Job Description
Job Title:
Department:
Reports To:
FLSA Status:
Vice President, Finance
Finance
Chief Operating Officer
Exempt
SUMMARY
Reporting to the COO, the VP Finance defines the process and implements the infrastructure/systems
needed to support iDE’s growth. The VP Finance builds and manages effective and streamlined
administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, and physical infrastructure. As a
member of the senior management team, the VP Finance is involved in strategic planning, evaluation,
and professional development initiatives. The VP Finance works closely with program leaders and their
staffs, not only to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures but also to explore how the
finance function can better support program operations. The VP Finance leads all day-to-day finance
operations and directly supervises the finance team including functional responsibility over accounting,
accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury, and grants administration. Additionally, the VP
Finance indirectly supervises the global finance team through matrix oversight of the program Finance
Directors. The VP Finance ensures that iDE has the systems and procedures in place to support effective
program implementation and conduct effective audits.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
 Ensure, in close cooperation with the CEO and COO, that an appropriate financial policy
framework is in place to guide IDE’s, financial decision making.
 Directs the planning, organization, and implementation of organizational wide procedures for
fiscal reporting and administration, risk management, cash management, foreign currency
exchange, and investments. Key initiatives include strengthening cost strategy for iDE, updating
global financial software, developing a comprehensive risk management policy, and developing,
recruiting, training, and retaining a strong global finance team.
 Provide comprehensive, timely, and accurate analysis and interpretation of all financial
information in order to assist the CEO, COO, and the Board and management team in performing
their responsibilities.
 Play an active role in the management team; contribute to the preparation and execution of IDE's
strategic plan. The VP Finance will participate as a strategic partner as IDE develops its business
plans and policies.
 Keep abreast of financial developments and best practices across the NGO sector and other
appropriate industries.
 Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline
work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
 Develop and implement internal controls and policies and procedures across headquarters and
country programs. Develop procedures to consistently test, develop, and align these controls to
optimize the overall environment. Ensure compliance with state and federal law, and donor
requirements.
 Identify new office technologies to enhance operations. Supervise the development and
implementation of appropriate technologies.
 Provide direct supervision of the Controller and Budget Manager. Provide for continual
improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group as well as providing individuals with
professional and personal growth.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
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Other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The VP Finance supervises the headquarters finance team, currently consisting of:
 Controller
o Regional Accounting Manager, Africa
o Regional Accounting Manager, Asia
o Finance Associate, AP/AR
 Budget Manager
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
 Minimum ten years accounting experience, professionally qualified.
 Substantial experience in a managerial role required. Certified Public Accountant or equivalent
certification and/or experience required
International experience is helpful. Experience working at an NGO or other social enterprise
organization preferred, with knowledge of donor compliance issues desirable. Private sector
experience preferred.
 Experience working in a start-up environment which required a broad skill set and willingness to
perform a range of duties, a plus.
 Experience in dealing professionally with staff from a range of cultures and backgrounds required.
 Strong team leader who creates and maintains an environmental of supportive cooperation and to
promote person and career growth within the department.
 Strong team player that demonstrates passion for iDE’s clients and iDE’s strategy for enhancing
smallholder income.
 Must have experience working with IT personnel. Strong computer skills in Word and Internet
technologies.
 Advanced skills in Excel and Accounting-specific software. Experience with SunSystems a plus.
 Experience developing risk management systems a must. Experience with establishing
international financial controls highly preferred.
 Thorough knowledge of GAAP, international and domestic tax law and IRS rules and regulations,
and auditing protocol required.
 Experience with grants financial management required and USAID grants strongly preferred.
 Good organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently, identify and
analyze problems and competent decision-making skills.
 Vertical flexibility in day to day work is required with a willingness to dig through the details as
well as manage the bigger picture. Must be committed to doing whatever it takes to get the job
done right.
 Concise, adaptable and patient verbal, auditory and written communication skills.
 Able to communicate in English across all mediums. Additional languages a bonus, but not
required.
 Ability to travel internationally, including travel on short notice, to developing countries.
LANGUAGE/MATHEMATICAL AND REASONING SKILLS
 Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively
to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original
or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and
presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or
boards of directors.
 Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions,
percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and
geometry.
 Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to
interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal
with several abstract and concrete variables.
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CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Certified Public Accountant or equivalent certification and/or experience preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
 The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those the VP,
Finance encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
 Normal work hours are Mondays through Fridays 8:30am. to 5:00pm. Work is performed
primarily in an office environment. Occasional domestic and international travel required
 Normally required to see at far and close range, and communicate verbally through listening and
speaking
 Frequently required to sit, use hands and fingers to handle and operate objects, devices and
controls. Occasionally required to walk, reach with arms, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
 Regularly operates telephone, computer, software and printer, copy machine, fax machine,
calculator, and similar office machines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work
environment is usually moderate.
OTHER
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Equipment used: all office equipment
Access stairs, elevator
International Travel
Variable Work Hours/Shifts
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