Director of Finance and Operations

Washington, DC, United States

Location: Location flexible, preferably US East Coast working hours.

ISF Advisors is the leading strategic and financial advisory group committed to mobilizing capital for a more sustainable, equitable, and productive global food system.

Building on a decade of industry research, the ISF Advisors team combines experience from top-tier strategy, investment banking, and corporate finance firms to help the public and private sector develop more practical, profitable, and sustainable financial solutions. This combination of expertise allows us to analyze problems with a systems lens and structure investment solutions that mobilize different forms of investment and philanthropic capital.

Our sector leading research on agriculture and food systems generates ideas and insights to inform investment strategy for public and private funders. In addition to issues affecting smallholder farmers and rural enterprise, we have deep experience working in adjacent areas including technology, youth, gender, nutrition, climate change, forestry, and land use.

ISF Advisors has become a trusted advisor and partner to leading institutions involved in food systems, including many of the world’s largest investors, donors, companies, NGOs, and foundations. For more information, visit our website: www.isfadvisors.org

Job Description ISF is transitioning out of a 501c3 legal entity into a for profit LLC and is seeking a new team member to support both this transition and manage the on-going finance and operations needs of the company. This individual will be responsible for identifying key financial and operational needs and creating and implementing appropriate policies, procedures, and technology solutions to meet those requirements. This position will report to one of the managing directors and is expected to be independent in their day to day work and decision making.

While this individual does not need to be a deep subject matter expert in every area of finance, accounting, and operations, they should demonstrate an understanding of their own knowledge gaps and a clear willingness to learn from and work closely with external experts as appropriate. During the initial set-up phase they will collaborate closely with the finance and operations staff that supported the previous 501c3 organization.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the set-up and day to day execution of all finance, accounting, and operations activities including, but not limited to, those listed below.

Finance and Accounting

Oversee the development of long-range and short-range financial plans, operating budgets, short-term projected cash flow and use of funds to ensure organizational health and sustainability.

Monitor the overall budget and ensure that resources are allocated to drive maximum return on investment.

Lead developing and managing budgets for grants and contracts.

Advise on most favorable agreement terms including agreement structuring, indirect cost allowance, fees, and similar.

Oversee and manage the daily operations of all accounting components in coordination with the outsourced accounting firm, including: Account receivable

Accounts payable

Timely monthly closings

Cost Allocations

Reconciliations

Electronic documentation including approvals

Timesheets

Prepare financial reporting for both internal and external audiences.

Managing invoicing

Oversee audit and tax functions, coordinate activities with audit firm and other service providers.

Review financial reporting from contractors to ensure compliance with agreement terms and conditions, spend rates, and similar.

Operations

Ensure appropriate deployment of systems, policies, and procedures, and supporting overall operational launch and ongoing activities

Ensure compliance with donor terms and conditions, updating policies and procedures are necessary and building staff capacity in this area.

Document and maintain efficient office operations, systems and procedures.

Oversee contract agreement review, creation, and oversight.

Support HR in coordination with payroll and benefits provider.

Manage external vendor or suppliers that support any finance, accounting, operations, or administrative activities.

Manage IT infrastructure including creating policies where relevant, purchasing laptops, supporting software deployment and ensuring security of the system

Manage key external relationships, in particular with banking partner, legal advisors and auditors.

Manage insurance plans.

Manage procurement processes, supporting individual procurements as needed.

Qualifications 10+ years of work experience in related roles.

Expansive professional interests as demonstrated by experience working across functional areas (finance, accounting, operations, human resources, compliance, IT, etc).

Experience independently developing key systems, policies, and procedures.

Entrepreneurial mindset and experiences.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Proactive customer service mindset with a solutions orientation.

“Roll up your sleeves” attitude toward both day to day responsibilities and unique challenges/opportunities.

Proven track record to self-manage and ensure deliverables are completed on time and at a high level of quality.

Deep technical expertise in at least one of the following areas: Accounting, financial management, or donor compliance (with a particular focus on USG).

Additional Information The salary range for this position is $100k to $130k. ISF offers a comprehensive benefits package.

If you are interested in this position and meet the qualifications above, please submit a single PDF document containing a one-page cover letter and resume. Please note that the cover letter is considered an important aspect of the application and will be evaluated against the qualifications above. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ISF Advisors, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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