Finance & Compliance Manager (equivalent to NonProfit CFO)

IMPORTANT: Applications should be submitted to https://jobs.icfo.eu/?detail=944

This person will be responsible for ensuring the financial health of the institution while maintaining compliance with legal, regulatory, and labor standards. This key leadership position involves managing ICFO’s financial operations, overseeing labor relations, and ensuring adherence to institutional policies. As part of the Executive Team, the Finance and Compliance Manager will work closely with the Director and Vice Directors to develop and implement financial strategies that support ICFO’s mission as a top-ranked research institution, and lead a team of professionals to ensure that their responsibilities are effectively executed.

If you’re an experienced finance professional ready to drive ICFO’s financial integrity and compliance, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Strategy:
• Lead, coordinate, and supervise the Finance, Legal, and Labor Relations units to ensure the highest level of service and compliance across ICFO.
• Collaborate closely within the Executive Team to shape and implement strategic financial policies and long-term plans that align with ICFO’s mission.
• Ensure effective management of all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Oversee financial audits, tax filings, and other regulatory reporting to ensure compliance with national and international laws, including public and private funding regulations.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasting models to support long-term financial planning and decision-making.
• Provide financial analysis and updates on budget performance to the Executive Team and Board of Trustees.

Compliance and Risk Management:
• Serve as ICFO’s Compliance Manager, overseeing all legal and regulatory compliance relevant for a public research institution, including labor laws, public funding, and institutional policies.
• Ensure compliance with external funding requirements, research contracts, and audit processes.
• Analyze and implement changes in regulations, ensuring ICFO’s operations comply with new laws and policies.
• Conduct internal and external audits to strengthen financial controls and manage risk.

Labor Relations:
• Oversee labor relations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and related regulations such as immigration, social security and other employee benefits, and institutional policies.
• Manage negotiations related to labor contracts, representing ICFO in discussions with employee representatives and unions.
• Handle labor-related legal matters with the support of external advisors when necessary.

Leadership and Team Management:
• Lead a high-performing team across finance, legal, and labor relations, fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and development.
• Continuously improve financial systems and compliance practices for operational efficiency.
• Mentor and provide guidance to staff on financial policies, compliance, and labor relations.

Stakeholder Engagement:
• Represent ICFO in internal and external meetings, providing financial insights and compliance updates.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, regulatory bodies, and financial service providers.
• Provide financial, legal, and labor relations support to ICFO’s research teams, ensuring compliance with project requirements.

Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of financial and labor regulations, compliance standards, public competitive grants, and audit processes, especially within the research or public sector.
• Experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, managing audits, and tax filings.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems (experience with SAP Business One or similar ERP preferred).
• Experience in a Public Research Center or University and the Catalan public research system will be valued.
• Fluency in English, Catalan and Spanish are required.

Personal Skills and Characteristics:
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills, with experience leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Passion for ICFO’s mission and vision, with a dedication to supporting innovative research.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Why Join Us?

As a key member of ICFO’s Executive Team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of a world-class research institution. This position offers the opportunity to:

• Work in a collaborative, multicultural environment at the forefront of innovative research.
• Lead financial strategies that impact high-profile research initiatives.
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Experience professional growth and development in a dynamic, international setting.

Application Process:

Applications should be submitted to https://jobs.icfo.eu/?detail=944

ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. No restrictions of persons with disabilities, citizenship or gender apply.