Chief Financial Officer

Who we are:

World Education Services (WES) is a non‑profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students. For over 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals. Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale. From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, we partner with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change. Together with its partners, WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places. For more information about WES, please visit our website at .

About the Opportunity:

WES is seeking an outstanding financial leader to be their Chief Financial Officer (CFO). You will be accountable for the administrative, financial, investment, and risk management operations of a global social enterprise with entities across US, Canada, India, and UK, $100M in annual revenues, and over $300M in net assets. You will develop, drive, and embed an effective and innovative financial and operational strategy, with control systems, processes and metrics that enable the organization to effectively operate and govern as well as realize its growth potential. You will be strategic in orientation, demonstrate a "can-do" mindset, with a proven track record of strong and effective delivery. You will be a strategic leader who supports and guides teams through change and evolution, thriving in a dynamic environment where you can identify and manage risks while maximizing opportunities. As a highly effective member of the ELT, you will provide counsel to and collaborate with your ELT colleagues to help the organization make and implement enterprise-wide decisions.

The Chief Financial Officer reports directly to the CEO and Executive Director, Esther Benjamin, and works with the wider ELT, the Board of Trustees, department leaders, and staff across the organization. You will provide strategic counsel to the CEO and drive effective delivery of all elements of financial strategy, management, and planning. You will be responsible as a member of the ELT for leading and governing WES as a social enterprise. You will oversee a Finance department that includes accounting and controllership; financial planning and analysis; mission-aligned investment management; procurement and contract/vendor management. You will be a champion and rally the team on driving business and social impact priorities, managing through from conception to execution.

Department: Corporate Finance

Reporting to: CEO and Executive Director

Compensation: $290K - $320K USD

Employment: Full Time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic and Financial Planning:

• Act as a thought leader and partner within the ELT, assisting in formulating future strategies, initiatives, and approaches to strengthen and evolve the organization.
• Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to define the M&A strategy, evaluate inorganic growth opportunities, and establish valuation guardrails.
• Set clear financial strategies and lead long-term financial forecasting and budgeting for WES' operating budget that support the Enterprise Strategy and strategic priorities, partnering with the CEO, Finance Team, Investment Team, and wider leadership team to develop and execute.
• Oversee, evolve, and lead the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ELT; review and administer all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep the ELT abreast of the organization's financial status.
• Recognize and anticipate opportunities and challenges as they relate to financial and tax systems and operations internationally; generate ideas, strategies, and solutions to drive impact.
• Serve as a strategic business partner to the ELT, department heads, and leaders across the organization.
• Work with the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team to deliver effective insights, data analysis and resulting actions in line with organizational objectives.
• Review financial systems and processes and recommend enhancements that will enable our people to easily understand the benefits and costs of potential strategic and operational decisions.
• Raise items for discussion or decision, engage in executive discussions and key decisions, including decisions that have an enterprise lens, representing and supporting approaches that are in the best interests of WES meeting its strategic and enterprise goals as a social enterprise.

Financial Management and Oversight:

• Oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Board Committees focused on Finance, Audit, and Investment.
• Oversee the Finance organization and all activities, planning, and programs including workforce and resource planning, initiatives, and projects to support sound financial operations and outcomes. Implement best practices and manage systems and processes to deliver fit for purpose and best in class services.
• In relation to M&A activity lead on Financial and Tax due diligence; build, review, and stress-test financial models; and oversee the integration of financial and accounting systems, track cost synergies, and monitor post-close ROI against financial targets.
• In partnership with the Chief Investment Officer advise on M&A deal terms, purchase agreements, escrow arrangements, earn-outs, and secure transaction financing.
• Work in partnership with the Chief People Officer to plan for real estate or facilities capital needs across the organization and structure financing for real estate acquisition and development as needed.
• Oversee pension fund investment options and arrange any debt financing as necessary.
• Oversee the annual audit process; liaise with external auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Manage and mitigate financial and compliance risk across WES entities, including various reporting and operating requirements in the U.S., Canada, and India (and any future operating countries).

System Design and Contract Management:

• Review, refine, and develop financial and operational systems, as well as standard operating procedures that WES needs to support its evolution as a social enterprise and its organizational structure that includes business and social impact initiatives.
• Develop systems to guarantee accuracy and compliance of accounting and reporting, as well as leading the financial affairs of WES in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and city, state/provincial, and federal government regulations.
• Act as the senior executive responsible for negotiating and executing contracts, maintaining all WES trademarks, and managing contractual frameworks including core documents and processes.
• Set the standards to manage vendors, providers, and outside partners to ensure effectiveness and cost efficiency, managing and minimizing risk to WES.

Investment Management:

• Provide executive oversight to the Investments team ensuring that the investment portfolio is effectively managed and the necessary support, counsel and services are received from external investment firms or advisors.
• Work with the Board Investment Committee to manage and revise, as necessary, broad guidelines for WES's investment portfolio linked to impact, return, and risk.
• Monitor the progress of the investment portfolio and investment activity based on accountability standards.
• In partnership with the Chief Investments Officer, review investment reports for investment policy compliance; develop investment policies, procedures, and controls for review and sign off through the Investment Committee; adjust investment practices as needed to reflect changing investment markets, economic conditions, and portfolio size; and provide investment reports to the Board and senior management.

