Senior Financial Governance Specialist

Job Overview:

The Senior Financial Governance Specialist will play a critical role in overseeing and strengthening ISA's financial management systems, ensuring compliance with international accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

This position requires a highly skilled finance professional with extensive experience in establishing robust financial audit systems, implementing world-class financial systems, and providing strategic financial advice to senior management.

Responsibilities:

• Financial Leadership and Strategy
  • Develop and implement ISA's financial strategy aligned with the organization's overall strategic objectives.
  • Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to senior management on financial planning, resource allocation, and ISA's financial investment decisions.
  • Monitor financial performance against budgets and strategic plans, identifying and addressing potential risks and opportunities.
• Financial Audit System Development & Implementation
  • Establish a Comprehensive Audit Framework: Design and implement a robust internal audit framework and policies aligned with international best practices (e.g., COSO framework, Institute of Internal Auditors standards).
  • Risk-Based Audit Planning: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify key areas of financial risk and develop a risk-based audit plan that prioritizes high-risk areas.
  • Audit Execution and Reporting: Conduct independent internal audits of financial transactions, processes, and systems to assess compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Prepare clear and concise audit reports with findings, recommendations, and action plans.
• World-Class Financial Systems Implementation & Management
  • Financial System Evaluation and Selection: Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of an integrated, world-class financial management system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) that meets ISA's current and future needs.
  • System Configuration and Customization: Work with IT and external consultants to configure and customize the financial system to align with ISA's specific requirements and accounting practices.
• Treasury and Cash Management
  • Manage ISA's cash flow and investments, ensuring optimal liquidity and returns while minimizing risk.
• Compliance and Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Financial Accounting and Reporting
  • Oversee all aspects of financial accounting, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, and fixed asset management.
• Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Support the COO with the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with departments to develop realistic and achievable budgets.
• Grants and Project Financial Management
  • Establish and maintain robust financial controls for grants and project funding, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
• Team Management and Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Relations
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with relevant stakeholder groups, including personnel responsible for Voluntary Contribution, donors, partners, and financial institutions.

Requirements:

• Masters degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Professional accounting certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience in a combination of auditing, finance and accounting roles, with at least 5-7 years in a senior management position (e.g., Controller, Head of Finance).
• Demonstrated experience in establishing robust financial audit systems and implementing world-class financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).

Skill Requirements:

• Technical Skills:
  • Expert knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices.
  • Proficiency in using financial management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent budgeting and forecasting skills.
• Leadership Skills:
  • Strategic thinking and planning.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to influence and persuade at all levels of the organization.