Description
Status: Full-time
Schedule: M-F, 8.30a.m. – 4.30p.m, including occasional evening and weekend work
Reports to: President and Chief Executive Officer
Direct reports: Oversight of Accounting team, Controller, and AVP for Financial Planning and Treasury
Start date: Fall 2026
Location: Chicago, IL Preferred; Remote in the U.S. possible; occasional in-person presence is required
About Us:
IES Global is a not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider dedicated to transforming the lives of nearly 10,000 students annually through unparalleled study abroad experiences. From our headquarters in Chicago, we offer 400+ programs in 85 locations worldwide, partnering with 500 colleges and universities to create authentic educational experiences that exceed expectations.
IES Global comprises a collective of brands including IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF). We champion meaningful academic and cultural education, integrate diverse perspectives, prioritize student health and safety, and strive to better the world through our Global Good Commitment.
For nearly 75 years, we have been a trusted leader in global education, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We actively recruit underrepresented students and provide millions in scholarships each year, celebrating a diverse student body that reflects the vibrant cultures we engage with. Our commitment extends to our diverse team, fostering an inclusive, welcoming workplace where talents from various backgrounds collaborate and grow.
Join us at IES Abroad and become part of a community dedicated to creating global leaders and life-changing experiences.
Summary of Position
The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the senior executive responsible for financial stewardship, investment oversight, financial risk management, and long-term financial sustainability of IES Abroad. The CFO ensures that the organization’s financial structure, controls, and capital deployment enable strong academic programs, operational excellence, and global resilience. The CFO also brings important financial insights to strategic decision making both at the executive team and board level.
This role is intentionally designed to separate execution, oversight, and decision-making, reduce key-person risk, and support organizational continuity.
While reporting directly to the CEO, the CFO will also work closely with and respond to requests from the Board of Directors to support its fiduciary oversight.
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities
Financial Strategy & Stewardship
Set and oversee IES Global’s overall financial strategy, including:
- Long-term financial sustainability
- Capital planning and liquidity management
- Balance-sheet strength and reserves
Ensure alignment between financial strategy and academic and operational priorities.
Support global financial operations, including efforts by the Executive Leadership Team to streamline financial processes and improve efficiency and financial performance.
Provide insight and guidance on financial impact of key business drivers to inform program pricing and other key strategic decisions.
Serve as senior financial advisor to the President and Executive Team.
Board Support & Committee Leadership
Serve as primary staff lead to the Board’s Finance and Investment Committees; jointly serve with Controller as staff liaison on Board Audit Committee.
Prepare and present decision-ready materials, including:
- Performance and benchmark analysis
- Risk, volatility, and downside exposure
- Liquidity and stress-testing scenarios
- Asset allocation and rebalancing recommendations
Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities through clear analysis and disciplined governance processes.
Investment Strategy, Oversight & Fiduciary Stewardship
Serve as the executive owner of IES Global’s investment governance framework, including endowment, reserves, and long-term capital pools.
Lead development, implementation, and refinement of:
- Investment objectives
- Asset allocation strategy
- Risk tolerance and liquidity parameters
- Spending and draw policies
Translate institutional operating needs (liquidity, enrollment cycles, FX exposure, capital timing) into clear investment constraints and priorities.
Ensure investment strategy protects institutional flexibility during periods of market volatility, enrollment disruption, or geopolitical risk.
Advisor, Manager & Custodian Oversight
Lead the selection, evaluation, and ongoing oversight of:
- Investment advisors and/or OCIO providers
- Custodians
- External investment managers, as applicable
Evaluate performance relative to:
- Policy benchmarks
- Risk-adjusted return expectations
- Cost efficiency
- Governance quality and service delivery
Recommend changes to investment structure, advisors, or strategy when warranted.
Enterprise Financial Risk Management
Own financial risk management across the institution, including:
- Liquidity risk
- Investment and market risk
- Foreign currency and economic exposure
- Regulatory and compliance risk
Establish risk tolerance frameworks and escalation thresholds.
Serve as final escalation point for material financial or compliance issues.
Accounting, Controls & Audit Oversight
Provide executive oversight of:
- Financial reporting integrity
- Internal control environment
- External audit process
Approve accounting policies, significant judgments, and major estimates.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit standards, and regulatory requirements.
Design and maintain simple, standardized accounting guidance and support models for Centers and non-accountant staff performing bookkeeping functions.
Document key accounting processes, close calendars, and institutional knowledge to support continuity through leadership transitions.
Financial Planning, Treasury & FX Oversight
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring.
Approve foreign currency risk management strategy with emphasis on:
- Matching U.S. dollar revenues with expected overseas expenses
- Protecting program margins and pricing integrity
Ensure adherence to Board-approved foreign exchange and risk management policies.
Coordinate with FP&A and Operations to align financial planning with institutional realities.
Governance, Committees & External Relationships
Serve as primary financial liaison to Board Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees.
Manage relationships with:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Investment advisors and custodians
- External auditors
- Regulators and external stakeholders as required
Financial Organization Leadership & Continuity
Design and maintain a scalable finance organization with:
- Clear accountability
- Strong separation of duties
- Documented processes and decision frameworks
Empower functional leaders while retaining final decision authority.
Ensure financial leadership, investment oversight, and governance processes are institutional, not personality-dependent.
Ensure that accounting and financial operations not only meet appropriate compliance standards but also align with business needs.
Drive teams to leverage technology tools to achieve efficiencies in financial and accounting operations.
Authority & Decision Rights
Final decision authority over:
- Financial and investment policy
- Asset allocation and investment structure (subject to Board approval)
- Risk acceptance and mitigation strategies
- Liquidity and capital planning
- Foreign currency hedging actions
Authority to escalate matters to the President and Board.
Accountability for overall financial and investment integrity of the institution.
Experience & Qualifications/Skills
At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience and expertise in the finance and accounting field; with demonstrated leadership experience in finance, investment oversight, and risk management.
Significant experience in nonprofit or complex multi-entity accounting and finance; international experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with Board and Committee governance; institutional investment oversight; and multi-currency and global operations.
Ability to operate effectively in an oversight and advisory capacity.
Collaborative, disciplined, and risk-aware approach.
Ability to operate in a complex, multi-entity international environment.
Clear communication skills, with a disciplined, execution-oriented mindset.
Must be forward-thinking and adapt with change to meet the evolving system and client needs of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to be collaborative to achieve broader organizational goals and efficiencies.
Education, Licenses, and/or Certifications
Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree preferred.
CPA preferred.
Experience with Workday strongly preferred.
Hiring Salary Range
$350,000 - $450,000
Benefits Eligible
Yes, IES Abroad offers a wide range of benefits for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found on our website: https://www.iesabroad.org/about/careers
