Finance and Accounting Manager at Slum2School Africa

Job Description

• The Finance and Accounting Manager plays a crucial part to oversee and manage financial operations and procurement activities of the organization.
• This includes ensuring effective financial management, budgeting, reporting, and compliance, as well as strategically sourcing goods and services to support the organization’s mission and operations.
• The individual plays a critical role in maintaining financial transparency, optimizing resource allocation, and contributing to the organization’s financial sustainability and growth.
• The ideal candidate is a high-energy, proactive go-getter who loves the challenge and is comfortable working in a multi-cultural corporate environment and supporting finance and procurement development processes across distributed teams.

Key Areas of Accountability

• As the Finance & Accounting Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the financial operations and procurement activities of the organization.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
• Prepare and manage the organization’s budget, monitor financial performance, and provide regular financial reports to the management team.
• Conduct financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and timely disbursement of funds for operational needs.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure cost-effective and timely sourcing of goods and services while maintaining quality standards.
• Oversee the procurement process, including supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and vendor management.
• Devise and implement up-to-date or modified accounting systems to effectively provide complete and accurate records of organization assets, liabilities and financial transactions.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, contracts, and supplier agreements.
• Collaborate with internal departments to identify procurement needs and develop procurement plans.
• Processing all payments efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Directs the preparation of all financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, shareholder reports, tax returns, and governmental agency reports.
• Ensure compliance with tax laws, financial regulations, and reporting standards.
• Coordinate with auditors and regulatory authorities to facilitate financial audits and assessments.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic planning, business development, and fundraising efforts.
• Monitor expenditures, analyze revenues and determine budget variances and report the same to management.
• Supervise and mentor finance and procurement staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and growth.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Executive Director and program managers, to ensure financial and procurement processes align with organizational goals.

Team Leadership:

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the team, ensuring smooth operations and efficient workflow.
• Motivate team members to achieve organizational goals and maintain a high level of productivity.
• Identify and empower team members by providing opportunities to enhance their confidence, product knowledge, and communication skills.
• Play a pivotal role in the growth of the company by leading a successful and motivated team.
• Measure and report on team performance, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
• Actively seek feedback, listen attentively, and incorporate stakeholder input into decision-making processes.
• Ensure the growth of the team as well as the efficient and timely onboarding and offboarding of team members.

Key Performance Indicators

• % accuracy in financial data entry and reporting, ensuring minimal errors and discrepancies in financial records.
• Timely preparation of financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• % automation and processing time improvement in financial and procurement operations.
• Number of programs and projects budgets evaluated to identify cost-saving measures without compromising quality or impact.
• Timely retirement of disbursed funds to maintain financial transparency and accountability.
• Enhanced efficiency of the procurement process, measured by a reduction in the average procurement cycle time.
• Successful negotiation of favorable terms and conditions with suppliers to optimize procurement outcomes.
• % of feedback and reviews received from stakeholders, assessing their level of satisfaction with financial and procurement processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or in a related field is required. A higher degree such as a Master’s in Finance, Account or a relevant specialization is an added advantage.
• 5 years+ of professional experience involving the application of the principles of finance and accounting at a managerial or supervisory level.
• Proficiency in different accounting packages like QuickBooks, sage pastel, and tally.
• Membership of recognized professional accounting body (ICAN, ACA, ACCA, CFA, CIMA) is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to identify financial challenges, analyze options, and propose practical solutions, and attention to detail and accuracy in handling procurement processes.
• Proficient in accounting principles and practices, including general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.

Skill and Competencies:

• Possess a strong understanding of financial principles, budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and make data-driven recommendations for financial decisions.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Familiarity with procurement regulations, procedures, and best practices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Self-starter who takes initiative, uses sound, independent judgment, and discretion, and seeks guidance and feedback where appropriate – a doer as well as a manager.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; highly organized with concern for detail and a commitment to rigor.
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide insights into financial performance.
• Professionalism, empathy, and the ability to work as part of a team, maintain a sense of humor, and interact with a diverse array of people from all walks of life.