Senior Lead Finance Professional

Lead Finance Professional

We are seeking a seasoned finance professional to join our team as Lead Finance Professional. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering high-quality financial management and audit services in a dynamic environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of our financial strategy, including establishing robust financial audit systems and implementing world-class financial systems. They will also provide strategic financial advice and guidance to senior management on financial planning, resource allocation, and investment decisions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced finance professional to make a significant impact on our organization's financial management and performance.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement our financial strategy, aligning with our overall organizational objectives.
• Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to senior management on financial planning, resource allocation, and investment decisions.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and strategic plans, identifying and addressing potential risks and opportunities.
• Establish a comprehensive audit framework, designing and implementing robust internal audit policies aligned with international best practices.
• Conduct risk-based audit planning, conducting regular risk assessments to identify key areas of financial risk and developing a risk-based audit plan that prioritizes high-risk areas.
• Execute 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.
• Follow up and remediate identified deficiencies, monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Continuously review and update the internal audit framework and processes to ensure they remain effective and aligned with evolving business needs and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of an integrated, world-class financial management system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) that meets our current and future needs.
• Configure and customize the financial system to align with our specific requirements and accounting practices.
• Oversee the migration of financial data from legacy systems to the new financial system, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Integrate the financial system with other relevant systems to streamline processes and improve data visibility.
• Manage the ongoing maintenance and upgrades of the financial system, ensuring it remains secure, reliable, and up-to-date with the latest technology.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard our financial assets and prevent fraud.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Establish and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard our assets and ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.
• Oversight of all aspects of financial accounting, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, and fixed asset management.
• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or other relevant international accounting standards.
• Prepare and present financial audit reports to stakeholders, providing clear and concise explanations of financial performance.
• Support the Chief Operating Officer (COO) with the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with departments to develop realistic and achievable budgets.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasting models to project future financial performance and support strategic decision-making.
• Monitor budget performance throughout the year, identifying and addressing variances and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Establish and maintain robust financial controls for grants and project funding, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
• Monitor project expenditures and ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes.
• Prepare financial reports for donors and other funding agencies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development.
• Ensure that the finance team has the skills and resources needed to effectively perform their duties.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with relevant stakeholder groups, including personnel responsible for voluntary contribution, donors, partners, and financial institutions.
• Represent the organization in financial matters at international forums and conferences when directed.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 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).
• Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or other relevant international accounting standards.
• Experience managing grants and project funding from multiple donors.
• Experience with developing and implementing internal controls.

Skills:

• 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.
  • Knowledge of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO).
• 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.
  • Strong ethical standards and integrity.
• Other Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Proficiency in other languages (e.g., French, Spanish) is an asset.
  • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.