Finance & Administration Director

Job Description

Finance & Administration Director is a senior leadership role central to the organization’s success. This position ensures the organization’s financial integrity, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance while fostering strategic decision-making and promoting excellence in economic, administrative, and human resource functions. Reporting to the Country Director, the role currently oversees a team of four key professionals: a) Accounting Manager, b) Grant, compliance, and financial officer, and c) Administrative Coordinator—ensuring effective collaboration, performance, and alignment with organizational goals.

The role involves grant budgeting, expense monitoring, financial reporting, adherence to donor guidelines, and compliance with international regulations and global policies. Finance & Administration Director also ensures conformity with local laws, oversees audits, manages budgets and forecasts, and supports grant management efforts while following THP policies, procedures, and donor requirements. This position is critical for the timely preparation and submission of financial reports and technical management of grants, safeguarding the organization’s financial and operational sustainability.

The role collaborates closely with global and regional stakeholders, including the Director of Global Accounting and Finance, the Backbone of Global Finance—grants, Contracts, Systems, and reporting, and the Senior Director of Global Operations and Human Resources. Additionally, this role regularly interfaces with partner countries’ finance teams when funding programs, aligning financial management with international standards. While the Program Country Heads of Finance report locally to the Country Leader and National Board of Directors, they are ultimately accountable to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Finance & Administration Director (HoFA) must maintain full accountability to the National Board of Directors, ensuring financial transparency, compliance, and strategic alignment with the organization’s financial policies and long-term goals. This includes regular reporting, budget oversight, risk management, and adherence to financial best practices to support informed decision-making at the board level.

This full-time position is based at THP’s Mexico City office. It is integral to aligning with internal and external financial and operational standards, driving compliance, and supporting the organization’s mission.

Essential Functions

1. Audit and Financial Reporting:

• Audit & Compliance: Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely and accurate financial statement preparation. Collaborate with auditors and The National Board of Directors audit and finance committee to address inquiries, provide documentation, and implement recommendations.
• Financial Oversight: Maintain a strong understanding of financial transactions, records, and systems to support audit and compliance requirements. Ensure adherence to financial regulations, GAAP, and local accounting standards.
• Policy & Risk Management: Review and maintain the local Finance Manual to align with THP standards, accounting principles, and donor requirements. Assess financial risks for investment projects and recommend corrective actions to strengthen internal controls.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare timely monthly financial reports for the National Board of Directors.
• Asset Management: Manage the fixed asset register, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and donor guidelines on acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation.

2. Budgeting and financial planning

• Budget Development & Oversight: Lead the creation, implementation, and monitoring of annual budgets in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Financial Analysis & Strategy: Analyze financial data and trends to provide insights for informed decision-making and budget adjustments. Identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue enhancement while ensuring operational efficiency.
• Reporting & Advisory: Prepare and present budget variance reports and financial performance updates to senior management and The National Board of Directors audit and finance committee.

3. Daily Financial Management:

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities.
• Financial Operations Oversight: Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities.
• Transaction Accuracy & Compliance: Ensure timely processing of financial transactions, bank reconciliations, and proper documentation.
• Cash Flow & Liquidity Monitoring: Oversee cash reserves and coordinate quarterly fund requests per THP Cash Management guidelines.
• Data Integrity & Compliance: Conduct periodic financial reviews and reconciliations.
• Staff Training & Development: Provide ongoing training on financial tools, policies, and procedures.

4. Compliance with Local Laws and Taxes

• Strategic Financial Oversight: Ensure financial operations in Mexico and Latin America align with global objectives and local regulations.
• Regulatory & Tax Compliance: Maintain adherence to Mexican financial laws (SAT, IMSS, INFONAVIT, ISR, VAT) and evolving Latin American tax frameworks.
• Payroll & Labor Law Compliance: Supervise payroll processing and benefits administration per regional labor laws.
• Government & Donor Compliance: Ensure compliance with donor standards (e.g., 2 CFR 200, ADS guidelines for USAID projects) and maintain accurate tax filings.
• Risk Management & Contingency Planning: Develop financial strategies to mitigate risks from regulatory changes and economic fluctuations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the organization financially with government authorities, donors, and partners.
• Expansion & Feasibility Analysis: Conduct financial modeling and risk assessments to support sustainable growth in new Latin American markets.

5. Grant Oversight & Financial Management / Management and Compliance:

• Grant Oversight & Financial Management:
• Ensure accurate tracking of grant applications, awards, and reporting in collaboration with compliance and program managers.
• Fund Allocation & Compliance: Oversee proper utilization of grant funds, ensuring alignment with donor restrictions, local laws, and internal policies (such as the THP cost allocation guidelines).
• Financial Reporting & Transparency: Prepare and submit timely, accurate financial reports to donors (e.g., USAID, EU, CARE International) while maintaining accountability.
• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure compliance with donor guidelines (2 CFR 200, ADS), local legal requirements, and internal financial policies.
• Budget Support & Capacity Building: Assist in budget development and provide financial training to program teams and partners.
• Assessment and monitoring of sub-recipients
• Audit Facilitation & Risk Management:
• Ensure documentation readiness for internal and external audits.
• Address audit findings and implement corrective actions.
• Strengthen internal controls to mitigate financial risks.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
• Align financial practices with donor expectations while optimizing grant-related processes for operational efficiency.
• Regulatory Updates & Strategic Guidance:
• Stay informed on evolving financial regulations, integrate changes into grant management, and advise leadership accordingly.

6. Global Administration:

• Policy & Process Development: Establish and implement administrative policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Facilities & Vendor Management: Oversee facilities, procurement, and vendor relationships to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to local and international administrative regulations and best practices.
• Procurement Oversight: Manage the procurement process for service providers and partners, ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness.

