Senior Director, Financial Reporting

The Senior Director, Financial Reporting Policy Advocacy will be  primarily a policy research development (content) and promotion (awareness) position.  This individual will be responsible for developing content and performing outreach to regulators, standard-setters and other policymakers with the objective of advancing the interests of investors as it relates to transparency in markets and information, financial and non-financial, which is needed for investment decision-making.

The position requires an in-depth knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) as well as a working knowledge of auditing standards established by the International Audit and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Knowledge of, or interest in gaining knowledge of, sustainability and ESG disclosures under requirements of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the European Commission’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is highly desirable.

Technical knowledge and analytical abilities are a foundational element of the position.  Equally important to the position is the initiative and ability to develop relationships and collaborate with policymakers and other stakeholders and an ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. An understanding of the investing and valuation process and how information is used by investors is also necessary. 

They will monitor the market, emerging trends affecting information to investors, and the agendas of key policymakers, regulators and standard setters. The individual will conduct research on topics that will advance transparency and availability of financial and non-financial information, speak at conferences and society events and other public awareness activities. The person will also manage, and update content of papers and positions developed from current inventory and will work with Advocacy and other functional and country teams regionally and globally to ensure that relevant EMEA and functional strategic goals are met.

Technical knowledge and analytical abilities are foundational elements of the position. Equally important to the position are the initiative and ability to develop relationships and collaborate with policymakers and other stakeholders.

As a Senior Director, Financial Reporting Policy Advocacy, you will have the opportunity to:

• Execute research projects and related activities. This will include initiating research ideas, conducting and completing research white papers, comment letters, magazine articles and blogs that promote the research.
• Monitor policymaker, standard-setter and regulator agendas for topics of particular interest to investors.
• Develop comment letters in advance of, or in response to, accounting and auditing standard-setters and regulators exposure drafts and consultations on a wide range of IFRS and U.S. GAAP accounting and auditing topics as well as emerging topics of focus including technology and ESG reporting.  Position requires an ability to cover a wide variety of topics with expertise.
• Produce articles, blogs and opinion pieces which share perspectives in a less technical manner to CFA Institute members and others and promote content identifying target audiences and utilizing various channels of communication (e.g. social media, media outreach, etc.)
• Initiate, develop and sustain relationships with standard-setters and policymakers (e.g., IASB, EFRAG, UK, FRC, ESMA, etc.) to provide investor input on emerging trends and current projects. 
• Engage and identify collaboration opportunities with other stakeholders (i.e., Big 4, other investors) to the standard setting process.

The skills and experience required for this role are:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is essential, Masters/PhD or equivalent is highly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant or equivalent required.
• CFA Charter or direct knowledge or experience in the investment management is highly preferred.
• Minimum 12+ years of experience in IFRS and/or U.S. GAAP accounting as well as international auditing standards, significant experience in a multinational/multicultural environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of IAASB/PCAOB auditing standards as well as knowledge/interest in sustainability and ESG disclosures.
• An understanding of the investing and valuation process and how information is used by investors.
• Must demonstrate outstanding stewardship and relationship building/management skills to expand the mission of CFA Institute.
• Excellent communication skills including written, verbal (including public speaking), listening, and presentation. Fluence in English required, additional language skills a plus.

This opportunity is open to internal and external candidates. CFA Institute is committed to the professional development of its employees; first/full consideration will be given to internal candidates