Associate Director of Finance at Acumen

Acumen is a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators united by a shared commitment to building a world where everyone is treated with dignity.

Founded by Jacqueline Novogratz, the organization was established on the transformative belief that business, guided by strong moral values and social responsibility, can help break the cycle of poverty.

Acumen invests in high-impact businesses, develops sustainable markets, and equips emerging leaders with the knowledge and resources needed to build a fairer, more inclusive world.

Since 2001, the organization has supported businesses and strengthened markets in some of the world’s most underserved communities, positively impacting more than half a billion lives.

Through its innovative approach to capital, Acumen mobilizes philanthropic funding and channels it into patient investments, leadership development, and larger impact investment funds, all aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty. Learn more at acumen.org.

About the Role

Acumen Capital Partners is seeking an experienced and strategic Associate Director of Finance to strengthen its financial management and operational capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in fund management and a strong desire to contribute to an exceptional organization driving meaningful innovation and social impact.

As Acumen Capital Partners expands its returnable-capital investment portfolio, its organizational and operational structures continue to become more sophisticated.

Managing multiple funds, subsidiaries, and entities across different countries, alongside increasingly complex limited partner (LP) relationships, requires stronger financial governance, reporting systems, and internal controls.

The successful candidate will help strengthen financial operations, ensure consistent management practices across international entities, and address strategic considerations involving organizational structures, accounting, and taxation as the organization evolves through 2026 and beyond.

Reporting directly to Acumen’s Chief Financial Officer, with a secondary reporting relationship to an Acumen Capital Partners Managing Director, the Associate Director of Finance will serve on the ACP Management Committee.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Fund Managing Directors to establish and maintain high-quality financial and operational practices, including developing relationships with qualified tax, audit, and accounting service providers.
• Strengthen and oversee financial controls, risk management, treasury operations, budgeting, liquidity planning, investment management, cash flow, and overall financial performance, including GP stakes and cash planning.
• Prepare and oversee financial reporting for ACP boards, including strategic planning, financial modelling, and performance analysis.
• Manage regulatory compliance, tax filings, and financial reporting obligations across different jurisdictions, ensuring tax efficiency and appropriate transfer pricing arrangements.
• Take responsibility for coordinating and implementing audit-related activities across ACP.
• Oversee treasury operations, internal financial systems, controls, and procedures, including bank account approvals, establishing banking relationships, and setting up accounts for new funds in the United States and at fund level.
• Undertake additional responsibilities and strategic projects as the organization continues to expand and develop.

Qualifications and Key Characteristics

The successful candidate will have at least 12 years of relevant professional experience and a genuine commitment to addressing global poverty.

Beyond professional expertise and passion, they must demonstrate resilience, determination, and the ability to navigate complex challenges.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in professional fund management, particularly within institutional, multi-fund management environments.
• The ability to develop innovative financial structures and strategies that address the opportunities and challenges of a complex, internationally diversified organization.
• Strong analytical thinking, critical questioning, and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Clear, honest, and confident communication skills, combined with the diplomacy required to influence organizational change.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with intellectually curious colleagues while remaining open to learning and new perspectives.

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have experience working within complex, fast-moving international organizations with multiple corporate structures, entities, and subsidiaries, particularly across developing markets.
• Demonstrate the seniority, professional credibility, and strategic judgment required to influence senior leadership on important financial and operational decisions.
• Possess excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to engage effectively with employees, executives, and regulatory or oversight bodies.
• Be an assertive, transparent, and collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
• Have outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrate effective leadership, coaching, and people-management skills, with the ability to develop talent and bring out the best in colleagues.
• Show intellectual curiosity and an ability to establish and maintain valuable professional networks.
• Have a demonstrated commitment to social impact and meaningful change.
• Be self-aware and strongly aligned with Acumen’s organizational values.

Education and Professional Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required, while a relevant postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant qualification is mandatory.

Location and Travel Requirements

• Location: Acumen’s office in Tribeca, New York City, United States.
• Travel: Willingness to undertake international travel to Acumen’s offices in London, Pakistan, and Kenya, with approximately one trip per year anticipated.
• Work Authorization: Applicants must have permanent authorization to work in the United States.

Application Deadline

Applications are encouraged as soon as possible. Candidates will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis, so early applications are recommended.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers an annual salary ranging from $110,000 to $140,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Additional benefits include an annual performance-based bonus and a comprehensive employee benefits package.