Chief Financial Officer

Our mission to provide hope to those in need began in 1978. Each year we send hospital ships filled with volunteer professionals who selflessly provide life-changing surgeries and healthcare services.

Mercy Ships has focused our attention on providing surgery and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in the nations we serve. Thanks to the faithful support of friends, volunteers and partners, children, women, men, and families suffering from painful, disfiguring, and often-preventable diseases have found the healing they so desperately needed.

Despite our impact, many more children and families are waiting. We believe that, together with the nations we serve, we have the potential to make a difference in the lives of thousands in the immediate future and for decades to come.

About the role

Mercy Ships is looking for an experienced CPA with a solid financial management background in a multinational/multilateral work context, strong business acumen and strategic insight to be their next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Reporting to the CEO, this role is a member of the Executive Management Team.

The position is accountable for the revenue and financial/administrative and risk management operations of the organization.  This includes oversight of the development and execution of revenue development strategy, financial and operational strategy, revenue and financial metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve assets and report accurate financial results.  In addition, the CFO is responsible for assuring compliance with legal and regulatory financial and reporting requirements. The CFO also provides leadership for cash management planning, annual audits, and budget planning and management processes.

Candidates must have the right to work in the United States.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to)

Operations

• Participate in key decisions as a member of the executive management team.
• Maintain close working relations with all members of the leadership and management team.
• Work with People & Culture to monitor costs associated with the growth in the number of employees and the benefit plans, with particular emphasis on maximizing the value of all decisions compared to the cost.
• Work with the MSGA Executive Director to monitor the financial results of all National Offices’ operations (both domestic and foreign)
• Manage the accounting, tax, and treasury functions.
• Assess and implement operational best practices for the Finance Department
• Assess and monitor compliance with legal, regulatory and operational financial and reporting requirements.
• Provide strong leadership oversight of the marketing and revenue development teams to assure all fundraising initiatives are producing the expected ROI and collaborate on strategy adjustments as necessary.

Financial Information

• Oversee the issuance of financial information to meet all internal and external reporting requirements.
• Work closely with the Chairman of the Audit & Finance Committee to set up quarterly Committee meetings, including handling the agenda and minutes of the meetings.
• Prepare and report financial results as required to the Africa Malta Board, Foundation Board, Operations Board, Mercy Ships International Board, and Executive Committee of the International.
• Track, monitor, and report monthly to senior management on expenses and revenue, and results from fundraising activities.

Planning

• In conjunction with the Executive Leadership Team, provide strategic direction for the organization and support operational and tactical initiatives.
• Develop performance measures and metrics that support the company’s strategic direction.
• Participate in updating and consolidating the financial information for the annual Strategic Market Plans (SMP) and the presentation to the international board.
• Develop, refine and monitor the five-year financial model to enhance planning and decision-making.
• Manage the annual budgeting process.
• Work with the outside auditing firm to develop financial and tax strategies.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Construct and monitor reliable financial control systems.
• Ensure that the company complies with all legal and regulatory financial reporting requirements.
• Develop additional financial policies to support our compliance and risk management.
• Ensure that record keeping meets the requirements of auditors and government agencies.
• Report risk issues to the audit committee of the board of directors
• Maintain relations with external auditors and investigate their findings and recommendations.
• Distribute the annual Conflict of Interest Questionnaire and investigate any questionable responses.
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage.

Cash Management

• Leads the monitoring of monitor cash balances and cash forecasts to assure sound fiscal stewardship
• Ensure the integrity of the separation of funds between general-purpose and donor-restricted funds.
• Establish International Treasury Policies and work to implement them across all National Offices
• Maintain an open Line of Credit for emergency purposes
• Arrange for debt financing if required
• Invest funds in accordance with the Investment Policy

 Third Parties

• Maintain strong relationships with the Audit and Finance Committee members
• Maintain banking relationships
• Maintain insurance broker relationships
• Maintain a relationship with the auditor
• Other duties as assigned.

 Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Technical Capability – Smart, intelligent, financial management professional with strong business acumen and the ability to read between the lines and beyond the numbers. An experienced CPA with a solid financial management background including leadership in a multinational and multilateral work context.
• Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization’s strengths & weaknesses; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Character and Professionalism – Approach others in a tactful manner; React well under pressure; Treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accept responsibility for own actions; Follow through on commitments.
• Leadership and People Management – Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinate’s activities; Is available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinate’s skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve leadership skills.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit and group morale; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build group commitment to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of all team members.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Integrity – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethics; Upholds organizational values.
• Problem-Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Analytical Skills – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens well and gets clarification when needed; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

Computer Skills – Proficient in using Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), as well as the ability and willingness to learn new software products such as Abila MIP Fund Accounting, and Donor Perfect.

Additionally, the candidate must:

• Possess a personal and professional commitment to and an understanding of the special purpose, mission, and programs of Mercy Ships.
• Subscribe to Mercy Ships’ Statement of Faith.
• Adhere to Mercy Ships Code of Conduct.
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability
• Supportive of Mercy Ships’ mission and vision and committed to its core values.

Working Conditions: Will work in an office environment.  Travel to quarterly board meetings and an occasional trip to the Ship in Africa is required.

Education and Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

• Current certification as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, or non-US equivalent.
• Extensive experience with US GAAP.
• B.A. degree with an undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; or equivalent business experience.
• Experience in leading revenue generation function in an international organization
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience with a major company or division of a large corporation.
• Experience in partnering with an executive team.
• Successful completion of Mercy Ships Entry Training will be required within the first year.

 How to Apply

Closing date: 4th September 2023

To apply please click ‘apply for job’

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a 1-page cover letter, which includes a statement of faith that outlines how your personal beliefs, practices and motivating factors are in alignment with Mercy Ships’ mission, vision and values.

All application documents (cover letter and CV) should be submitted in English.

Need help submitting your application? Please email us at [email protected]

Should you require access to information in a different format to facilitate your application please contact us via [email protected]

Please name your submitted files with the following reference: MS_CFO

Red Sea takes our responsibility towards protecting your personal data very seriously. The data you provide is processed in line with relevant data protection legislation. For the purposes of this recruitment, and as defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Red Sea is defined as the Data Controller.

Red Sea is committed to meeting the standards set out in our Equality and Diversity statement, acting in line with the UK Equalities Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity.