Accountancy Education, Standard Setting Lead

IFAC; Remote; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global accountancy organization is seeking an Education Standard Setting Lead to advance accountancy education initiatives. The role involves leading the standard-setting process for International Education Standards, collaborating with international stakeholders, and developing educational content. Ideal candidates have a professional accountancy qualification and over 10 years of relevant experience, emphasizing strong interpersonal and communication skills. This is a remote role that requires effective leadership and project management capabilities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in professional practice or relevant fields.
• Accountancy education experience preferred.
• Ability to operate as an effective leader and team member.

Responsibilities

• Lead the standard-setting process for the International Education Standards.
• Engage with stakeholders in the accountancy sector globally.
• Draft reports and educational materials for internal and external use.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Negotiation and diplomacy

Organizational skills

Understanding of international accountancy standards

Education

Professional accountancy qualification or business postgraduate degree

Job description

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF ACCOUNTANTS (IFAC)

During 2024, IFAC shifted its strategic focus to maximizing member value and experience. The Member Value Proposition (MVP) was created and is currently being embedded into all of IFAC’s activities:

• IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.
• IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.
• IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

IFAC has traditionally delivered member services from a centralized operating model based in New York. As part of the transformation to a new target operating model, IFAC will move to a global multi-location model, which will greatly enhance our ability to deliver value to member organizations across the world. As part of this shift, we welcome applicants from around the globe to apply and contribute to our mission.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Education Standard Setting Lead plays a key role in IFAC’s global initiatives aimed at advancing accountancy education. Reporting to the Accountancy Education Lead, this role contributes to the development, coordination, and delivery of projects and resources that promote high-quality, future‑oriented professional education for accountants worldwide. This role leads the standard‑setting process for the International Education Standards in conjunction with IFAC’s International Panel on Accountancy Education (the IPAE), including relevant supporting initiatives such as research, stakeholder engagement, content development, and coordination for IFAC’s education programs, including support for the IPAE.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include those that are set out below. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

• Supporting the standard‑setting process for the International Education Standards in conjunction with IFAC's International Panel on Accountancy Education including consideration of relevant supporting initiatives. This will include developing the standards themselves, guidance, and other documents that are clear and concise and that adhere to internal protocols.
• Working with a team of staff or volunteers in a dynamic, collaborative, multi‑cultural, and collegial environment.
• In collaboration with the Education Lead, engage, as appropriate, with experts and stakeholders from communities such as regulators, national and international standard‑setters, accountancy firms, governance groups, and Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) around the world.
• Drafting reports, technical content, presentations, meeting summaries, and other educational materials for internal and external use.
• Support the development and delivery of accountancy education projects and initiatives under the guidance of the Accountancy Education Lead.
• Research trends, innovations, and emerging issues in global accountancy education to inform IFAC’s strategy and publications.
• Help coordinate the operations of the International Panel on Accountancy Education (IPAE), including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and tracking action items.
• In collaboration with the Communications team, maintain and update content on IFAC’s website and digital platforms related to accountancy education.
• In collaboration with the Education Lead and the Communications team, assist with stakeholder communications, respond to inquiries, and help maintain strong relationships with member organizations and external partners.
• Support planning and logistics for meetings, webinars, and virtual or in‑person events related to accountancy education.
• Maintain organized project documentation, records, and tracking systems.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment and consistency of messages and initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS

• Recognized professional accountancy qualification, accounting and/or business postgraduate degree, or other relevant qualification.
• 10+ years of experience in professional practice, business, a professional accounting organization or regulator. Accountancy education experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with senior members of the accountancy profession, collaborate with colleagues, and operate as an effective leader and team member.
• Sensitivity to multi‑cultural environments with strong negotiation and diplomacy skills are required to achieve consensus from a wide range of viewpoints.
• Understanding of international accountancy standards, professional education practices, and the evolving needs of the profession.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and engaging technical and educational materials.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, including those imposed externally.
• Commitment to quality processes and high‑quality deliverables.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with flexibility, innovation and proactivity are especially important.
• Comfort working with complex or technical subject matter and making it accessible to broader audiences.

This is a remote role.

IFAC is an equal employment employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.