Senior Vice President, Finance, Planning & Admin

SAFE WATER NETWORK harnesses the power of enterprise to transform how the world provides safe water to those in need. One in four people in the world today lives without access to clean water. Despite best intentions and billions of dollars, most solutions fail. Safe Water Network has shown that entrepreneurs and communities can own and operate small water enterprises that provide access to affordable, dependable safe water to more than 1 million people in villages across Ghana and India today. From this demonstrated field implementation, Safe Water Network, is sharing the evidence base of success and building the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to reach many more communities in need working with other implementers, funders and agencies. Our Annual Report provides further information.

SAFE WATER NETWORK draws its leadership from across the private and public sectors, operating as a lean, entrepreneurial organization. Safe Water Network values innovation, critical thinking, transparency, and optimism. We seek individuals passionate about having a transformative impact for those in need.

The SVP Finance, Planning and Admin position will lead the day-to-day operations of the finance, planning, reporting, accounting and administrative functions of the organization. An integral member of the executive leadership, the SVP will assist the CEO in developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining global strategic initiatives. This involves close interaction with the management team in New York, as well as the leadership of Ghana and India country programs, to ensure integration of finance, planning and administrative requirements across all functions and geographies of the organization.

SAFE WATER NETWORK seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to international development, including implementation of market-driven solutions with a focus on financial and operational sustainability, serving communities in fragile markets. The candidate will bring the management perspective needed to provide solid business case analysis that informs systematically sound strategic decisions on planning and investments.

The position is hands-on and will require strong organizational skills, maintaining a collegial working environment while advancing financial discipline and reporting across all program components and geographies, within the organization, to the board and to current and prospective funders.

Position Responsibilities

Planning – Manage the planning process and development of goals and objectives, including:

• Annual update of Three-Year Plan with supporting budgets
• Completion of Annual Operating Plans (building off of country and functional plans)
• Budgeting across the organization, aligned with existing and prospective funding

Business Case Development – Ensure the financial proposition for program investments, including field initiatives in Ghana and India, are clearly made with supporting analyses, including::

• Clear case for investment, with financial and or social returns described in a quantifiable manner.
• Reporting and analysis of business metrics for core programs, including field initiatives, against established goals and objectives.
• Bring management perspective on how financial analyses impact overall strategy and investment decisions
• Both support and lead presentations to report on performance and make the case for investment by funders.

Accounting & Finance –serving as the finance lead for the organization (the financial conscience of the organization), including accountability for financial management, planning and reporting:

• Maintain financial risk planning, management controls and reporting structure, ensuring policies, processes are in place for sound risk management practices
• External Reporting – Ensure timely and accurate financial statements, reporting and filing of annual audits & tax returns. Manage timely and accurate donor reporting and compliance with all funder requirements.
• Internal Reporting – Ensure visibility on performance across multiple levels of the organization, including external stakeholders:
• Routine meetings with staff to ensure awareness of progress relative to plans across functions and geographies
• Board reporting, including quarterly reports and preparation of board materials
• Lead finance & audit committee

Human Resources – Plan, direct, and coordinate the staffing of the aligned objectives described in the organizational plans while maintaining and evaluating employee relations and human resources policies, programs, and practices:

• Oversee HR function to include employee benefits and payroll as well as ensure compliance with employment policies and laws for US, as well as oversight globally
• Maintain a current Organizational Plan, identifying any resourcing needs
• Support recruiting requirements as needed (to be managed by functional heads)
• Facilitate personnel development and training
• Ensure timely completion of annual employee performance reviews
• Undertake board self-assessment reviews to help ensure effectiveness of the board

Risk Management

• ensure insurance policies are current and maintain appropriate coveragesLegal

• Identify, manage and minimize the organization’s legal risks, with pro-bono legal support.
• Ensure compliance with required filings
• Maintain and ensure adherence with relevant policies
• Maintain a legal risk mitigation plan
• Manage IP, trademarks and similar legal protections

Admin & Office Systems – Responsible for ensuring resources are in place for a high-functioning office, with supporting systems needed to achieve organizational goals:

• Office management systems,
• Budgeting & accounting systems

• Donor stewardship, tracking and reporting systems

Current staff support includes highly experienced part time Controller and a senior office, administrative and bookkeeping support. Country teams have well-resourced accounting functions. Interfaces closely with Analytics & Insights team to track performance of programs.

Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in finance, economics, or accounting, Master’s Degree preferred.
• A minimum of 12+ years of overall professional experience, with a minimum of five years’ experience in financial management, including oversight of human resources, and/or information technology
• Strong analytical capabilities including financial planning, forecasting, modeling, and data analysis
• Track record of building and leading effective teams; evidence of building a strong, data-driven team culture and coaching/developing others to maximize their potential
• Collaborative approach to executive leadership, and the ability to work effectively with cross functional teams to meet goals and improve organizational performance
• Strong communication skills with a compelling leadership presence and a track record of working effectively with the Board and other members of senior management and serving as a thought partner to business unit leaders
• Demonstrated capability to partner with operational leadership to set and achieve financial, strategic and operational goals
• Strong track record at designing and enhancing financial and business office systems and processes
• Expertise managing external resources including auditors, benefit providers and other professionally
• Exceptional time management and project management skills; able to prioritize mix of cyclical and ongoing projects seamlessly
• Exemplary skills with Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel modeling & PowerPoint presentations
• Able to spend 20-30% of time traveling internationally
• Management of a multi-divisional international organization and/or non-profit experience preferred

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and skills.

To apply, please send your resume, accompanied by a cover note explaining your interest in the position and qualifications.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• management: 10 years (Preferred)
• Finance: 5 years (Preferred)
• Accounting: 5 years (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)