7. Risk Management and Governance

• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks through robust internal controls.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on financial and compliance risks.
• Ensure alignment with donor compliance frameworks, including USAID and CARE International guidelines.

8. Other responsibilities

• Represent the organization in external forums, building partnerships and enhancing visibility.
• Led the implementation of Sage Intacct with guidance from the Global Finance and Global Grants and Compliance team.
• Effectively communicate financial insights to non-financial stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Participate in a collegial office environment, helping with office-wide initiatives outside your job area.
• Represent THP at external events and meetings.
• Perform all other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor or manager.
• Effectively communicate financial information and insights to non-financial stakeholders with the organization regularly to assist them in understanding their burn rate.

Qualifications

1. Education:

• Minimum Required: bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Preferred: A master’s degree or MBA is preferred, as well as professional certification such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), ACCA, or equivalent certification.

2. Work Experience

• Minimum Required: Seven years of proven experience in financial management, budgeting, audit, and compliance, including experience in managing donor-funded grants, subcontracts/ grants, and a good understanding of USG donor rules, preferably in a nonprofit or international organization context.
• Preferred: 10 years of proven experience, ideally mainly in a non-profit setting with a remote team structure and experience in a fast-paced environment with a small team.

3. Specialized Knowledge Needed for Job Performance (Technical Expertise)

• Advanced knowledge of financial regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, financial tools, and advanced Excel.
• Strong understanding of international accounting standards, such as US GAAP and IFRS.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets and advanced knowledge of Excel are required.
• Strong knowledge of local financial regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to mentor and manage finance team members.
• Experience in risk management and implementation of internal controls.
• Possess an understanding of relevant legislation about NGOs.
• Accounting and audit practices related to donor-funded projects. Updated February 14th, 2025 5

4. Skills

• Proven ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in dynamic environments.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills to manage complex financial and administrative operations.
• Sound judgment, able to troubleshoot problems and develop creative solutions while identifying issues that need to be escalated.
• Expertise in financial analysis, risk assessment, and strategic planning.
• Ability to synthesize data into actionable insights for senior leadership.
• Project management skills, ability to prioritize.
• Superior organization skills and high accuracy, rigor, and attention to detail.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills; ability to collaborate with colleagues and partners nationally and internationally.
• Ability to adapt and work in a flexible, fluid, and evolving environment.
• Resourceful self-starter with the ability to independently multitask and prioritize.

5. Special Skills

• Proficiency in financial and accountant software and tools, including COI (Mexico) ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, with expertise in Excel.
• High level of knowledge of Google Suite and tools.

6. Other

• Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish and professional Skills in English to effectively engage with global offices, donors, and compliance teams.
• Excellent personal integrity and confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Alignment with organizational values of transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
• Ability to work with a shifting daily schedule outside regular working hours and days.
• We seek a candidate fully committed to THP’s values and who understands and aligns with our principles and philosophy. The successful candidate will be part of a passionate team that takes pride in its work and views it as a privilege to serve this mission.

Benefit Highlights

• Global Strategic Organization: Join a leading global organization dedicated to the sustainable eradication of hunger, malnutrition, and extreme poverty.
• Inclusive Work Environment: Work in a diverse and inclusive environment that values personal and professional growth.
• Competitive Compensation: salary aligned with experience and an attractive benefits package.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Access training programs and career advancement opportunities within the organization.

Collaboration Benefits with THP

• Flexible Work Schedules and Arrangements: Adaptable hours to facilitate group communication and peer learning with colleagues in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• Travel Opportunities: Capacity to travel domestically within Mexico or internationally as required.
• Vacation Days: 20 days, gradually increasing with seniority in the organization, plus official holidays.
• Economic Days: 3 economic days (not considered part of vacation days).
• Family Care Leave: 3 days to care for an immediate family member (parents, spouse, or children).
• Bereavement Leave:
• 5 days for the passing of an immediate family member (parents, siblings, children, or spouse).
• 1 day for the passing of a family member.
• Parental Leave: Maternity and paternity leave.
• Accident Insurance: Coverage for accidents.
• Above-Law Benefits: Additional benefits that surpass those mandated by law.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application in English, including a resume and cover letter, salary expectations detailing their experience, and alignment with the position’s requirements and THP’s mission. Applications can be submitted through email to direccion@thp.org before February 28th with the subject line: “POSITION NAME – [Your Name]”

Applications sent without the required subject line, missing documents, or in a different format will be automatically discarded.

Join The Hunger Project and become essential to a global movement dedicated to sustainably ending hunger and extreme poverty!

About the Organization

The Hunger Project (THP) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist. We are a movement of individuals and organizations working across 22 countries to empower communities and create sustainable change. With a presence in 9,500 rural communities, THP reaches 12.5 million people across Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, fostering self-reliance and good governance through innovative, holistic programs.

At The Hunger Project Mexico (THP-Mx), we believe that hunger is not just a lack of food but about people. For over 40 years, we have worked alongside indigenous and rural communities to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition by fostering autonomous leadership, local governance, and sustainable economic systems. Our Community-Led Development with a Gender Perspective (DLC-PG) model places women, youth, and local leaders at the center of decision-making, ensuring they define priorities, budgets, and strategies that directly impact their future.

We aim to establish 999 self-reliant municipalities free from hunger and extreme poverty by 2035. We are promoting local solutions for local challenges across 22 states in Mexico. Our eff orts are integrated into The Municipal School for Community-Led Development with a Gender Perspective (EMDLC-PG) in Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatán, Mexico State, and Mexico City. This initiative represents a continuous learning and capacity-building process that strengthens leadership and governance at all levels.