Finance and Operations Manager at Management Sciences For Health - MSH

About the role:

The Finance and Operations Manager will be responsible for assisting the Project Director with safeguarding the assets (financial and physical) of MSH and ultimately the U.S. Government or other donors against fraud, loss, or misuse. The person has the primary responsibility to ensure that project operations and payments are efficient and effective, comply with MSH standards, donor and local country regulations, and support the attainment of project results and client expectations. The Finance and Operations Manager is part of the project leadership team and will oversee the financial and operations management for the project. This includes oversight of finance and accounting, logistics, procurement, and supply chain activities to guarantee timely and cost-effective delivery of goods and services. The Finance and Operations Manager will liaise with local partners, donors, and MSH’s headquarters regarding any aspects of program implementation, contractual, risk management, cost share, governance, and all other matters related to finance and operations.  The person will become aware of, and adhere to, MSH’s procurement integrity standards in all activities.

Specific Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Preparation of internal and external financial reports including month and year-end reports, donor financial reports/ validation of draft reports if the submission of donor reports is centralized at HQ, and local statutorily required financial statements.
• Perform robust spot checks and regular reviews of the financial accounts and supporting documents. Prepare Monthly Financial Reports and ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled accurately each month.
• Lead the program's annual budget development & revision process including working closely with technical and operations teams to develop an annual work plan, life-of-project budget, and an activity plan budget, ensuring that all necessary costs are included accurately and completely and that these costs are reasonable and allowable
• Monitor expenses regularly and establish controls to ensure that project expenses adhere to MSH and donor policies and procedures.
• Ensure the integrity of MSH’s financial management systems (QuickBooks, CostPoint). Ensure robust and clearly defined controls and expectations in the correct application of the financial management systems.
• Provide senior-level strategic support and guidance to the project team in all areas related to project financial management.
• Maintain systems for program budget monitoring and tracking that include financial and contractual data. Monitor project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to achieve successful outcomes.

Operations Management

• Manage day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of project deliverables.
• Oversee property and asset management, including acquiring insurance, and maintaining inventories and asset registers.
• Ensure that adequate systems are in place for tracking, monitoring, and inventory analysis of all stock, employing the use of monitoring tools, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Evaluate and enhance supply chain processes to minimize costs and improve efficiency.
• Manage a matrix that tracks all the required goods and services required for the smooth functioning of the Project
• Ensure that common office operational expenses are allocated appropriately to the projects supported by the country.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise the Finance and Operations staff and ensure that the team is accountable for their performance management (including regular results, check-ins, formal appraisals, supportive supervision, rewards, training, coaching, and career development support), fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Ensure staff actions are governed by the highest standards of personal and business conduct as stipulated in policy guidelines.
• Provide training and guidance and develop priorities, monitor achievements, and evaluate the performance of staff.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure that project activities and management operations are implemented according to MSH's mission, values, policies, standard operating procedures, local laws and regulations, and safeguard MSH's reputation - Financial, Contractual, and political integrity.
• Ensure that control systems are in place to ensure that project operations are well managed, and that staff act in full compliance with local laws, comply with the terms and conditions of contract/award and donor requirements, and MSH policies and standard operating procedures.

This list is not exhaustive, the Finance & Operations Manager will be expected to carry out other duties as assigned to achieve the outcomes desired by our client and needed by the people the project aims to serve.

QUALIFICATIONS

What do you need to apply?

MSH employs people of passion, we seek those individuals who dream of a better world. We look for professionals who combine experience, local knowledge, and an understanding of international best practices.

Specific requirements for this role would be:

Education:

• Required: Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• Preferred: Professional accounting certification (e.g. ACCA, ICAN, CPA

​​Experience:                                                

• A minimum of 7+ years’ experience in a similar position

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• 3 - 4 years of managerial experience.
• Knowledge and experience of handling U.S. government funded projects including knowledge of donor rules and regulations.
• Understanding of key aspects of accounting.
• Ability to use basic accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks).
• Written and verbal proficiency in English including business terminology.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel spreadsheets.
• Strong written and oral presentation skills in English.
• Must possess good report writing, presentation, data analytics, and interpretation skills.
• A creative and proactive approach to all areas of work with a ‘can do’ attitude, in line with MSH’s values.
• Strong teamworking orientation with a flexible and adaptable approach to work demands across the whole organization.
• Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
• Collaboration skills.
• Demonstrate good judgment and sound financial "common sense".
• Ability to create and monitor budgets. Understanding of Cash Control, Asset Management, and Bank Reconciliations.
• Understanding of principles of adequate documentation and of audit, and performance necessary to ensure audit compliance.
• Good ethical conduct.
• Ability to manage teams.
• Monitoring/assessing performance to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Constructive and productive team player with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail