Director of Finance

The Global Fund for a New Economy

Director of Finance

Introduction

The Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE) seeks a Director of Finance who will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's financial foundation. Reporting to the COO, this role oversees all financial operations, leads the transition of financial operations from a fiscal sponsor, and establishes robust systems to support a globally distributed team. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned financial leader to drive impact at the intersection of strategy, compliance, and global collaboration. 

About the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE)

Founded in 2024, the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE) is dedicated to building an economic system that benefits all people, protects our planet, and strengthens democracy. GFNE partners with leaders, changemakers, and innovative organizations to provide the strategic funding, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to drive this transformation.

As a remote-first organization, GFNE is committed to building a global team rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value a wide range of perspectives and strive to foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture that aligns with our mission. Our work spans partnerships with think tanks, community organizations, academic institutions, labor unions, and advocacy groups, building a global movement for a sustainable and democratic economy.

With founding support from the Hewlett Foundation, Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation, and the Omidyar Network, GFNE is prioritizing efforts in ten countries: Brazil, India, the United States, South Africa, Kenya, Germany, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Mexico, and Indonesia. Our current focus areas include exploring the economic opportunities and challenges of the green transition and addressing the impact of AI and emerging technologies. Specifically, GFNE will invest in field building, mobilize resources for the ecosystem, and support partner organizations through catalytic grants and strategic and operational support. 

We invite those who share our commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economy to join us in this transformative work.

About the role 

The Director of Finance at GFNE will oversee all financial operations during a critical phase of growth and organizational transition. This includes managing the spin-off from a fiscal sponsor, establishing independent financial systems, and ensuring compliance with US 501(c)(3) requirements while supporting globally distributed teams and partners in the Global North and Global South.

The Director of Finance will work closely with the COO and senior leadership team to align financial planning with organizational strategy while maintaining financial integrity and driving operational excellence. This role is ideal for a seasoned financial leader with expertise in nonprofit finance, global operations, and fiscal sponsor transitions.

Responsibilities

The work will entail a range of activities, including:

Financial Planning and Leadership

• Develop and execute GFNE’s financial planning and strategy, aligning it with organizational goals and long-term mission.
• Provide strategic financial guidance and information to the COO and senior leadership team, supporting decision-making with robust financial analysis and reporting.
• Lead regular budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Act as a financial partner to internal teams to incorporate financial considerations into program planning, budgeting, and strategy.
• Collaborate with fundraising teams to provide financial analysis and materials for proposals.
• Share knowledge/best practices with the wider GFNE partners and networks when necessary.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and provide timely and accurate financial reports to the senior leadership and program teams to align with decision-making needs and donor requirements.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including cash flow planning, investment, asset management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and general ledger management.
• Oversee treasury management and banking relationships.
• Develop and ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial policies and procedures. 

Financial Systems Development and Operations

• Establish and maintain efficient financial systems and processes to support a remote, globally distributed team.
• Lead the implementation of financial tools and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.
• Manage the integration of financial systems, including accounting software, banking relationships, and compliance frameworks.
• Oversee the financial aspects of GFNE’s relationship with its fiscal sponsor and eventual transition to independent systems and processes. 
• Build an appropriately sized finance team over time.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with US 501(c)(3) regulations, as well as international financial requirements in regions where GFNE operates.
• Monitor financial risks and implement robust internal controls to safeguard organizational assets, for example, by minimizing GFNE's currency and credit risk exposure.
• Stay up to date on nonprofit financial management and planning best practices, as well as legal and regulatory requirements, and collaborate with legal counsel to implement procedural changes as needed to maintain compliance.
• Oversee annual audits, tax filings, and other regulatory requirements.

Person specification

The Director of Finance will be a well-established leader in the field. They will have:

• 10+ years of experience in financial management, preferably in nonprofit/social impact organizations with global operations.
• A self-starter, agile and proactive, with experience working in either a start-up or growth-oriented organizational context highly preferable.
• Proven experience managing transitions from fiscal sponsorship to independent organizational operations.
• Strong knowledge of US 501(c)(3) regulations and compliance requirements.
• Expertise in developing and managing financial systems, policies, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite) and advanced financial modeling skills.
• Experience working with global teams and familiarity with financial regulations in the Global South.
• Strong understanding of grant management and international funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams in multicultural, remote environments across global timezones
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to find solutions to complex financial, compliance, or risk issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; advanced degree or CPA preferred.

Compensation and terms & conditions

Location: Remote, but travel is expected to meet colleagues from the Fund, partners, and allied organizations. 

Working hours: Full-time. Some flexibility will be necessary to ensure effective working with a global team. 

Compensation for this role will be competitive relative to the market in which candidates are based. The Fund is currently determining benefits packages. The details of these will be discussed with candidates in due course. 

How to apply

If you wish to be considered for this appointment, please submit an application along with a CV and cover letter outlining your interest in and relevance to the role at globalneweconomy.org or via email at [email protected]. 

The deadline for applications is  20^th Jan 2025. We currently aim to interview shortlisted candidates through Jan and early Feb, though this may be subject to change as schedules allow. 

The Global Fund for a New Economy is committed to building a diverse team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration, irrespective of racial or ethnic background, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health, or disabilities. We positively encourage applications from those from under-represented or marginalized groups.