Chief Financial Officer - United States Institute of Peace

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a board appointed officer of the United States Institute of Peace and the Endowment of the United States Institute of Peace (together, “USIP,” “Institute”), serves as the principal adviser to the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the conduct of the Institute’s mission pertaining to all financial matters within the organization and is responsible for overseeing the Institute’s financial strategy and financial operations. Leading USIP’s accounting, budgeting, and contracting functions, the CFO provides advice and makes sound decisions based on the financial well-being of the Institute. The CFO reports to the President and CEO and has responsibilities to the Board and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for matters pertaining to operational efficiency and effectiveness and coordination with other management functions.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 11/12/2024

TARGET SALARY 

Grade: EX II-III - $ 204,000 – $212,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Support to the CEO and Board of Directors

• Act as the primary financial advisor to the CEO and Board, offering insights on financial trends, risks, and opportunities. Ensure that financial considerations are integrated into organizational strategy and decision-making processes.
• Serve as the Management Liaison to the Board Audit and Finance Committee and directly contribute to support for other Board committees as required.
• Prepare and present financial forecasts, plans, and updates to the Board, donors, and other stakeholders. Ensure transparent and effective communication regarding the organization’s financial outlook and financial aspects of strategic initiatives.
• Advise the CEO and Board on financial risk management strategies. Develop and implement plans to mitigate financial risks and enhance organizational resilience.
• Assist the CEO in communicating the organization’s financial status and strategic direction to internal and external stakeholders, including Congress and appropriations staff, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), partners, donors, and others as required. Ensure that financial messaging aligns with organizational goals and enhances stakeholder engagement.

Strategic Financial Management and Planning

• Lead financial management of Institute resources, ensuring development and maintenance of an integrated process for planning, budgeting, accounting, and financial management, including financial reporting and internal controls.
• Develop and refine multi-year financial forecasts that align with the Institute’s strategic goals and mission. This includes projecting revenue streams, expense patterns, and cash flow requirements to ensure long-term financial health.
• Oversee the preparation of annual and multi-year budgets, working closely with the COO, department heads and senior management to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively and in line with organizational priorities.
• Conduct scenario planning to assess the financial impact of various strategic decisions and external factors. Provide insights and recommendations based on different potential future outcomes to support informed decision-making.
• Identify and evaluate financial risks and opportunities associated with long-term plans. Develop strategies to mitigate risks and enhance financial stability, including contingency planning and stress testing.
• Manage the Institute’s capital investment strategy, including the planning and budgeting for major projects and asset acquisitions. Ensure alignment with overall financial goals and sustainability.
• Support the Institute in the development of budget tables as part of the annual OMB submission and Congressional Budget Justification.
• Responsible for the oversight of the development and execution of center/office budgets.
• Monitor the financial execution of the Institute’s budget in relation to actual expenditures, monitoring the quality and performance of on-going activities, analyzing activities to identify potential performance problems, and preparing and submitting timely financial performance reports to the President, COO, and others as required.
• Establish standards for and assess the financial performance of on-going and proposed programs and program alternatives

Accounting and Audit Oversight

• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements. Regularly review and update these policies to reflect best practices and changes in regulations.
• Establish and monitor internal controls to safeguard the Institute’s assets and ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting. Conduct periodic audits and assessments to identify and address any challenges, weaknesses, or areas for improvement.
• Oversee the maintenance and use of financial systems and software. Ensure that these systems support effective and efficient accounting and financial management practices and provide accurate and timely financial data.
• Provide analytical support and insight based on accounting data to inform strategic decision-making. Analyze financial trends, variances, and performance metrics to guide organizational planning and operations.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of accurate and timely financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Serve as the principal liaison between the Institute and the independent external auditors to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process, including effective communication between the audit team and internal stakeholders throughout the audit process.
• Collaborate with the Finance staff and auditors to develop a comprehensive audit plan, including timelines, scope, and objectives. Ensure that documentation and records required for the audit are maintained and accessible.
• Develop corrective action plans to address and resolve any issues or discrepancies identified by auditors and implement improvements based on audit findings to enhance financial reporting processes and internal controls.

Contracting and Procurement Oversight

• Ensure that procurement and contracting activities comply with legal, regulatory, and donor requirements. Identify and mitigate risks associated with contracting and procurement, including ensuring that contracts include appropriate risk management provisions.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies and policies that align with the Institute’s mission and strategic objectives. Ensure that procurement processes are transparent, fair, and competitive. Regularly review and update policies to reflect best practices, regulatory changes, and organizational needs.
• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and execution of contracts and agreements. Ensure that contracts are legally sound, aligned with organizational objectives, and protect the Institute’s interests.
• Ensure that vendor selection processes are competitive and based on criteria that align with organizational needs and values.
• Ensure staff involved in procurement and contracting receive training and support and that they understand and adhere to procurement policies and procedures.
• Ensure that vendor performance is monitored and evaluated for compliance with contract terms and service level agreements. Address any issues or performance concerns with vendors as needed.

 Office Leadership

• Lead and mentor the Office of Finance, providing guidance and support to ensure professional development and high performance. Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment.

• Oversee preparation and execution of the Office of Finance budget and staffing plan.
• Work closely with the Offices of Finance, USIP leadership, and other USIP colleagues to ensure policies and procedures are followed, and that all aspects of resource management are performed, and financial reports are submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensure Office compliance with Institute policies and implementation of guidance related to diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and accessibility.

Support to the COO for Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness

• Ensure coordination of the various finance teams with the other management and support functions of the Institute.

• Oversee and help envision and continuously improve financial management operations and support related to USIP offices and presences around the world.
• Ensure deep coordination with Human Resources on matters related to staff planning, position control, payroll, and contracted staff.
• Ensure coordination with the security team on vetting and support for staff tracking.
• Lead coordination with Facilities and Information Technology teams on identifying, tracking, and planning for major investments in systems, equipment, and technology as well as capital repair and replacement.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration or relevant field is required.
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is strongly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a plus but not required.
• Expert knowledge of federal financial programs including governmental budgeting, financial and cost accounting, and internal control management and accountability processes.
• Proven experience leading the finance function (accounting, budgeting, financial and tax reporting) with a diverse staff population, with knowledge and experience in managing and organizing financial risk, compliance, and allocation across budgetary programs.
• Demonstrated skill in policy development and strategic planning for a major organization, and the capacity to view the organization from the broad perspective required of a senior leader while also being attentive to specific financial and budget issues and concerns.
• Experience in an organization with offices in multiple locations around the world, particularly in the places where USIP operates.
• Exceptionally strong and clearly demonstrated management skills, including a general capacity to organize and motivate others as well as specific skills and experience in budgeting and planning operations.
• Demonstrated skill in developing innovative management concepts and initiatives to creatively meet program goals and objectives within available resource allocations.
• Ability to capture and utilize current and emerging information technology as it applies to the management and direction of a financial organization.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies, procedures and/or organizational work processes.
• Excellent organization and leadership skills supervising all phases and functions of staff responsible for a variety of financial activities, including the proven ability to lead and manage a team of financial leaders and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated skill to clearly articulate resource needs including the development of plans, both long-range and annual, to effectively allocate available resources to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to write effectively and persuasively and to present complex and substantive issues in a clear, convincing and effectively organized product.
• Personal commitment to the Institute's mission and to the achievement of its full potential as a positive force for non-violent conflict management and peacebuilding in a dangerous and uncertain world.
• Understanding of the substantive issues involved in conflict prevention and resolution sufficient to maximize organizational performance in this challenging field.

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP. 

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.  

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1.  Completed employment application
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

Note: Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.  

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.