Finance Consultant, Country Programs at MasterCard

Reporting to the Head, Program Finance , the Lead will partner with the Country Program Leads in the management of the end-to-end financial programmatic processes (from Roadmap development to Delivery). The Lead will ensure that the programs are adequately funded to achieve intended outcomes (Budgeting) and that the funding is being utilized to deliver the intended outcome by employing appropriate risk management systems through program monitoring & Reporting to aid decision making. He/she will safeguard the Foundation’s Financial resources by maintaining a sound control environment, ensuring the programs are compliant with CRA regulations and providing stewardship on risk Management to their partners.

This role is a 12 months contract role

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Before program approval

• Provide financial expertise and advice internally to the Foundation’s Programs team on the development and implementation of comprehensive programming strategies. 
• Ongoing monitoring program financial performance post kick off (Deliver phase) to ensure foundation resources are deployed as envisaged and there are sufficient funding & financial controls in place to support the delivery of expected program outcomes.  
• Perform due diligence procedures on partners (i.e. evaluating financial statements, tax returns, financial capacity, watchlist screening) 
• Ensure programs comply with Canadian regulatory requirements (e.g., charitable purposes and private benefit), and international financial regulations (e.g., anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws), escalating to Legal and Compliance team as required 
• Assess alignment with charity law (i.e., private benefit and charitable purpose rules) in coordination with the Legal & Compliance teams 
• Guide and train external program partners on all financial aspects of contract execution, including budgeting and reporting, due diligence, financial controls and Canadian regulatory requirements. 

Monthly

• Ensure the grants management system is updated in a timely & Accurate manner with the correct financial information for each program 

Quarterly

• Analyzes financial performance against forecast and budget, investigates variances, communicates findings and makes recommendations to programs and partners.
• Ensure timely disbursements for programs to ensure programs have sufficient funding in place to deliver the program’s objectives and outcomes
• Ongoing monitoring & reporting on program financial performance post kick off (Deliver phase) per agreed timelines to ensure foundation resources are deployed as envisaged and there are sufficient funding & financial controls in place to support the delivery of expected program outcomes, as well as ensuring compliance with the CRA requirements on Books and records
• Provide Monthly financial forecasts on commitments and disbursements for the assigned portfolio
• Provide monthly financial reports on the status of the program portfolio, including analysis and insights to support decision-making on resource allocation

Yearly

• Maintain accurate and timely financial documentation and data, and report on contract commitments, disbursements, and cash flow projections. 
• Provide periodic reporting on partner finance matters as determined by the partner contracts and ensure follow-up action items are closed as required  
• Troubleshooting and management of financial issues that arise during program implementation 
• Lead comprehensive program assessment processes, ensuring quality control of the plans (Accountable for the quality of the Due diligence assessment) 
• Drive the annual due diligence review process and update yearly workplans with the Programs teams and partners 

Upon request

• Identify and provide financial advice, including but not limited to funding terms, taxation, Accounting Standards and other application regulations/legislation that may arise
• Provide ad-hoc data and support for learning and evaluation activities, including analysis of program outputs and value-for-money. 
• Ensure there are adequate business controls with the programs to ensure the safeguarding of the foundation’s assets 

Responsibilities

• Accountable for compliance with local and international financial regulations and requirements, e.g. Canada Revenue Agency
• Accountable for compliance with local and international financial regulations and requirements, e.g. Canada Revenue Agency standards, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, etc. 
• Lead the assessment of the organization's capacity assessments especially as it relates to the financial capacity of potential partners 
• Provide Financial Information & insights as pertains to program finance to support decision-making
• Provide input into the foundation's financial planning & budgeting routines within the required timelines and guidance as provided by the Financial Planning & Analysis team
• From time to time, manage Lead, partner, analysts and interns who support them in the delivery of the program finance tasks; assign work and review outputs of the resources  
• Engaging and cultivating relationships with regional partners to ensure good governance and partnering with the programs teams to enable the achievement of the intended strategic objectives/outcomes of the program
• Partner with the Legal Team to roll out any necessary actions to anticipate or minimize risks on programs
• Support the Assurance and Enterprise risk management team to realize program audits in target countries
• Any other tasks may be required from time to time

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting; MBA is an added advantage
• Professional accounting qualification and a member of a relevant professional body, such as CPA, ACCA, etc.
• A Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Previous work in the development sector an asset.
• At least 1-3 years' experience in a management capacity, leading finance and teams of multiple technical competencies.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.

Working knowledge of:

• Financial Internal Controls Management,
• Financials Reporting & Analysis experience including Budgeting, Financial Forecasting,
• Advanced analytical, quantitative, and statistical skills,
• financial modelling skills, along with understanding of financial reporting and cash flow information.
• Identify & mitigate operational, financial and business risks.
• Generate routine accounting records and financial reports.
• Determine and apply correct accounting treatments, a proficient knowledge of international accounting standards.
• Fluent in English;
• Strong organizational skills with detail-orientation, good follow-through, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to influence people, build relationships, and communicate effectively.
• Able to exercise a high level of judgment in making decisions or recommendations based on analysis of data & deriving insights from the data.
• Good problem-solving skills and other competencies (Leadership, Behavioural)
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.