Baltimore, MD

The Organization

Since 1943, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the US Catholic community, has represented the compassion and good will of American Catholics and brought hope to the world. CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States and the Catholic people to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS’s activities are motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve, and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life; to foster charity and justice; and to embody Catholic social and moral teaching. CRS acts to:

Promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies; and

• Educate and serve Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.

For the last 75 years, CRS has been an agent of help and hope for the poorest of the poor around the world. Over the past 20 years, the agency has done an impressive job of expressing and living its Catholic identity, and has effectively begun to engage American Catholics in living in solidarity — via prayer, formation, education, giving, learning, and action — with the people CRS has traditionally served overseas.

CRS has grown significantly in size over the past 10 years and the agency has established a global footprint which is both broad (over 100 countries) and deep (extending to community level, rural areas, and conflict zones). CRS has a growing portfolio of advocacy, agriculture, education, emergency response, health, HIV/AIDS, peace building, social safety net, and food security programs. In addition to extending partnerships and investing in developing a wide array of partners at the community and country levels, CRS has also introduced new programmatic approaches, including implementing more participatory development methodologies, investing in social enterprise, and using innovative technologies to extend the reach and impact of CRS programs.

CRS employs a global and diverse workforce of over 5,000 people and has an over nine hundred million (USD) yearly operating budget. As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, CRS works with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, including Caritas Internationalis and members, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race, or nationality. For more information regarding CRS please visit www.crs.org.

Position Overview

Primary Function:
The Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key leadership position within the agency, assuming both a strategic as well as a functional role in the overall leadership, management and development of CRS’ worldwide Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Financial Planning and Analysis, Impact Investing, Audit and Risk Management functions, as well as its Purchasing activities. The CFO must be a visionary leader, responsible for contributing to a high-performing organization. The CFO must provide financial and audit acumen, while building and developing a talented global team to execute at a high level in support of the Agency’s vision, mission and strategy.

The CFO will lead the development and implementation of all financial systems, policies, processes and activities to ensure strong resource stewardship, operational efficiency, risk management and mitigation, internal control, audit and compliance, and exceptional financial management across the agency. S/he provides strong, consistent strategic support to the relevant governance structures, including the Budget and Finance Committee, the Audit and Risk Management Committee, and the Investment Subcommittee of the CRS Board, as well as the Board of the CRS Foundation.

The CFO ensures that the Agency strategy is fully supported by appropriately robust policies, tools, systems and processes. (S)he works to continuously improve the effectiveness of all financial functions and processes to meet Board, Donor, Beneficiary, and other stakeholder needs. A robust Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk function to support the strategic management of risk, as well as a highly effective Purchasing team is also the responsibility of the CFO. The CFO plays a fundamental role in ensuring cross-divisional collaboration, and the provision of all services and support based on a “One Agency” vision.

The CFO is expected to closely track trends affecting funding of organizations like CRS (for example US Government budgets and approach, donor funding patterns, and philanthropy trends.) The CFO is also expected to network with the CFOs of other NGOs and similar organizations to gain insight into trends and best practices.

The CRS Executive Vice President of Finance is part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and reports to the President/CEO.

Specific Responsibilities:

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Ensure that CRS’ financial reporting systems and processes are effective and robust in providing timely, accurate, and actionable financial reporting to assist staff, executives and the Board in managing their financial duties. Financial reporting systems must be user friendly, and language and currency flexible.
• Structure financial systems to be compliant with GAAP, donor regulations, local and federal government requirements, and expectations and needs of other critical stakeholders; ensure adequate planning for the medium- and long-term effectiveness of agency financial systems.
• Oversee technical support for integration of financial and accounting systems with other elements of the agency Enterprise Resource Planning systems to ensure highest quality, reliability and efficiency of information systems
• Develop accounting systems, policies, processes and procedures that ensure strong financial and internal control, flexible support to programs, and strong stewardship of resources including optimal recovery of costs from donors.
• Review financial results and provide clear analysis and proactive communication of the agency’s financial performance to the ELT, Budget and Finance Committee, and Board.
• Lead discussions of financial issues with donor and partner agencies, as needed.
• Provide authoritative counsel on proper accounting principles and practices. Access expert guidance as needed.

Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis

• Align financial policies, systems and support to the agency strategy, mission and vision. Develop resource allocation tools and processes that support strategic priorities.
• Develop systems and policies to meet the needs of new public and private donors. Ensure that business development opportunities are fully supported by robust financial systems.
• Implement a budgeting system that is aligned with strategy and resource planning cycles, and that is user friendly, flexible and supportive of the needs of department managers while creating strong stewardship and accountability. Ensure appropriate Board engagement in the development and approval of the annual budget.
• Guide implementation of relevant cost metrics, and provide overall support to Agency initiatives in managing to efficient and competitive operating cost structures.
• Develop robust systems and collaborative processes for agency financial forecasting. Support agency forecasting needs with appropriate tools, training and communications.
• Identify areas of opportunity to ensure the efficient and optimal use of agency resources. Provide strategic support to the ELT and Board in key resource use and allocation policies.
• Support the Board in the development and implementation of an agency Reserves Policy.
• Provide broad support to the ELT and Board in assessing the financial implications of agency policies.
• Ensure technically sound financial analysis for support of financial decision throughout the agency.

