Finance Director at Heifer International

The Function

• The Finance Director provides strategic and analytical thought leadership and oversight to the financial management in the Area, positioning the area for organizational growth and success. Accountable to provide strategic and analytical leadership in the development of a cohesive, financial management function within Heifer Africa. Developing and upgrading tools and practices to meet the increasing requirements of a highly competitive donor environment. Accountable for the adoption of methods and best practices in financial management and systems development, further strengthening stakeholder confidence in the Heifer Africa’s oversight management functions.
• The role will plays a significant role in strengthening core global systems by ensuring proper accounting and reporting of resources by maintaining seamless fiscal systems of accountability, processing of accounting information, internal and external financial reporting, cash and bank account maintenance and other financial tasks as assigned in liaison with relevant Heifer departments. Accountable to enhance and protect Heifer’s organizational value by providing advice and insight in accordance with Heifer’s internal finance policies and procedures. The Africa Finance Director supports and ensures strengthened internal controls over key operational and financial activities and reporting and compliance functions.
• The position leads and implements the finance risk framework in collaboration with country programs and regional teams including proactively mitigating finance risks. Ensure the delivery of periodic finance audits/reviews.
• The Africa Finance Director reports directly to the Senior Vice-President Africa Programs. (and serves on the Regional leadership team). The role holder coordinates with relevant departments such as the People Department and provide oversight one organizational financial processes (i.e. audits/reviews) and payroll systems development. Ensure and lead a collaborative process on the procurement and roll out a fit for purpose payroll system that meets growing demands, needs and deliverables. Assure quality and reliable support for financial excellence and adherence to Heifer finance policies and procedures.by providing strategic guidance and leadership.

Responsibilities & Deliverables
 Business Strategy (20%)

• Strategic Partnerships- Collaborate with external partners, such as financial institutions, auditors, and consultants, to optimize financial strategies and leverage expertise.
• Provide Programs with input on key financial aspects of the Africa Area Program.
• Coordinate key processes for Africa Area Program budgeting and forecasting. Preparation and maintenance of accurate and timely periodic budget/expense reporting, dashboards, and other key deliverables to senior management.

Operational Finance (15%)

• In alignment with Programs and Operations teams assure Finance Country Teams establish finance management practices in support of excellent program management.
• Support hiring and orientation processes for finance staff, assuring best practices are implemented to develop self-sufficient, self-motivated, self-directed teams that comply with high level of excellence.
• Ensure regulatory and organizational compliance of accounting transactions within the Regional program office and support global consolidation of financial statements. Partner with Headquarters in the periodic close, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements for global consolidation. Assure processes are in place to support financial reviews including donor assessments/audits/reviews.
• Monitor and/or prepare accurate and timely reporting and donor reporting, dashboards and other key management deliverables.
• Facilitate requests related to independent external audits and other agreed-upon procedures providing financial information and follow-up.

New Project Design (15%)

• Ensure Finance representation and expertise in proposal development process participation of Area finance expertise in proposal development process for projects under the established thresholds, confirming knowledge of Heifer and donor processes.
• Provide Financial Guidance as necessary in proposal budgeting, reviews, applying knowledge and experience to provide an objective opinion.

People Management (15%)

• Carry out development of annual objectives and quarterly performance reviews, provide constant feedback, identify development opportunities, and as needed, create performance improvement plans for direct supervisees.
• Coach staff to keep team morale high, taking the necessary steps to improve retention, motivation, engagement, and employee well- being.
• Partner with people department to resolve employee issues, conflicts, and disputes.
• Promote innovation through the finance team.
• Support on the development of capabilities and establishment of strong local teams to perform financial monitoring, planning, and budgeting.

Financial Planning and Analysis (15%)

• Develop strategic direction, cross-area collaborations, and integrated processes in coordination with Africa Area Team to ensure implementation of goals relating to responsible management of resources, adherence to Heifer finance policies and procedures, and financial analysis, financial management and budgeting.
• Ensure effective, agile standardized systems and procedures, for financial analysis, cash flow management, and reporting are in place.

Facilitation of Risk Mitigation (15%)

• Collaboration with risk management department in assessing financial risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor compliance with financial regulations and internal controls to safeguard the organization's assets within the Africa Area Program.

Any Other Assigned Function (5%)

• May perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Management Accounting, Business Administration, or related field plus ten (10) years of related experience (if bachelor’s degree level).
• Or master’s degree in accounting, Management Accounting, Business Administration or related field plus eight (8) years of related experience (if master’s degree Level).
• 8 to 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in a donor-funded international development environment with compliance requirements of the U.S. government and institutional funders for international development, such USAID, EC, IFAD, DFID, mega-foundations and others.
• Knowledge of the U.S. non-profit and INGO business sector, including compliance requirements of the U.S. government and institutional funders for international development, such USAID, EU, DFID, mega-foundations and others.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are required.

Preferred Requirements

• Effective communicator and influencer with the ability to clearly convey complex financial issues in a clear format for non-finance professions, motivating continuous and collaborative improvement.
• Proficient in generally accepted accounting and IFRS and practices.
• Experience with accounting systems and systems conversions.
• Ability to navigate financial and non-financial data gathering and analytics; technically adept with ability to quickly learn and maximize usage of technology and software; strong user of Microsoft Office Suite with advanced skill in MS Excel.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation