About Near East Foundation
For over a century, the Near East Foundation (NEF) has been dedicated to building sustainable futures for communities in need across the Middle East, Africa, and Armenia. As an NGO driven by compassion and long-term impact, our team thrives on the challenges of delivering meaningful change in some of the most complex regions of the world. People are at the heart of what we do. Our work—empowering individuals and communities, fostering economic growth, and promoting peace and stability—depends on the passionate, diverse, and committed team that makes it possible.
Learn more about Near East Foundation at https://neareast.org/.
The Opportunity
The Senior Director of Finance & Administration reports to the CEO and oversees the finance and accounting functions for NEF, ensuring the highest standards of internal controls and financial management. They provide guidance on all financial matters, including long-term planning and forecasting, financial planning and analysis, and manage all accounting, budgeting, and cash flow activities to ensure NEF is optimized to achieve its goals. Furthermore, the Director has administrative responsibilities that encompass payroll, 403(b) plan administration, IT and business systems, and U.S. facilities and logistics.
Key responsibilities for the role include, but are not limited to:
Financial Management, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Oversee all aspects of financial planning and analysis, supplying management with the financial reports necessary to effectively manage their areas and the organization. Provide comprehensive analysis of results and offer recommendations or take actions to ensure NEF remains on track to achieve both short- and long-term financial goals.
- Prepare and deliver financial reports to senior management monthly.
- Oversee the budgeting process for NEF and all associated entities.
- Anticipate changes in the NICRA or other indirect rates to manage indirect costs and create allowances to mitigate negative impacts after grants are closed or in subsequent fiscal years.
- Develop dynamic financial and business planning models, establishing performance metrics (KPIs) to optimize the financial performance of NEF.
Accounting
- Oversee month-end closing process for NEF globally, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of close.
- Ensure that proper internal controls are established to protect NEF’s assets and demonstrate compliance with all relevant accounting standards for each entity in accordance with GAAP for NEF.
- Ensure policies and procedures are in place and up to date globally, always demonstrating best practices.
- Supervise the accounting department to ensure the proper functioning of all systems, software, and internal controls.
Cash Flow
- Manage organizational cash flow to ensure liquidity and maximize effectiveness of NEF operations.
- Review and approve all financial terms for new grants to be sure cash flow is viable within NEF’s current operating conditions.
Financial Compliance and Audit
- Manage internal and external audits to ensure proper controls are in place and all compliance requirements are satisfied.
- Accountable for financial compliance on all grants, contracts, and financial statements for each entity.
- Prepare Indirect Cost Rate submittals within the required deadlines.
- Ensure all financial filings comply with applicable regulations and timelines for NEF, affiliates, and registered offices.
Administration
- Supervise the payroll process for all NEF offices.
- Identify, acquire, and implement systems and software to provide critical financial and operational information. Evaluate departments and suggest methods to automate processes and improve operational efficiency.
Candidate Profile
We recognize that there is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive financial management experience with a minimum of 5 years in a director level or higher. Previous experience in a global nonprofit or NGO setting is highly desirable.
- MS, MBA or equivalent degree; CPA a plus.
- Strong knowledge of US and UK GAAP and international accounting standards, grant compliance for USG and EU funders, and experience managing financial transactions across multiple currencies
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to work cross-culturally and influence senior leaders
- Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to manage complexity in a dynamic, mission-driven organization.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to mission.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000 with a generous benefits package. One to three international trips per year should be expected with occasional domestic travel.
The position will be based in New York State or Washington, DC, with remote work optional and monthly in-person meetings.
Near East Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
Contact
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Molly Brennan, Sarah Avendaño, and Glenn Wiggins. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Near East Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group
Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.