Treasury, Investments and Credit

• Develop and implement investment policies that support high performance and appropriate risk management in line with USCCB SRI guidelines. Provide strong support to the agency Investment Subcommittee.
• Ensure that banking policies and systems provide appropriate liquidity, cost efficiency, service quality, risk management and internal control. Develop and implement policies and systems for effective management of foreign currency transactions and balances.
• Utilize technology in banking and payment systems to increase reliability, productivity and control. Provide support to overseas operations in implementing automated payment and cash technologies.
• Ensure that agency borrowing is cost effective and supportive of overall financial and strategic objectives.
• Support the maintenance of a high-level credit rating for the agency.
• Coordinate the use of donor bank and brokerage accounts with Planned Giving to ensure timely transaction execution and adequate control.
• Develop policies and procedures for the effective management of an Agency Endowment, as directed by the Board.
• Ensure the receipt of high quality and cost-effective services in all relationships with financial institutions.
• Develop policies and systems that optimize the management of agency working capital.
• Provide support to Country Programs in the development of appropriate local banking relationships.

Audit and Risk Management

• Develop and implement an Enterprise Risk Management Framework that supports accomplishment of the agency strategy, coordinates risk identification and management on an agency-wide basis, and ensures robust ownership and management of strategic risks.
• Coordinate the processes of the agency Enterprise Risk Council to support consistent oversight and management of risk and to enhance policies and tools for risk management.
• Oversee regular agency risk assessments, and provide appropriate reporting to the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the agency Board.
• Coordinate with the Audit and Risk Management Committee the selection of an External Audit firm. Provide guidance and support to the firm to ensure appropriate support to the Committee.
• Provide support to the Audit and Risk Management Committee on all matters relevant to its charter.
• Provide support on all audit activities conducted by donors, local governments or other parties.
• Support agency Enterprise Risk Management with the implementation of an effective Internal Audit program.
• Ensure the acquisition of a robust and cost-effective insurance program consistent with the Enterprise Risk Management Framework
• Provide technical support and management guidance to the Sr. Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management and the Audit department.
• Develop policies, tools and processes that support a strong culture of internal control across the Agency.
• Coordinate the timely and accurate development of the annual USG Uniform Guidance Single Audit report, the Global Fund Single Audit report, and all other audit requirements.
• Ensure the timely implementation of all audit recommendations and closure of audit findings.

Global Procurement

• Develop policies, procedures, systems and tools to ensure high performance and competitiveness across all procurement functions worldwide.
• Deploy appropriate technology for purchasing and procurement, and integrate in to the agency ERP systems.
• Integrate procurement functions into an agency Supply Chain Management system
• Ensure that all procurement activities meet donor requirement and governmental regulations, and support all audit needs.
• Ensure that the service quality and responsiveness of the Global Procurement Department is of the highest level.
• Provide management support to the agency Global Procurement Department.

Impact Investing and Innovative Finance

• Develop and implement an Impact Investing strategy that supports the objective of bringing investment capital and innovative financing into the sources of funding of the agency’s work.
• Support the Investment Subcommittee in including Impact Investments in the appropriate agency portfolio(s).
• Coordinate with other global Church actors a program to develop the Church’s capacity to access investment capital to fund its social mission, particularly where CRS focuses its work.
• Investigate and develop, as appropriate, a CRS and/or Church-oriented impact investment funding mechanism.
• Engage in advocacy within the investment /impact investing community to bring attention, focus, and resources to the bottom of the economic pyramid.
• Participate in the development of major funding proposals to include social enterprise, investment capital, and innovative finance mechanisms to expand and strengthen CRS’ submissions.
• Provide due diligence in the process of developing CRS direct investment opportunities.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Provide visionary and innovative leadership of CRS’s financial assets while simultaneously ensuring the highest caliber of financial function and capacity in support of the agency vision and mission.
• Recruit, train, develop and manage a diverse and talented staff to deliver exceptional service to the organization, emphasizing high-levels of collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing.
• Direct the technical development and capacity strengthening of both finance and non-finance staff in relevant financial skills throughout the agency.
• Model the agency’s values in all interactions and communications with staff, partners, donors, Board and other stakeholders, reinforcing a “tone at the top” of accountability, empowerment, stewardship, and responsibility. Support the development of a strong understanding of Catholic Identity among staff.
• Empower finance, audit and purchasing teams to pursue a “One Agency” vision of collaboration and support in working with all other divisions.
• Establish robust relationships and effective support to all other executives and their teams. Embody the values of respect and collaboration.
• Provide functional leadership and guidance to financial management staff overseas.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Economics or Finance. Masters in Finance or Accounting desired, unless compensating knowledge and experience exists. CPA a strong plus.
• Solid knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, not-for-profit accounting and U.S. Government funding, audit and tax regulations for non-profit organizations.
• Minimum of 15 years of financial management experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior management role, preferably as CFO, and preferably with experience in a global operation.
• Strong finance, accounting and audit knowledge with superior analytical/problem solving skills
• Strong project management, process enhancement, and change management skills.
• Experience in financial and compliance management of USG resources strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in building and leading teams.
• Track record of reliable and consistent performance and strong customer service.
• Highly functional in communicating with both financial and non-financial managers, as well as Board members.
• Experience in investment management.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.

Preference for:

• Practicing Catholic and knowledgeable of Catholic social teaching.
• High level of emotional intelligence.
• Strong leader of people with well-developed teambuilding and influencing skills, unquestioned integrity, and the experience, confidence and stature to effectively address sensitive issues.
• A quick study who can utilize personal wisdom and experience to come to the best solution in uncertain circumstances.
• Positive in outlook, unpretentious, smart and able to assume this senior leadership role in a fast-paced, changing global environment.
• Problem solver who seeks to find constructive solutions within compliance and policy requirements.