agency´s leadership.

 

Roles and Key Responsibilities 

General

• Oversee the development, implementation and adherence to agency financial systems and policies.
• Manage the continuous evaluation and improvement of existing system utilization. 
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure strong relationship, understanding and compliance.
• Act as an advisor to agency leaders, the board and committees in all matters related to policies, systems, reporting, compliance, and financial management.   
• Develop policies, tools and processes that support a strong culture of internal control across the Agency.
• Model the agency’s values in all interactions and communications with staff, partners, donors, Board, and other stakeholders. 
• Promote the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and stewardship throughout the agency.
• Reinforce a “tone at the top” of accountability, empowerment, and responsibility.
• Provide visionary leadership by ensuring the highest caliber of financial function and capacity in support of the agency vision and mission. 

 

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Ensure that financial reporting systems and processes are effective and compliant in providing timely, accurate, actionable financial reporting to assist staff, executives, and the Board in managing their financial duties.
• Review financial results and provide clear analysis of the agency’s financial performance to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Budget and Finance Committee, and the Board.
• Develop policies, systems and processes that ensure optimal collection of operating costs from all donors for CRS and partner organizations.
• Lead discussions of financial issues with donor and partner agencies as needed.
• Ensure adequate planning for the medium and long-term effectiveness of agency financial systems.
• Oversee the integration and implementation of financial and accounting systems, ensuring multi-divisional coordination and cross functional support. 
• Network with the CFOs of other NGOs and similar organizations to gain insight into trends and best practices.
• Provide authoritative counsel on proper accounting principles and practices. Access expert guidance as needed.

 

Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis

• Align financial policies, systems and support to the agency strategy, mission, and vision.  Develop resource allocation tools and processes that support strategic priorities.
• Implement a budgeting system that is aligned with strate