Deputy CFO/Controller

About Accion:

Accion is a global nonprofit committed to creating a financially inclusive world, with a pioneering legacy in microfinance and fintech impact investing. We catalyze financial service providers to deliver high-quality, affordable solutions at scale for the three billion people who are left out of — or poorly served by — the financial sector. For nearly 60 years, Accion has helped tens of millions of people through our work with more than 160 partners in 55 countries. More at http://www.accion.org.

About Finance:

The Finance Department supports Accion’s cutting edge work in economic development, impact investing, and global financial inclusion by providing key information to the Board of Directors, Board Committees, Department and Program Managers and staff.  The professionals on the Finance team have  significant work experience managing Accion’s financial activities and providing quality support, reports, and information throughout the company.

• We do work that matters. Everything we do begins with an understanding of the real world, the change we want to see, and our theory of change. As a result, our work is not academic and abstract—it drives the real-world decision-making of donors, investors, policymakers, financial service providers, and others in the financial inclusion ecosystem. We are laser- focused on ensuring that all of our work does ultimately advance inclusive financial systems for low-income people around the world. In this position, you will be part of this effort, creating the financial reports and analyzing trends and activities to continue to improve and advance our work.
• We get ambitious things done in a supportive environment. As a member of our team, you will have an ambitious agenda, but you’ll get plenty of support from your managers and peers—in addition to regular learning events, an individual professional development benefit, peer brainstorming and review opportunities, as well as the chance to collaborate with leaders in our field.
• We appreciate each other as people. In this position you will work with a diverse team and company spread across the globe leveraging their different experiences and backgrounds to ensure excellent work and world class support. We celebrate creativity and learn from our mistakes. In this position you will have a seat at the table, providing financial information and analysis to the Board, the Executive Team, and all of Accion.
• We are part of a powerful international network. Since 1961, Accion has helped revolutionize  financial services for low-income people, including creating the world’s first regulated, for-profit bank for the poor (BancoSol), being a leading seed-stage investor for fintech for inclusion, and creating the world’s first global fintech fund for the underserved. In the United States, the Accion Opportunity Fund is the leading non-profit lender for underserved small businesses.

Position Summary

The Corporate Controller oversees the accounting, grants/contracts, audit, financial statement, tax and related activities for Accion and all its related entities worldwide.  This includes extensive work with non-profit and for-profit entities as well as mission-related investments and investment funds. This position also provides the Finance and Accounting team with accounting, analytical, and management support and guidance and coordinates with relevant consultants and providers of key audit, tax and investment services. The Corporate Controller will have frequent interaction and management of approximately 12 people who are located in the U.S., Colombia, India and China.

This position will be based in Washington, D.C. or remote on the US East coast/Eastern time zone, with periodic travel to Washington DC and international finance offices.

Position responsibilities

The Deputy CFO & Corporate Controller oversees the accounting, grants/contracts, audit, financial statement, tax and related activities for Accion and all its related entities worldwide. This includes extensive work with non-profit and for-profit entities, as well as mission-related investments and investment funds.

This position also provides the Finance and Accounting team with accounting, analytical, and management support and guidance and coordinates with relevant consultants and providers of key audit, tax and investment services.

The Deputy CFO & Corporate Controller will manage accounting activity, process and records, and be responsible for the production of quality & timely financial reports under US GAAP.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee worldwide accounting functions of Accion International including consolidation, monthly close, A/R, A/P, payroll, general ledger, financial statements, compliance with applicable regulations etc.
• Assess and coordinate domestic and international tax, 990, and audit requirements and support for Accion’s nonprofit and investment operations as needed.
• Manage and monitor Accion’s financial systems, policies, controls and accounting activity.
• Prepare ad hoc analysis and develop reports and accounting tools as needed or requested.
• Coordinate intercompany transactions, and consolidation for financial accounts and statements.
• Manage professional accounting and finance team located in Boston, Washington DC, Bogota, Colombia, Mumbai, India and Beijing, China.

Position qualifications

• CPA preferred with strong knowledge of US GAAP or relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of IFRS is a plus
• 5-10 years of experience with progressive experience and team leadership role in accounting and finance responsibilities in a multi-company with an international structure.
• Previous oversight of annual audit, 990, consolidation and closing activities, either within a nonprofit organization or in a hands-on nonprofit Board role.
• Experience working alongside providers of audit, tax and similar services.
• Understanding and exposure to both non-profit & for-profit entities, and both U.S. & International offices, is preferred.
• Direct equity or fund investment accounting or administration activity would be beneficial.
• Must have excellent leadership skills, ideally having managed an international team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate effectively at multiple levels (e.g., with Finance team and other departments) in the organization.
• Ability to research and solve complex problems, take a big-picture method to approaching tasks, and engage others to complete projects in a timely, high quality manner, as well as to recommend and implement change.
• Ability to lead and support the Finance and Accounting team while remaining a hands-on contributor.
• Capability to review, assess and improve processes and systems.
• Knowledge and experience with enterprise resource planning and project systems (specifically, Deltek ERP system experience would be beneficial).

Travel Requirements

As needed this job will require occasional travel to Accion hubs which are located in Washington DC, Bogota and Mumbai on a periodic basis. Approximately 6-9 times per year.

Direct reports

• Accounting Manager
• Global Accounting Director
• A/R and Contracts Manager
• A/P Manager
• Payroll Manager