Chief Financial Officer

Position:         Chief Financial Officer

Reports To:     Chief Operating Officer 

Department:    Finance

Location:        Remote: Portland, ME, Boston, MA, or other US field-based locations (see location requirements below).

Who we are: 

CIEE is a non-profit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations through study abroad and international exchange experiences that help people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.

Why work with us:  

• You will change the world. CIEE builds bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures. We help young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Be part of the change!
• You will receive a competitive total rewards package. CIEE provides all employees with exceptional benefits offerings that increase total compensation by up to 25%. Our top-tier benefits include:
  • Paid time off and Parental leave
  • Gym Reimbursement Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short-term & Long-term Disability
  • Six floating Fridays (based on our eligibility rules)
  • CIEE Study Abroad and TEFL Program discounts
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
  • Insurance Coverage (life, travel, medical, dental, and vision) 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts (medical and dependent)
  • Voluntary Benefits (identity theft protection, pet insurance, accident, and critical illness)
• You will be part of a fast-paced, international, diverse, and collaborative team of professionals. CIEE operates the largest nonprofit network of study-abroad locations, with facilities and staff in 29 countries. Additionally, we help international participants from over 140 countries come to the USA each year. Committed to excellence and solving whatever problem the world throws at them, CIEE professionals work on international teams and are dedicated to advancing our 75-year-old mission to make the world a more peaceful place.

Who you are: 

CIEE seeks a dynamic and seasoned financial executive to lead the finance operations of the company in its next phase of expansion and advancement of the mission. The Chief Financial Officer will assume responsibility for CIEE corporate financial planning, analysis, and management. The Chief Financial Officer will work with the President & CEO and COO, to manage annual operating and capital budgets, systems support, analytic protocols, cost models, and forecasting methods to measure and manage the global operations of CIEE.

The Chief Financial Officer will provide financial leadership and strategic planning initiatives for CIEE. We seek a vibrant, visionary leader to develop and drive an extraordinary financial operation that supports a global matrix of programs and services. 

What you will do:

• Responsible for establishing the Company’s overall financial goals, objectives, and policies; established accounting policies on the treatment and disclosure of all financial items.
• Advise the President & CEO and COO on strategic business development and key corporate planning issues and make recommendations on major business decisions. 
• Ensure the Company’s financial stability and help the leadership team quantify the impact of strategic and operating plans. 
• Be a trusted and valued business partner to the executive team.
• Oversees all financial functions including accounting, audits, financial reporting, budgeting, credit, insurance, tax, legal, and treasury.
• Direct all day-to-day corporate accounting functions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, and cash management.
• Manage and oversee relationships with the Board of Directors and independent auditors. 
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, consult with external auditors and the Board of Directors; ensure compliance with tax and regulatory agencies.
• Direct preparation of timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, statements of cash flows, and management reports. 
• Develop, analyze, and present financial reports to the executive team and provide accurate forecasting of the financial position of the Company; ensure the Senior Leaders and Board of Directors are apprised of potential financial results.
• Direct short-term and long-range planning and budget development to support strategic business goals; work with President & CEO and COO to help determine resource allocation among departments; direct preparation of operating plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Assist the President & CEO and COO in identifying, evaluating (due diligence), and integrating acquisitions into the Company portfolio. 
• Identify and implement new best-in-class financial software & systems to manage the Company’s growth. Identify financial modeling tools and develop multi-year financial models to assess the long-term projections for the Company.
• Responsible globally for tax planning and compliance with all federal, state, and local corporate, payroll, and other applicable taxes.
• Oversee risk management activities and insurance requirements.
• Oversee financial and legal review of customer, vendor, and other contracts and agreements.

 What you will bring:

• An MBA or MS/MA in Accounting, Finance, or another related field; CPA is required.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in corporate finance and finance leadership with expertise in building and implementing strategic financial plans, track records of audits management, and global experience are required.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and create meaningful strategic direction to improve profitability, solve business problems, and create processes to support the strategic plan. Strong operational accounting and financial reporting skills; will be proficient in forecasting and financial modeling including the development of pricing; must have demonstrated experience with sound business decisions and implementation. 
• Strong leadership skills are required including the ability to work at a granular level as both a “player and a coach.”
• Strong accounting and reporting skills, with a thorough understanding of GAAP accounting and financial metrics.
• A collaborative work style with strong supervisory and people management skills.
• Leadership: a demonstrated ability to develop relationships and gain the confidence and trust of the executive team and the employees.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; must possess a style that fosters teamwork and demonstrates comfort working in an environment where others’ ideas are respectfully challenged to arrive at a better outcome.
• Excellent management skills: the ability to recruit, train, and grow a team that includes Company employees and external service providers; excellent collaboration skills; someone who inspires trust and excellence.
• Confidence, humility, and good judgment; must be capable of acting as a trusted partner and advisor to the executive team.
• Customer service mentality; effective listener, responsive, and proactive.
• Ability to embrace CIEE’s Core Values (Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, and Problem Solving) and culture.
• NetSuite and Adaptive planning experience would be beneficial.
• Experience in the education sector is a strong plus.

Location Requirements:

The position is available to applicants in Canada and the United States, except for applicants residing in: 

• Washington (state) 
• Colorado 
• California  
• Jersey City, NJ

 Diversity Matters:

CIEE believes that diversity matters and that professionals with diverse backgrounds provide diverse approaches and ideas to solving problems and finding ways to advance our mission to bring the world together. Candidates from underrepresented groups with diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Please submit your application with a cover letter. 

Due to federal regulations, a reference and background check will be conducted as a condition of employment.