Director, Finance, Admin and Operations at TA Connect

This job description (JD)/scope of work (SOW) sets forth the services to be provided by the Director, Finance, Admin and Operations to Technical Advice Connect LTD/GTE (TAConnect), a non-profit organization registered in 2021 and based in Nigeria to bring innovative solutions to the provision of Technical Assistance (TA) services across Africa.

Background: TAConnect was established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to deliver tailored and cohesive support to states in Nigeria by strengthening their PHC systems and enhancing PHC service delivery. As an innovative platform, we respond to state TA priorities to promote sustainable improvements in state Primary Healthcare (PHC) systems’ performance and increase uptake of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services. We value trust and transparency, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation, and sustainability, in all our program operations and stakeholder engagement.
The Director, Finance, Admin and Operations, under the leadership of the Executive Director, is responsible for operation controls in finance and administration. The position, reporting to the Executive Director is accountable for leading the finance team in managing the Foundation processes, tax and regulatory requirements, payroll systems, controls, ongoing financial modeling and annual business plan. It would also provide leadership and coaching to the finance team.
The Director, Finance, Admin and Operations is also responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization’s operational systems, ensures that organizational processes are efficient and effective and guarantees proper management of overall finance and administration matters, including oversight of accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, production of financial statements and reports, and advising the senior management team on financial and administrative decisions

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
Grant Funds Management, Accounting, Payroll, Financial Systems, and Financial Controls:

• Responsible for the delivery of costs effective and efficient accounting and financial systems, policies, and processes that meet the current and future business requirements
• of the Foundation. Oversee the External Audit, review and analyze results and recommend for approval the Audited Financial Statements.
• Prepare the financial section of the annual report.
• Oversee the Grant and Cash Management function, including banking relationships.
• Ensure that TAConnect is in compliance with all internal policies and relevant regulations and ensure filings are completed in a timely manner.
• Develop and oversee the Internal Review function to ensure that finance, admin, and operations controls and policies are complied with in the organization.
• Ensure effective follow-up processes are in place.
• Manage the payroll function ensuring efficient systems, processes, and controls.
• Manage the financial system, ensuring maximum productivity and that it meets the needs of the organization today and for the future.
• Oversee the continuous improvement of Accounting and Financial Processes and the development of the team with the goal to achieve best practices and optimal output.
• Develop and oversee accounting policies and procedures to meet both current and future business models.

Cash and Risk Management:

• Responsible for the management of the organization’s insurance and risk management program
• Oversee the annual insurance renewal process and ensure appropriate coverage is maintained at all times
• Review the financials of preferred vendors.
• Manage ongoing banking relationships for maximum efficiency Develop cash flow forecasting and maintain a long-term cash forecast
• Ensure appropriate legal review of contracts and solicit external legal advice as required

Leadership:

• Develop Finance and Accounting team goals that are fully aligned with the organization’s goals.
• Lead and coach the Finance team to recruit and retain high-caliber staff.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support, and set professional development plans to assist employees to reach their full potential through the Performance Management process.
• Ensure the team delivers the highest standard of support across other program areas in the organization.
• Ensure optimal deployment of resources to achieve business goals.

Management Reporting:

• Responsible for Financial Management Reporting for the organization and provides financial reports to the ED and Board of Directors.
• Ensure financial management reporting tools and processes are in place to support the ongoing and future needs of TAConnect
• Develop and prepare a monthly Management Reporting Package.
• Present monthly and year-to-date financials with accompanying analysis of results
• Develop regular reporting and analysis, including key metrics reports, and conduct ad hoc financial analysis as required

Budgeting and Financial Modeling

• Oversee the preparation of RFPs and budgets for proposals to ensure compliance with donors’ templates and guidelines.
• Design RFPs and budgets template for the organization where there is none from prospective donors.
• Ensure ongoing budget monitoring and control by establishing continuous budget monitoring and control tools and reviewing each transaction before approval.
• Lead the review of budgets and financial reports from grantees as their proposals or reports are being reviewed.
• Lead the annual budgeting process for TAConnect. Lead the quarterly outlook process.
• Provide ongoing financial modeling and analysis expertise to business partners.
• Lead the financial modeling and analysis to support the development of long-term strategic initiatives and business plans.

Customer Service & Communication

• Ensure consistent service delivery in a consultative and solutions-based capacity to all levels of staff and volunteers with regard to finance-related plans, policies, and procedures

General

• Lead the Operations and Admin Units
• Work on Special projects as assigned by the ED and Board.
• Lateral Relationships
• Clients - Managers and Directors throughout TAConnect, Finance Leads of grantees, and donors.
• Finance & Audit Committee, Board of Directors-Committee
• Operational Effectiveness
• Ability to grasp TAConnects’ short-term and long-term priorities and develop systems, processes, and policies to support their achievement of them in a cost-effective manner.
• On an ongoing basis, evaluates and prioritizes activities, and focuses on people resources against key business priorities.

Job Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in accounting, business administration or related field, and professional certification in accounting (ACA, ACCA, and CPA) 
• Minimum of 12 years minimum progressive experience in the financial management of organizations/projects of similar size and complexity in Nigeria or a similar setting, including a minimum of five years of senior management leadership with a USG- funded organization/project.
• Experience managing international, local donor-funded contracts is strongly preferred 
• Experience supervising large teams and ensuring a high level of quality and compliance in their work is required 
• Demonstrated ability in developing and managing large budgets 
• Good proficiency in the use of accounting/ERP software and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint, is a requirement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in donor reporting requirements required, with specialized experience in USG reporting requirements is preferred 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity 
• Nigerian nationals are highly encouraged to apply 
• Fluency in English is required. Understanding other local languages is an added advantage.

Supervision

The Director, Finance, Admin, and Operations will report directly to the Executive Director or his/her designee

Working Conditions/Duration of Assignment

This is a long-term position based in Abuja, Nigeria.