Finance Accounting Director

Job description

The Global Finance (GF) team serves to be as responsive and innovative partners who support OSF’s mission and decision making with compliance, expertise, and integrity. We provide agile, responsive, and resilient finance services, solutions, and advice to our stakeholders across OSFs Global footprint; provide world class strategic solutions, that are co-created with stakeholders; proactively and equitably manage demand; and deliver effective, efficient, and compliant services across Open Society Foundations, writ large. The GF team is comprised of several departments, including Accounting and Compliance for US, UK, Swiss/Lichtenstein, and German entities, Financial Planning & Analysis, Assurance and Risk Advisory, and Operations and Policies.

The Finance Accounting Director sits within the Accounting and Compliance Team. The Accounting and Compliance Team provide a wide range of services including: payment processing, accounting policy and procedural advice, cash flow management, legal entity audit and financial statement preparation, and tax filing compliance. Accounting Team also work in partnership with other teams such as IT, Legal and Grants to provide guidance and support to the various OSF Foundations around the world.

The Finance Accounting Director will work closely with the Deputy Director, Finance on accounting matters such as compiles, consolidates and analyses financial data including developing and managing audits and tax returns. They have comprehensive responsibility for the audits schedules and tax returns assigned. They will also assist the Accounting Officers with advising staff on accounting policies and procedures. Work is performed independently/under mínimal supervision.

**As a Finance Accounting Director at Open Society, you will**:

- Identify, resolve and manage compliance issues, which have broad implications for OSF and that require response at a policy level and/or may involve the design, modification, review and monitoring of compliance systems and practices to assure that work is being done effectively and appropriately.
- Manage Accounting Officers and Senior accountant in performing compliance work.
- Initiates, formulates and implements new policies, processes, procedures and/or systems, conceives and leads change management strategies and implementation activities.
- Perform regular financial analysis.
- Develop budgets that meet OSF’s requirements.
- Supervise all audit and internal control processes.
- Guarantee compliance with local laws and OSF’s guidelines.
- Coordinate with external financial entities on behalf of the company.
- Leads financial planning, including forecasting, budgeting and cash flow management.
- Oversee and review accounting tasks, including payroll, taxes and compliance.
- Oversee taxation and liaise with external tax advisors, coordinates the preparation of annual tax.
- Manage the external auditor relationship.
- Be part of the Finance Leadership team and jointly responsible for providing leadership to the Global Finance Operations and ensuring that OSF’s financial policies and procedures are globally established, uniform and effectively maintained, supporting a strong and collaborative working relationship with Office of the General Counsel, Grants Management, Information Technology, and other Accounting directors and the broader finance team.

**What we are looking for**:

- CPA, with Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) with a major in Accounting with five to ten years of progressively responsible relevant work experience and knowledge and understanding of Germany Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Manage work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, research financial data, troubleshoot and follow through on projects to completion, possess strong attention to detail, while meeting strict deadlines.
- Excellent computer and analytical skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and cloud-based platforms and experience with internet research and database management.
- Strong communication (written, verbal and listening), interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to show discretion and handle confidential issues.
- Must be able to exercise critical thinking skills including good judgment and be a solutions-oriented individual.
- Strong understanding of cultural differences and the proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization.
- In-depth knowledge of accounting software, corporate principals, and financial analysis.
- An analytical mind with good organizational skills.
- Commitment to supporting the Open Society Foundation’s mission and principles.
- Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and wellness/wellbeing.
- Desirable (but not required): Sensitive to various cultural communication styles and flexibility to be a team player with the ability to work independentl