Organizational Leadership:

• Drive organizational strategy and accomplishment of goals as part of the ELT, including leading organization-wide or cross-functional challenges, questions, and issues to resolution.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the ELT and other senior leaders to identify and support their needs and ensure collaboration and coordination.
• Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to the CEO and the ELT, broader senior leadership, the Board Committees, and the full Board of Trustees.
• Manage and develop the Finance and Investment teams to ensure each team is coached, developed, and well positioned to achieve their goals.
• Serve as an organizational ambassador internally and externally; model WES' values and focus on building a healthy and feedback-driven organizational culture.
• Embrace and operationalize WES' commitment to DEIB, helping to drive success of a multi-year plan to strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Your Experience:

You will be a proven financial leader accustomed to managing a complex portfolio who can apply your experience and expertise towards WES' mission of supporting people to learn, work, and thrive in new places. You will have deep experience and evidence of sound financial leadership and counsel along with innovative and dedicated ways of fulfilling strategic priorities and identifying areas for operational innovation and efficiency. You will also be passionate about developing and evolving WES as a social enterprise, being an influential team and culture leader, building effective relationships across diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders, and operating in line with our values and behaviors.

• A bachelor's degree and/or commensurate experience that demonstrates exemplary strategic and financial acumen.
• Minimum of 10+ years of financial and operations management with a major company or division of a large corporation or non-profit organization.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive senior responsibility in developing and building out financial reporting structures.
• Experience as a trusted member of an organization's senior leadership team.
• Experience partnering with an executive team and knowledge of working with a Board.
• Knowledge of financial planning and management systems.
• Knowledge and experience with management of an investment portfolio, including working with and engaging external investment providers.
• Experience and management of grants management and funding regulations, impact investment, structured finance, or tax-credit finance (i.e., New Markets Tax Credits).
• Track record of building and leading effective teams; evidence of building an outcomes/data-driven team culture and coaching/developing others to maximize their potential.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Personal qualities of honesty, integrity, credibility, commitment to quality, and dedication to the mission of WES.
• Able to work with and influence a wide range of people and with cross cultural teams, gaining rapport whilst managing and aligning expectations.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA, MPA, or MS in Accounting or Finance.
• Multisector experience across public sector, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations.
• Experience of working and managing across multiple geographies, including outside North America.

What We Offer:

Joining our team at WES means embarking on a purpose-driven career with a global impact, where you contribute daily to making a tangible difference in the lives of people worldwide. You'll thrive in an employee-centric environment, with access to learning opportunities, pathways for personal and professional development, and recognition of your achievements. Our inclusive, mission-driven culture values employees and focuses on investing in our people through our culture, people framework, and programming while offering the flexibility of remote work options.

• Work-Life Harmony : We believe that success is all about maintaining balance. Enjoy the freedom of remote work and flexible scheduling, paired with generous time-off policies designed to assist you in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between your personal and professional commitments. Our comprehensive wellness programs and work environment are focused on fostering your well-being.
• Rewards and Recognition : Your dedication and achievements are the cornerstone of our success. We recognize the importance of valuing your hard work which is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and tangible rewards to celebrate your contributions.
• Professional Growth and Development : We are committed to nurturing growth within our team, recognizing that growth is essential to providing opportunities for career advancement and ongoing professional development. To prioritize your learning and success, we invest in comprehensive training programs and offer tuition reimbursement opportunities. We promote a culture of continuous learning that empowers you to thrive and evolve.
• Innovation and Impact : Engage in work that directly transforms lives and empowers individuals and communities by expanding access to global educational and professional pathways. Join us in fostering a culture that values innovation, embraces new approaches, and leverages transformation to implement and drive impactful change.
• Community and Connection : Our team is made up of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds who have varying perspectives and ideas. Our diverse workforce reflects the global community we serve, and we take pride in it. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Experience the power of connection by participating in a range of activities, including employee-led resource groups, town halls, collaborative team events, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that promote equity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within our organization.

Values:

• Opportunity - We open doors so people can build better futures.
• Inclusion - We become stronger, more creative, and more resilient when we embrace diversity.
• Equity - We uphold fairness and justice in our work and actions.
• Enterprising - We are resourceful, inventive, and driven.

Inclusive Recruitment Process:

We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints. At our organization, individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.

Our Commitment:

At World Education Services, we're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities, both in the US and Canada. This commitment is underscored by our unwavering dedication to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics. This commitment extends to every aspect of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, and benefits. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. For us, diversity goes beyond compliance – it's about embracing unique perspectives and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

If you encounter challenges accessing or using our career site due to a disability, you may request reasonable accommodation by contacting us via email at View email address on click.appcast.io . Our Talent Acquisition team is dedicated to supporting qualified candidates by providing solutions that can meet their needs.

Please be advised that this email address is intended to receive and respond to inquiries concerning the accessibility of the online application system, and requests for assistance and accommodation during any part of the recruitment process. Résumés or applications sent to this email address will not be reviewed.

For more information about WES, please visit our website at .

This position is an existing vacancy and is currently open for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.