Chief Financial Officer - Hybrid

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, global development company that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro Washington, D.C. area), Creative has programs in more than 30 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Founded in 1977, Creative is a minority-owned, mission-driven organization that has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of team and culture that we are building, seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. Our success depends on all our employees' points of view, and the principle that inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

Position Summary:

Reporting to and partnering with the chief executive officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a critical role in developing and implementing the financial strategy for Creative Associates. As a true business partner to the CEO, s/he will assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and Creative’s long-term strategy. Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the CEO and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CFO will also be an advisor to the divisional VPs, evaluating and assisting them with their financial plans. S/he will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, directing all the financial, accounting and contractual functions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other regulatory and advisory organizations and in accordance with financial management techniques and practices appropriate within the industry.

Expected Outcomes:

• Add value to the projects, divisions, departments, and stakeholders of the company by leading and providing relevant, accurate and on time financial, accounting, contractual, compliance, and pricing services.
• Corporate and local financial and contracting systems that reflect state-of-the-art, dynamic approaches to full-cycle accounting, government contract administration, treasury management and various auditing responsibilities.
• Establish, mutually productive, and proper strategic and tactical partnerships between the finance and contracts teams and other Creative business entities.
• Recognition as a key go-to on strategic business affairs, business planning, and corporate advancement.
• Near-perfect record in audit outcomes

Reporting & Supervision:

This position is responsible for the direct supervision of the VP of Contracts and the Senior Directors for Accounting/Controller and Financial Planning & Analysis, and the indirect supervision of all employees in the Finance and Contracts Division. The CFO will also directly supervise IT and Corporate Administration functions.

Accounting & Financial Planning and Analysis

• Oversee production and delivery of management reports and financial statements in a timely manner.
• Ensure that financial policies and procedures are aligned with company objectives.
• Continuously streamline financial systems and internal controls to support effective client relations, budgeting, monitoring, and monthly reporting.
• Direct budget preparation and accountability.
• Ensure the company is in compliance with GAAP.
• Oversee billing, receivables collection, payable, and employee reimbursement.
• Ensure successful completion of financial audits.
• Apply financial leadership, analysis, and thinking to all functional areas of the business to create insights and ensure systems/processes support the organization (program delivery, human resources, marketing, procurement, etc.)
• Oversee the production of short and long-term financial models and cash forecasts, working with program personnel to understand sales opportunity pipeline.
• Analyze lines of business and track contract/project profitability.
• Create and update real-time metrics (measures of success and others) and educate staff to ensure understanding and accountability.
• Program Administration — collaborate with program leadership to:
  • Support business development efforts on submission of bids and proposals . Assist in client negotiations.
  • Train personnel on key areas to support and monitor projects with a view to serve clients and manage scope.
  • Prepare project budgets that enable program leaders to assess project performance.
  • Review client and vendor invoices for accuracy and contract compliance.

Treasury

• Responsible for asset and investment management.
• Establish bank and financing relationships.
• Ensure debt covenant compliance.
• Initiate and maintain strategies for treasury process improvement and cash forecasting.
• Maximize utilization of working capital.
• Establish and direct investment strategy.
• Improve tax efficiency.
• Compliance/Risk Management
• Proactively ensure company remains compliant with all regulations set by government entities, clients, financial partners, and others, including USAID, DCAA, DC government, and internal guidelines.
• Direct successful completion of client, regulatory, and financial audits.
• Structure, negotiate, and administer client contracts in conjunction with programs.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks with proactive scenario planning.
• Evaluate and negotiate appropriate insurance coverage.
• Collaborate with all departments and recommend policies to prevent issues.

Strategic Contract Management

• Provide strategic oversight for the Contracts function, ensuring alignment with the company's financial goals and overall business strategy.
• Support the VP of Contracts in building and leading a high-performing Contracts team to ensure the team's ability to meet organizational objectives.
• Provide financial analysis of proposed contracts, offering insights and recommendations on potential financial impact, profitability, and cash flow considerations.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Provide strategic leadership on the evaluation and integration of potential alliances, acquisitions, mergers, and other relevant issues.
• Conduct due diligence.
• Negotiate and structure deals.
• Serve on integration team.
• Evaluate systems and software as they relate to ERP, accounting/finance, contract administration, operations, human resources, and other departments.
• Ensure integration and compatibility with existing systems. Promote training to facilitate user adoption.

Position-Specific Attributes:

• 15+ years of accounting, financial, and contractual management experience, preferably leading a company with international operations that has grown from $150M to $500M.
• Minimum of 5 years in a CFO role in a government services company, preferably USAID.
• Technical skills and experience in financial reporting and analysis, cash flow management, contracts, and mergers and acquisitions. Expertise in financial analysis is crucial.
• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and GAAP compliance.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Technical software skills and experience.
• Exceptional working, organization, managerial, interpersonal and communication habits.

Business-Specific Attributes:

• Contact review, negotiation, and administration experience with regulatory agencies and government clients, specifically USAID.
• International business management experience.
• Understanding of international societal dynamics and trends.
• Financial analysis and reporting skills.
• Understand, consider and apply latest professional accounting and finance protocols, tools, methodologies and techniques to Creative's F&C and compliance work.

Other Essential Attributes Especially the ability & predisposition to:

• To foster and cultivate business opportunities and partnerships (internal and external.)
• To lead, collaborate, and attain positive results from employees' company wide.
• To conceptualize and plan over variable time spans.
• To organize and manage multiple priorities.
• To analyze and resolve problems at both a strategic and functional level.
• To exhibit stellar interpersonal skills and written communication skills.
• To work strategically, efficiently, and independently.
• To apply professional workplace skills and behaviors to all interactions.

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EEOC Statement: Creative is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, Ameri-Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Ireneb@creativedc.com. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. 

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision: Creative will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation. #LI-IB

Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please.