Finance Officer at Mary Dinah Foundation

Summary:

• The Mary Dinah Foundation is in search of a Finance Officer who is highly motivated and experienced to become a part of our team.
• The successful candidate will have the responsibility of overseeing and managing all financial related activities for the organization.
• The Finance Officer will offer leadership and guidance on all financial matters and ensure that the organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
• The successful candidate will ensure that all MDF policies and procedures are followed and strong internal controls are maintained.
• The Finance Officer will also supervise the management and maintenance of the general ledger and all other accounting functions.
• Moreover, the Finance Officer will oversee and participate in the administration and management of awards in the country office.
• They will implement financial oversight mechanisms to guarantee financial integrity and compliance with donor and MDF policies and local laws across all programs.

Specific Responsibilities

Overall Management and Leadership:

• Participate in planning and direction setting for the country office and its programs, lending your unique perspective and expertise to the process.
• Partner closely with the MD to monitor burn rates, pipelines, and other aspects of country office financial health. Flag unusual budget variances or problems and recommend corrective action. Identify operational challenges that affect the integrity of resource management.
• Responsible for strategic financial management. Lead finance department in a collaborative effort with program director to ensure high-quality financial planning, management, reporting and auditing of all programs, including thorough budget preparation and oversight.
• Review and assess status of the country office policies, procedures, and workflows, identify gaps or outdated policies and prioritize improvements.
• Keep abreast of changes in laws and regulations of local authorities (e.g., consortium of non-governmental organizations, Tax Department) and constituents that impact MDF’s operations and ensure country office adherence.
• Build a highly effective Finance team, recruiting, supervising, mentoring, and evaluating staff, and engaging in frequent performance conversations with team members.
• Delegate authority, consult with, and guide staff to achieve goals and contribute to an atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development.
• Ensure accountability to beneficiaries, partners, colleagues and donors by providing ongoing feedback in a context of mutual respect.
• Identify and implement best practices in financial operations. Participate in international work groups assigned to develop global policies and/or optimize systems and procedures.
• Direct, and engage hands-on as needed, with accounting and finance staff to ensure timely and accurate general ledger maintenance, banking and cash management, accounts payable, and payroll and procurement processes, for the office.

Budget and Grants Management:

• Maintain a complete financial knowledge of the portfolio of awards in the country office.
• Lead the preparation and analysis of the annual and mid-term budget of the country office., as well as re-forecasts, as needed.
• Collaborate with Business Development unit to prepare proposal budgets, budget narratives and budget amendments. Review budgets to ensure conformity with the work plan.
• Review and analyze impact of cost extensions, no-cost extensions, and other budget realignments.
• Conduct monthly monitoring of project implementation rates and share variance analysis reports with the MD.
• Ensure invoices, financial reports, analysis of accruals, forecasts and other financial deliverables for awards are completed accurately and on a timely basis.
• Track and report monthly project expenditures, fund execution rates, and donor funds received, and provide appropriate information to the MD and Program Director on a monthly basis.
• Ensure that budgets and other financial information are properly represented in financial and project management systems. Manage hard copy and electronic records for each project.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of donor procedures and USAID rules and regulations and ensure compliance.

Ensure that:

• Financial data is accurate and up to date for a timely monthly closing process.
• General ledger balances are analysed.
• Quality financial reports are produced according to donor and MDF timetables.
• Benefit and tax payments (social security contributions, taxes, etc.) are made on time with solid documentation of all payments and calculations to conform with local law and MDF Human Resources policies.
• Any contingent liabilities are tracked and reported to MD.
• Country and project audits are scheduled on a timely basis and that any corrective action plans are fully implemented; manage and engage in process as needed.
• Serve as a link with the bank on the electronic payment system; manage access controls.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance management, Accounting, or an equivalent University Degree; ICAN or equivalent certification desirable plus.
• Professional experience of at least 5 years with at least 3 years in a similar position, preferably in an international NGO, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with financial reporting, financial and general ledger management, financial controls, and project management including demonstrated ability to develop and monitor budgets, and collaboratively manage operational activities.
• Interest in international development and public health programs as well as an understanding of the synergy between the programmatic, operational, and financial components in project design and implementation.
• Analytical and conceptual skills, as well as the curiosity and learning agility necessary to be successful in a growing organization with evolving financial and operating systems.