Senior Director, Finance

Job Title:        Senior Director, Finance

Department:  Finance

Reports To:    COO

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Location:       Washington, DC | Hybrid

Schedule:      Full-Time

Job Summary

Radio Free Asia (RFA), a grantee of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), is a congressionally funded, private 501(c)(3) media corporation that provides independent, uncensored domestic news to people living under authoritarian rule in China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Burma, and other places in Asia that restrict free speech and a free press. Working in some of the world’s most difficult media environments, its journalists, often at great personal risk, fill a crucial gap for millions who would have little or no access to accurate, timely domestic news and information in their languages.

RFA seeks to fill the role of Senior Director, Finance. This is a senior management position within the organization, responsible for overseeing all financial operations for a $53 million annual budget supporting approximately 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff across domestic and international operations. The Senior Director, Finance reports to the Chief Operating Officer and works closely with the senior leadership team, the organization’s President, and members of the Board of Directors as needed.

Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Planning

• Provide insight and recommendations that align with the organization’s operational goals and growth plans.
• Lead the organization’s financial performance against long term objectives, budgets, and forecasts.
• Establish annual financial objectives that support the organization’s strategic plan.
• Identify opportunities to implement systems, software, and process improvements that improve financial and operational efficiency across departments.
• Participate in organizational decisions as they relate to strategic initiatives and operational direction.
• Implement financial policies, procedures, and processes as directed by organizational leadership.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Analysis

• Direct the budget and financial analysis function for the organization’s $53M annual operating budget.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of monthly financial budgeting reports by division and department.
• Analyze monthly financial results and provide recommendations to leadership;
• Develop and maintain a capital improvement budget plan for the organization.
• Supervise the development of reports, software tools, and forecasting models.

Accounting, Compliance, and Grants management

• Ensures full compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), grant award terms and conditions, and applicable federal regulations through effective internal controls, cost allowability reviews, procurement oversight, audit coordination, subrecipient monitoring, and financial risk management.
• Supervise the accounting department to make sure all financial systems and processes are functioning properly.
• Review and apply appropriate internal controls, compliance standards, and financial procedures.
• Deliver financial and management reporting data is timely and accurate for federal funders, the organization’s President, and the Board of Directors.
• Maintain SOX compliance and adherence to GAAP, IFRS, and applicable federal reporting standards across all financial functions.
• Oversee the month-end close process, reviewing and streamlining procedures to improve efficiency.
• Manage the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all external auditors and manage the preparation and support of all audits.

Financial Management

• Manage cash flow planning and make sure adequate funds are available for domestic and international operations.
• Oversee cash, investments, and asset management.
• Maintain effective banking relationships and alliances with vendors and business partners.
• Use forward-looking models and activity-based analyses to provide financial insight into organizational plans and operating budgets.
• Oversee weekly cash management and accounts payable, approve large payables, sign checks, and authorize wire/ACH payments.

Financial Relations and Policies

• Represent the organization to banks, financial institutions, public auditors, and government officials as needed;
• Stay current on audit best practices as well as state, federal, and local laws regarding the organization’s financial operations; and
• Select and engage consultants, auditors, and external advisors as appropriate.
• Partner with the CTO to assess and prioritize technology investments, ensuring innovation initiatives are financially sound and aligned with company strategy.
• Monitor IT, AI, and emerging tech developments to evaluate financial implications and risk exposure.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a budget and accounting team of up to 7 staff, including managers and senior professionals.
• Manage work allocation, systems training, performance evaluations, and development
• Recruit, interview, and hire finance, accounting, and payroll staff as needed.

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• CPA designation preferred.
• MBA or Master’s degree in a related discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior financial leadership role such as Director of Finance, VP of Finance, or equivalent. Strong hands-on auditing experience is required, with prior experience as an external auditor preferred.
• 7 years of management experience and strong leadership and team building skills
• Working knowledge and application of GAAP, IFRS, and SOX compliance requirements, preferably within a nonprofit environment.
• Experience in nonprofit and/or government financial reporting is strongly desired, particularly with USAGM or similar federal grantee organizations.
• Significant experience managing external audits, internal controls, and compliance-related functions.
• Experience coordinating with IT staff to manage and/or upgrade financial systems; systems implementation experience preferred.
• Experience with online tools such as ADP, Concur for Travel and Expenses, Deltek/Costpoint or similar type applications.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems and tools, including ADP, Concur (Travel & Expense), and Deltek Costpoint or comparable ERP/project accounting platforms; comfortable navigating and adopting new systems as business needs evolve.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Proven leadership ability with a record of building, mentoring, and motivating teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, international media environment.
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential financial information.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

This position is hybrid, with three days in-office and two days remote weekly. Work is sedentary, performed at a desk using standard office equipment, with occasional lifting up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary range: $185,000–$208,000 annually, commensurate with skills and qualifications.