Director of Finance

Position Title:                  Director of Finance

Reporting To:                   President

Location:                          Remote, flexible location between USA Central Time and Central European Time

Introduction

WaterConnect LLC (“WaterConnect”) is a new purpose-driven venture that develops water and sanitation infrastructure projects to catalyze investment and enhance climate resilience for people, cities, and watersheds. WaterConnect partners with infrastructure developers, utilities, engineering firms, and equipment suppliers operating in low- and middle-income countries to co-develop infrastructure projects, bringing them from concept to financial close and construction.  With the goal of accelerating the flow of projects, WaterConnect offers project development funding and expertise to supplement the pre-existing resources of its partners. WaterConnect will coordinate closely with Water.org and WaterEquity, which offer complementary products, including project construction financing. WaterConnect is at pre-launch stage and expects to fully launch in Q3 2024.  

Summary

The Company seeks a Director of Finance to manage and oversee the Company’s corporate finance functions and the financial management of the portfolio of infrastructure projects under development. This is a newly created senior position in a start-up company taking up a new business line in collaboration with the family of Water.org companies. The role will oversee the financial analysis of project development opportunities sourced by the Company’s global team, as well as the financial monitoring of the Company’s project portfolio. The role will also oversee the Company's financial planning, internal financial services, and accounting. As a new position in a spin-off that is pre-launch, the Director of Finance will be a leadership position with opportunities to build the business from an early stage.

 The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in the financial management of a business involved in infrastructure project development or project finance, coupled with an appetite for a role in an exciting start-up business in the field of impact investing in emerging markets. S/he will be someone who thrives in a dynamic, start-up culture, excels at independent work and proactive communication, and is able to manage diverse projects simultaneously. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working remotely with colleagues globally and demonstrate exceptional business judgment. Because the Company is in its start-up phase, the position will evolve rapidly as the team grows and priorities change. 

The Director of Finance will report to the President of the Company.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities

Investments

• Evaluate financial strength of project opportunities and advise on financial structuring and terms
• Track and report on financial performance of project portfolio
• Oversee treasury functions and financial transactions related to the project portfolio

Financial planning

• Lead multi-year financial planning and annual budget assembly, forecasting and liquidity management Internal Financial Services
• Oversee bank accounts, payments, payroll, reimbursements, etc.
• Deliver financial reports for management and board of managers
• Manage relationships with external partners and vendors

Accounting and Controls

• Establish and enforce proper finance and accounting procedures and controls
• Oversee accounting through third-party, including day-to-day and period-end closing processes
• Lead aspects of finance department collaboration with parent company, including consolidation
• Paper annual tax filings and ensure compliance with applicable accounting and tax regulations

Qualifications

• Passion for addressing the global water and sanitation crisis 
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required — a CPA and/or advanced degree strongly preferred
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in corporate finance or investment role
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the financial management of a business involved in infrastructure project development or project finance
• Track record of setting up new companies, business lines, or systems
• Willingness and ability to play both leadership and hands-on role, as part of small team
• Appetite to build, proactive problem-solving mindset, Comfort with evolving role in start-up business
• Ability to work alone and collaborate with team members across diverse locations and time zones
• Preference for direct experience in the following areas:  
•    Private sector-led infrastructure project development, unsolicited project bids 
• Infrastructure project finance and SPVs, particularly as equity investor 
• Sector experience in water supply, sanitation, solid waste, renewable energy
• Cross-border transactions, experience in low- and middle-income countries 

Physical Requirements 

Role includes regular on-line collaboration across time zones. Colleagues, partners, and service providers are based in the Americas, Africa, India, and East Asia. This role involves extended periods of sitting and reaching. This role requires the ability to see, talk, and hear. Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.

Benefits

Overall compensation will be commensurate with education and experience and structured to reflect a competitive package for a full-time senior-level team member.

No relocation benefits or visa sponsorship will be offered.

Submit a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume. Both documents must be in English. Applications are encouraged by July 5, 2024.

WaterConnect is an equal-opportunity employer and on an intentional journey to determine how we can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within our organization but also within our industry. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment that is characterized by engagement, a sense of connection, and respect for the differences and contributions of all our professionals. WaterConnect recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

 Don’t meet every single requirement?  If you are enthusiastic about this role but find that your experience does not perfectly match every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and perspective could make you the ideal candidate for this position.