Learning Economy Foundation has experienced steady growth over six years, expanding its role as a developer of public good technology infrastructure that supports education and workforce outcomes globally. With the recent addition of multi-year funding from leading foundation partners, the organization is entering a new phase requiring:

• Greater financial planning sophistication
• Enhanced governance and reporting expectations
• Continued evolution of financial systems and controls

The organization already maintains:

• An in-house bookkeeping function
• Monthly management accounts
• Annual external audits

This role is intended to build on these foundations, not replace them.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for financial governance, oversight, and strategy,company audits and compliance, grant management, and board reporting. They will collaborate with the CEO and the executive team to make decisions regarding company's financial strategy and operations. The candidate will possess a strong background in finance and management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Governance & Controls

• Evolve financial processes into a fit-for-scale control framework
• Introduce clearer segregation of responsibilities
• Strengthen approval, payment, and reporting structures

2. Financial Oversight

• Provide independent review of monthly financials
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency
• Support continuous improvement of financial processes

3. Audit & Compliance

• Serve as primary interface with auditors
• Support efficient, well-prepared audit cycles
• Ensure systems meet increasing funder expectations

4. Financial Planning & Grant Management

• Develop and maintain budgets and forecasts
• Support multi-year financial planning
• Ensure clear tracking of restricted vs unrestricted funding
• Provide strategic guidance related to both grant funding and commercial revenue opportunities

5. Board Reporting

• Improve clarity and usability of financial reporting
• Provide insight on financial sustainability and risk
• Support leadership in governance discussions

Profile & ExperienceRequired

• 10+ years in senior finance roles
• Strong nonprofit / foundation / grant-funded experience
• Expertise in:
• Financial controls
• Audit processes
• Governance frameworks

Preferred

• Fractional or portfolio CFO experience
• Experience supporting organizations through scaling phases
• Familiarity with funder reporting environments

Key Attributes

• High integrity and independence
• Pragmatic, not bureaucratic
• Strong judgment in low-resource environments
• Able to navigate sensitive dynamics constructively

Success Measures (First 6–9 Months)

• Financial governance evolves in line with scale
• Audit processes are smooth and efficient
• Board reporting is clear and trusted
• Financial systems support forward-looking planning