Senior Finance Auditor

Job Opportunity:

The Finance Audit Specialist is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization's financial management, reporting, and control functions. This position requires an experienced finance professional with expertise in establishing robust financial audit systems, implementing world-class financial systems, and ensuring compliance with international accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Financial Leadership and Strategy:
  • Develop and implement the organization's financial strategy to align with its overall objectives.
  • Provide strategic financial guidance to senior management on financial planning, resource allocation, and investment decisions.
  • Monitor financial performance against budgets and plans, identifying potential risks and opportunities.
• Financial Audit System Development & Implementation:
  • Establish a comprehensive internal audit framework, designing and implementing policies aligned with international best practices.
  • 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.
  • Follow-Up and Remediation: Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and track progress in addressing identified deficiencies.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the internal audit framework and processes to ensure they remain effective and aligned with evolving business needs and regulatory requirements.
• 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 that meets the organization'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 specific requirements and accounting practices.
  • Data Migration and Integration: 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.
  • System Training and Support: Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for finance staff and other users on the new financial system. Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting assistance.
  • System Maintenance and Upgrades: Manage the ongoing maintenance and upgrades of the financial system, ensuring it remains secure, reliable, and up-to-date with the latest technology.
• Treasury and Cash Management:
  • Manage the organization's cash flow and investments, ensuring optimal liquidity and returns while minimizing risk.
  • Establish and maintain banking relationships, negotiating favorable terms and conditions.
  • Monitor foreign exchange exposures and implement hedging strategies as needed.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
  • Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard financial assets and prevent fraud.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Financial Accounting and Reporting:
  • Oversee all aspects of financial accounting, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, and fixed asset management.
  • Ensure 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 explanations of financial performance.
• Budgeting and Forecasting:
  • Support senior management with the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with departments to develop realistic budgets.
  • Develop and maintain financial forecasting models to project future financial performance and support strategic decision-making.
  • Monitor budget performance throughout the year, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Grants and Project Financial Management:
  • Establish and maintain robust financial controls for grants and project funding, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
  • Monitor project expenditures and ensure funds are used for intended purposes.
  • Prepare financial reports for donors and other funding agencies.
• Team Management and Development:
  • 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.
• Stakeholder Relations:
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholder groups, including personnel responsible for voluntary contributions, donors, partners, and financial institutions.
  • Represent the organization in financial matters at international forums and conferences as required.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Masters degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
  • Professional accounting certification is highly desirable.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 10-15 years progressive experience in auditing, finance, and accounting roles, with at least 5-7 years in a senior management position.
  • Demonstrated experience in establishing robust financial audit systems and implementing world-class financial systems.
  • Strong knowledge of 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.
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
    • Excellent budgeting and forecasting skills.
    • Knowledge of internal control frameworks.
  • 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.

Benefits:

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.