Finance Manager at Helen Keller International

We are currently seeking a Finance Manager in Nigeria to manage all aspects of the finance function and to Support the integration between accounting, finance, and program staff towards the common goal of ensuring that project objectives are met.  The Manager will serve as a thought partner to the Finance Director to analyze and maintain the financial health of the program portfolio.

Functional Relationships

Helen Keller has a matrixed reporting structure. Regular communication and a spirit of teamwork among colleagues, both hierarchically and laterally are essential to make this structure thrive.

The Finance Manager reports directly to the Finance Director and is a key member of the Country Finance Team.  The position directly supervises a team of staff at different professional skill levels, works closely with colleagues at all levels of Helen Keller’s global management structure, especially subject matter experts in accounting, budget and finance, business development, finance systems and grants compliance. 

Scope of the Position

The Finance Manager Supports the Director of Finance in the overall financial management of the country office portfolio which is be composed of projects funded by foreign governments (USAID, FDDO) and/or other multi-lateral and privately funded initiatives. S/he will support the Finance Director to manage a collaborative effort with country office and global management colleagues to ensure adherence to Helen Keller policies and procedures, maintain strong internal controls; and  maintenance of the general ledger and all other accounting functions.

Specific Responsibilities

Overall Management and Leadership

•  Under the supervision of the Finance Director, work closely with the Program Management team to monitor burn rates, pipelines, and other aspects of the country office financial health. Flag unusual budget variances or problems and recommend corrective action.
•  In collaborative effort with program managers, ensure high-quality financial planning, management, reporting and auditing of all programs, including thorough budget preparation and monitoring.
•   Be familiar with finance and other systems in the organization and optimize utilization to achieve efficiencies.
•   Review and assess status of the country office policies, procedures, and workflows, identify gaps or outdated policies and recommend improvements.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 Helen Keller’s operations and ensure country office adherence.
•  Support in Building a highly effective Finance team, recruiting, supervising, mentoring, and evaluating staff, and engaging in frequent performance conversations with team members.
•  Delegate responsibilities, consult with, and guide staff to achieve goals and contribute to an atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development.
•  Identify and implement best practices in financial operations.  Participate in international work groups assigned to develop global policies and/or optimize systems and procedures.

Budget and Grants Management

•  Maintain a complete financial knowledge of the portfolio of awards in the country office.
• Support the preparation and analysis of the annual and mid-term budget of the country office., as well as re-forecasts, as needed.
•  Work with the Finance Director and in 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 Finance Director for strategic decisions and actions
• Ensure invoices, financial reports, analysis of accruals, forecasts and other financial deliverables for awards are completed accurately and on a timely basis. 
• Reconcile donor reports to the general ledger (cash and expenses).
• Track and report monthly project expenditures with the Finance Director for program actions.
• Conduct field visits to sub-recipients and state offices as required, to assist in the assessment of sub-recipients' financial management and State team mentoring
• Manage project start-up and/or closing processes, as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of donor procedures and USAID rules and regulations and ensure compliance.

Accounting and General Ledger Management

•   Perform, 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 primary office and any sub-offices.
•  Support Accounting functions and reviews to ensure that:
  • financial data is accurate and up to date for a timely monthly closing process.
  • general ledger balances are analyzed;
  • quality financial reports are produced according to donor and Helen Keller timetables
  • payroll is analyzed for accuracy and consistency before final approvals and payment
  • 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 Helen Keller Human Resources policies.
  • filing systems and archiving of financial records are maintained;
  • any contingent liabilities are tracked and reported to Finance Director
• 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.
• Support the Finance Director efforts to Maintain cash flow to ensure that liquidity is maintained; monitor currency fluctuations; establish sound electronic banking procedures including preparation of accurate monthly bank reconciliations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Finance Management, accounting, or an equivalent university degree; ICAN or equivalent certification desirable plus
•   Professional experience of at least Ten years with at least five 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.
•  Knowledge of donor regulations including USAID and/or other foreign government development agencies, and other multilateral development agencies.
• Ability to negotiate/support negotiations effectively with donors, troubleshoot issues, and take proactive approaches to improving financial and budget management processes.
•  Excellent capacity building, team building/management, and coordination skills.  An ability to delegate responsibilities effectively and coach and mentor junior staff.
•  Well-established and practiced organizational and planning skills.
• Good oral and written English language skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex financial, compliance, and operational issues into layperson language.
•  Demonstrated high-level proficiency in the use of various financial-related software (spreadsheets, accounting packages).
• Collaborative, flexible, and solution-oriented. Ability to work under pressure, maintain balance when under stress, and meet strict internal and donor deadlines.
•   Ability and willingness to flex work hours to accommodate multiple time zones, as needed.
• Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class, or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Personal commitment to Helen Keller’s mission and goals and the values embodied by Helen Keller Intl’s co-founder, Helen Keller: compassion, grit, rigor, and optimism.