Discussion

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer – International Organization

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Selection process conducted by matteria

Location a Work Mode

Mexico City, Mexico.

Purpose of the position

Lead the financial strategy, administrative operations, compliance, and long-term sustainability of an international nonprofit organization, ensuring financial excellence, operational discipline, sound decision-making, and institutional accountability to support its mission and growth.

Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director on financial and administrative matters, providing financial intelligence, strengthening internal controls, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building the systems, processes, and capabilities required to support a growing and increasingly complex organization.

Bring proven experience working with and reporting to U.S.-based organizations, boards, donors, or headquarters, ensuring alignment with international standards of accountability, financial reporting, compliance, and governance.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Planning

• Lead the organization’s financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management processes.

• Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support strategic decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support organizational priorities and effective resource allocation.

• Monitor financial performance and proactively identify risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.

• Oversee financial reserves and long-term sustainability mechanisms, supporting investment monitoring and financial planning initiatives.

Financial & Administrative Operations

• Lead accounting, treasury, payroll, procurement, and financial reporting functions.

• Ensure efficient, reliable, and well-controlled financial and administrative operations across the organization.

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing processes.

• Ensure the availability of accurate, timely, and decision-oriented financial information.

• Strengthen administrative processes, systems, and operational efficiency throughout the organization.

U.S. Headquarters Reporting & Financial Coordination

• Lead financial coordination and reporting processes with the organization’s U.S.-based headquarters.

• Ensure accurate, timely, and consistent financial reporting in accordance with headquarters requirements, policies, and international standards.

• Manage financial information requests, reporting cycles, reconciliations, and follow-up processes with U.S.-based stakeholders.

• Ensure alignment between local financial operations and corporate financial policies, governance frameworks, and reporting requirements.

• Maintain effective communication with U.S.-based finance and leadership teams, providing clear financial analysis, explanations, and supporting documentation.

• Demonstrate proven experience working with and reporting to U.S.-based headquarters or organizations in complex, international operating environments.

Compliance, Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, tax, labor, and nonprofit requirements.

• Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, procedures, and governance mechanisms.

• Lead relationships with auditors, tax advisors, financial institutions, and relevant regulatory authorities.

• Oversee organizational risk management processes and mitigation plans.

• Ensure appropriate management, control, and reporting of donor funds and restricted resources.

Leadership & Organizational Capability Building

• Lead and develop finance and administrative teams, promoting accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

• Strengthen organizational capabilities, systems, and processes to support institutional growth and increasing operational complexity.

• Drive improvements in financial discipline, reporting quality, and operational effectiveness.

• Promote a culture of transparency, stewardship, and responsible resource management.

Executive Financial Partnership

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to executive leadership and relevant governance bodies.

• Present financial information, analyses, projections, and recommendations to executive and governance stakeholders.

• Support strategic discussions by providing financial perspectives, scenario analyses, and risk assessments.

• Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.

Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
CPA, Chartered Accountant, MBA, Master's degree in Finance, or an equivalent advanced qualification is strongly preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in finance and administration.
Demonstrated experience overseeing budgeting, accounting, compliance, audits, treasury, and financial planning.
Strong background in financial modeling, forecasting, and strategic decision support.
Proven experience managing financial reporting and coordination with a U.S.-based organization or headquarters is mandatory.
Demonstrated ability to manage reporting cycles, financial information requirements, and communication with U.S.-based financial and leadership stakeholders.
Experience leading teams and organizational transformation initiatives.
Exposure to nonprofit organizations, foundations, international organizations, or mission-driven environments is highly valued.
Experience working with governance bodies, financial committees, external stakeholders, or international governance structures.

Technical Knowledge

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A).
Treasury and cash flow management.
Financial modeling and scenario planning.
Internal controls and risk management.
Audit and compliance management.
Local tax and regulatory frameworks.
Budgeting and forecasting.
Administrative and people-related processes.
ERP and financial management systems.
International financial reporting and coordination processes.

Languages

Fluent English is mandatory.
Professional Spanish.

Core Competencies

Financial Leadership
Financial Planning & Analysis
Administrative Management
Financial Intelligence
Compliance & Risk Management
Executive Communication
Decision-Making
Strategic Financial Thinking
Team Leadership & Development
Accountability & Execution
Stakeholder Management
High Ethical Standards