Finance Professional Lead

The Finance and Internal Control Specialist is a critical leadership role responsible for the overall financial management, reporting, and control functions of our organization. This position requires a highly skilled finance professional with experience in establishing robust financial audit systems, implementing world-class financial systems, and ensuring compliance with international accounting standards and relevant regulatory requirements.

This individual will safeguard our financial assets, provide strategic financial guidance to senior management, and contribute to our mission of promoting solar energy deployment globally. They will be instrumental in building and maintaining the financial integrity and transparency of our organization, thereby fostering trust among member countries and stakeholders.

• Financial Leadership and Strategy:
  • Develop and implement our financial and audit strategy in alignment with our overall strategic objectives.
  • Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to senior management on financial planning, resource allocation, and our 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.
  • 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 (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) that meets our current and future needs.
  • System Configuration and Customization: work with IT and external consultants to configure and customize the financial system to align with our 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 (e.g., grants management, project management) 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 our 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 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.
• Financial Accounting and Reporting:
  • Oversee 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.
• Budgeting and Forecasting:
  • Support senior management 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.
• 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 that funds are used for their 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.
  • Ensure that the finance team has the skills and resources needed to effectively perform their duties.
• Stakeholder Relations:
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with relevant stakeholder groups, including (but not limited to) personnel responsible for Voluntary Contribution, donors, partners, and financial institutions.
  • As required and when directed, represent our organization in financial matters at international forums and conferences.