Vice President, Finance and Administration

Description

The Vice President, Finance and Administration (VP) will oversee the organizational financial management and have oversight of the outsourced financial and accounting services. They will be an authorized signatory of the organization, with the authority to approve funding agreements on behalf of the organization and commit financial resources following organizational policies and procedures. The VP will be a strategic partner to the organization’s leadership and recommend policy updates and process improvements to create efficiencies across the Council. The VP will manage and monitor cash flow and authorize payments as needed.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the VP will oversee a team including Nonprofit Administration, Grants and Contracts, Development Operations, Salesforce Administration; and will manage and oversee the outsourced finance and accounting engagement with our partners at RSM.

The position will work closely with the Council’s senior leadership to provide strategic advisory support over the Council’s financial management.

The VP will also work closely with the Development team and program staff to draft highly competitive grant proposals and budgets in support of the Council and its programs and centers. The VP will also provide overall compliance and operations support, inclusive of ensuring compliance with private and Federal award conditions, donor recognitions, Salesforce administration, and ensuring effective tracking of revenue and awards.

The successful candidate will communicate effectively, be an excellent writer and editor, enjoy and thrive in a dynamic environment, be capable of embracing ambiguity, and be able to manage the high-level multitasking challenges of an entrepreneurial and energetic Office of Finance and Operations. The candidate must be discreet, engaging, collegial, reliable, exceptionally organized, culturally sensitive, respectful, and have an interest in international relations, national security or foreign policy.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $225,000 to $250,000. Applications submitted by January 13, 2025, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Management:

• Provide strategic guidance to the Atlantic Council’s Management Group on financial performance, compliance and recommendations for efficiencies.
• Manage quarterly board committee meetings of the Finance & Investment Committee and the Audit & Risk Committee including circulating agendas, reviewing and finalizing committee memos and minutes, and leading preparatory meetings with the committee chairs and the President and CEO.
• Oversee annual audit, with the support of the outsourced accounting team, and serve as primary liaison between auditors and the board’s Audit & Risk Committee.
• Lead and oversee organizational budget process. Attend organizational and program budget meetings to ensure revenue and expense projections are accurate and reasonable on a quarterly and yearly schedule.
• Approve credit card and invoice expenses for program-related expenses and sign service agreements. Approve wires and other electronic payments.
• Manage organizational credit card accounts, approve individual limit increases, and determine weekly payment amounts.
• Ensure efficient training on financial procedures, tools, and policies as part of the on-boarding process for new staff, and refresher for existing staff.
• Oversee investment portfolio (managed by an external investment advisor) and provide guidance to organizational and board leadership.
• Maintain frequent, clear, and ongoing internal communication with the Development team, program/center staff, Office of Finance and Operations, and the Executive Office to ensure coordinated engagement.
• Oversee financial management teams and the external contract with RSM for outsourced finance and accounting services.
• Provide approvals to exceptions for gift agreements, salary reclasses, and other financial approvals in line with audit requirements.
• Support development, submission, and negotiation of the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with the US government.
• Serve as authorized signatory the Atlantic Council with specific authority for all United States Government activities, including award acceptances, narrative and financial reports, teaming agreements, and subawards.
• Support Development colleagues with budget development and approvals for proposed funders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Nonprofit Administration: 

• Oversee data integrity and data governance across the organization, specifically overseeing implementation, training, and use of the Council’s CRM, Salesforce. 
• Oversee agreement review process and provide final approval and review of agreements serving as organizational authority. 
• Maintain and continuously demonstrate strong knowledge of Atlantic Council centers/programs to effectively represent, through both written and oral communications. 
• Serve as subject matter expert on compliance with funder requirements, including developing and implementing policies, processes, support, and trainings that support full organizational adherence. 
• Manage organizational due diligence process review and approval. 
• Working closely with the COO and General Counsel, coordinate annual mandatory staff training on Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
• Support programs and centers in developing scopes of work to prepare for monthly review and approval by the Executive Office, General Counsel, and the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Participate in annual organizational policy review, recommend updates, and develop efficient procedures. 
• Support management of travel services contract and ensure sufficient reporting needs are met for reconciliation. 
• Keep Guidestar profile updated with public versions of the 990 and financial statements. 
• Oversee and approve all federal award proposal submissions and reporting requirements to ensure full organizational compliance. 
• Assure organizational compliance with generally accepted fundraising principles and ethical codes of professional conduct. 

Qualifications

• The VP will be a seasoned and mature strategic leader with the following experience:
• Outstanding leadership and management skills;
• 15 years in progressively responsible leadership and management roles;
• MBA and/or equivalent Master’s degree or appropriate field preferred;
• At least five years in a Director or VP-level position overseeing day-to-day financial operations of an organization; non-profit experience preferred;
• A high degree of awareness of the value and purpose of ambitious nonprofit mission-driven organizations;
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and analysis;
• Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, change management, and budget and resource development.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.

Salary : $225,000 - $250,000