Finance Manager at Palladium Group

Job Purpose:

The Finance Manager (FM) contributes to the overall management and development of the Lafiya Project through providing support and advice to the Director- Finance & Administration (DFA) in their financial management of the project and performing general accounting duties.  The position also provides capacity enhancement support to Budget Holders and non-Finance Staff in internal controls & other accounting procedures as well as contributing to the Value for Money (VfM) Reporting function of the Programme. S/he contributes to Programme Risk Management by undertaking assurance-type functions in support of Internal Control and Compliance processes.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Finance Manager shall be responsible for the following:

STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING

• Provides ongoing support to the Programme Finance Lead towards achieving contractual spending targets.
• Reporting to the Director-Finance & Administration (DFA), the position provides critical support to annual strategic and operational workplans/budgets development.
• Supports the DFA in his oversight responsibility for institutionalizing Value for Money (VfM) principles and processes in the Programme.

GENERAL ACCOUNTING:

• Oversee the financial management of the reimbursable expenses component of the Programme Budget.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including the preparation of monthly financial reports, The Client reports, and other financial reports as required.
• Lead on the Lafiya Programme’s weekly Field Voucher submissions.
• Preparing weekly/monthly/quarterly and ad hoc Budget vs. Actuals Reports, disseminating to the project SLT as a key decision-making tool for the Programme.
• Manage cash flow and ensure adequate funds are available to meet programme needs.
• Review and approve all financial transactions, including payment vouchers, journal entries, and bank reconciliations.
• In charge of accounts reconciliations, which includes but not limited to the Management of Project Receivables and Payables, Cashbook and Activity advances.
• Overseeing the maintenance of a robust filing system for easy retrieval of documents finance documentation both manual and electronic.
• Providing guidance, training, coaching and mentoring of finance staff.

SUPPORT TO PROJECT DELIVERY

• Support the Kano-based Finance and Administration Coordinator (FACO) and Operations Assistants in their financial management responsibilities.
• Assist the DFA to proliferate understanding of and enforcement of financial procedures in the Programme teams.
• Ensure project financial documents are audit-ready at all times by reviewing documentation, conducting spot checks, providing reports on identified gaps and proffering recommendations to address identified shortcomings.
• Support STLs and FACOs in their pre-audit preparations.
• Assist State Teams and budget holders to monitor spending against their budgets to ensure consistent attainment of mandatory variance targets.
• Participate in the development and implementation of state teams’ programme work plans, providing financial input and analysis.
• Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures for the programme, ensuring they are consistent with The Client regulations and best practices.
• Ensure financial procedures and guidelines are followed and to identify and advice on areas of procedural improvement.
• Supporting the DFA during the conduct of internal and external audits of the Lafiya Project.
• Assisting the DFA in strengthening accounting systems and procedures.
• Responding to internal control related queries; and
• Implementing new controls, process narratives and developing tests of control as needed.
• Collaborate with programme management to develop and implement financial strategies that align with programme goals and objectives.
• Ensure compliance with FCDO, Palladium and Lafiya Programme financial management policies and procedures, including procurement, and financial reporting.

BUDGETING AND BUDGETARY CONTROL

• Oversee the preparation and review of budgets and financial forecasts, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor and manage programme expenses to ensure they are within budget and provide variance analysis to programme management.
• Coordinate with programme management to ensure that programme activities are fully funded and that funds are being utilized efficiently.

INTERNAL CONTROLS

Monitor and analyse programme financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations for corrective action.

OTHER

• Provide periodic short-term cover for the DFA and manage the absence of FACOs.
• Provide training and support to programme staff on financial management policies and procedures, including procurement and contracts management.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with programme stakeholders, including government agencies, vendors, and sub-recipients.
• Supervise and mentor Finance Coordinators, including setting performance objectives and providing regular feedback.
• Manage relationships with banks and other financial institutions to ensure the smooth operation of programme financial transactions.
• Provide support to other Palladium Nigeria project teams as needed, including assistance with financial management, taxation, budgeting, and reporting.

Required Qualifications:

Essential

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field. (or equivalent certification and experience).
• Recognized professional accounting qualification such as ICAN, ICA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA.
• Progressive years of experience in financial management, with at least 4 years in a supervisory role.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work with, support and interpret financial reports to non-financial managers.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Self-evident inter-personal skills that will ensure senior managers seek their support in resolving financial management issues.
• Good personal organisational skills, including time management, and ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Knowledge of Nigerian tax and regulatory regime.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Financial management experience with INGOs, preferably with Palladium International Development Nigeria Limited (PIDNL).
• The ability to challenge poor practice constructively and to give direct actionable feedback on control failures.
• Experience working with donor-funded programmes, preferably in the health sector.
• Excellent communication skills