Sr. Director, Outgoing Agreements and Donor Financial Reporting - 24023

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Sr. Director, Outgoing Agreements and Donor Financial Reporting

Major Function

Drive strategy, development and implementation of WWF’s outgoing agreements and donor financial reporting initiatives. Responsible for all aspects of WWF’s outgoing agreements, consisting of grants and consultancies, equates to over $112M in expenses. WWF accomplishes its mission largely through partnerships with other individuals, institutions, and WWF offices.

Responsible for a portfolio of donors reporting of approximately 150 awards valued at $45 million annually. Oversees external donor financial reporting to USG, Network, Bilateral and Multilateral donors, invoicing, accounts receivable reconciliation, and assigned audit responsibilities. Spearhead major aspects of key initiatives such as the development of the annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).

Serves as a visible and core member of the Program Operations senior management team. Identifies opportunities for improvement, leads project teams, and contributes strongly to cross functional teamwork, collaboration and planning for WWF’s processes and systems. Responsible for the identification and development of strategic partnerships with other operational and programmatic teams.

Lead, coach, and mentor members of the Outgoing Agreements and Donor Reporting Teams. Lead capacity-building efforts and effectively mentor key staff in career development.

Responsibilities

Outgoing Agreements Team (OAT)

Provide strategic vision and direction on outgoing agreements.

Develop and implement OAT strategic objectives that result in timely issuance of agreements.

Create and execute implementation plans for the effective issuance of agreement payments.

Develop short- and long-term goals to drive new approaches to grants management and continuous improvement.

Leads all aspects of the agreement administration function for outgoing agreements issued under HQ grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.

Leads operational strategies to improve functionality and timeliness of outgoing agreements.

Oversees and evaluates the outgoing agreement business processes design and establishes service level agreements (i.e., lead-time standards) that center on a mission-driven, customer service orientation, but also balance risk mitigation and compliance. Coordinates and communicates effectively with cross-departmental stakeholders for input, agreement and to set expectations.

Manages outgoing agreement dashboard and works with Team and other stakeholders to resolve escalated issues.

Compiles and analyzes data to support upper management decision-making.

Directs the establishment and implementation of Grant and Consultant Issuance Policies and Procedures guiding policy decisions and providing technical expertise.

Collaborates with the Business Technology Solutions Team (BTS) to ensure consistent business processes and optimize effective usage of Smart Simple across WWF US, including US managed country offices.

Partners with the incoming Grants Administration Unit and Legal team to advise proper use of agreement templates and consistent communication regarding compliance matters with the Outgoing Agreement Team Ensuring that processes consider future compliance and implementation concerns.

Directs the development of training and other capacity building strategies to ensure the successful implementation of the outgoing grants management system module and the continued roll-out of functionality that will benefit Program Operations and the organization.

Plans and leads business process training for the Outgoing Agreement Team and internal business partners, including job aids and other training materials.

Oversees the development and maintenance of the Outgoing Agreement Sharepoint site.

Represent OAT to key internal and external stakeholders.

Lead the OAT team by providing strategic guidance, training, support and key insights into OAT and compliance matters.

Government & Network Financial Reporting and Audit

Directs the team responsible for the preparation and submission of external donor financial reports to WWF-International, other WWF entities, Government entities, and other funders. Ensures that the financial reports provide accurate information, are supported by clear and complete workpapers, and are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.

Defines the short- and long-term goals and strategies to ensure financial reporting compliant with donor roles and regulations.

Design and implement strategies to identify, evaluate and respond to risk factors in the collection of outstanding Accounts Receivables.

Develop solutions that will leverage streamlined and efficient financial reporting processes.

Oversees the processing of payments through WWF’s USG letters of credit and for the processing of invoices and receipts for all funding agreements in the Government and Network portfolio.

Leads Accounts Receivable management function for the team’s portfolio, monitoring aging and ensuring that open Accounts Receivable matters are addressed in a timely manner by the team. Research and resolve complex outstanding balance issues, including interfacing with the donor as needed.

Serves as primary lead for WWF's annual US Government single audit process, and other project audits in assigned portfolio. Ensures timeliness and completeness of assigned schedules and supporting workpapers. In coordination with WWF’s VP of Accounting and Controller, responds to audit questions or requests from WWF’s external auditors.

Leads on the implementation of strategic priorities to continuously improve, automate, and scale reporting tools, processes, and methodologies.

Develop financial reporting policies and procedures as necessary.

Lead and/or participate in special projects as requested by VP, Program Operations

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in accounting, business, public administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration is preferred.

Minimum 12 years of experience and demonstrated success in managing administrative and financial functions for a large program is essential, as well as proven management experience.

Strong management skills are essential, with demonstrated experience in successfully leading teams and managing projects.

Strong financial analysis, data management, analytical/problem solving skills, creativity, and initiative.

Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, particularly in accounts receivable process and balance sheet reconciliations, is necessary, coupled with a knowledge of financial reporting requirements and related regulations for USG and multilateral and bilateral donors.

Demonstrated expertise in the Uniform Guidance

Advanced ability to assess process and recommend advanced process and systems solutions to advance overall operations.

Professional judgment is needed when prioritizing deadlines and workload with a focus on compliance and high levels of customer service and communication at all times.

Demonstrated expertise in managing staff in all employee life cycle stages (from hire to exit)

Preferred experience using Adaptive Insights, Workday and SmartSimple. Experience working in advanced accounting applications is required.

Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on project and financial management

Outstanding oral and written communication skills

Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.

Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:

Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.

Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.

Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.

Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

To Apply:

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status. WWF values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.