Job Description
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- The Finance Manager will be responsible for financial reporting, and the development of trends and projections for the project’s finances.
- He/she will conduct budget reviews and evaluations for cost reduction opportunities, analyze costs, pricing, and other variables, compare with the project’s plans, and oversee the operations of the finance department.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop with the project team to develop project budgets, ensuring they align with the project’s goals and objectives.
- Work with the operations officer to manage the project’s budget by monitoring expenditures, tracking variances, developing financial trends and projects, and ensuring adherence to the approved budget.
- Work with the operations officer and other relevant project team members to identify cost-cutting opportunities and improve cost efficiency.
- Develop and implement, in collaboration with relevant personnel, the financial standards and internal control processes for the project.
- Oversee and handle the day-to-day operations of the finance department, including the management of financial transactions and accurate record-keeping.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, and donor requirements. Coordinate with external auditors, and tax and regulatory agencies for audit and financial reviews.
- Prepare all financial records related to the project for audit.
- Provide financial insights and reports to support funding proposals, donor reporting, and financial discussions.
- Oversee accounts reconciliation, which includes not is not limited to project receivables and payables, cashbook, and activity advances.
- Provide training and support to project staff on organizational financial management policies and procedures.
- Build and maintain relationships with banks, project stakeholders, etc to ensure the smooth operation of the project and its financial transactions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A postgraduate degree can be an advantage.
- Professional certifications and qualifications such as ICAN, ICA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA are desirable.
- At least four years of progressive experience in financial management, budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting, preferably in a project or program management context.
- Knowledge of financial regulations is mandatory.
- Ability to work with, support, and interpret financial reports and regulations for non-financial managers.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills to effectively interact with stakeholders, including team members, donors, and partners.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities to manage the finance unit, set priorities, and achieve financial goals.
- High ethical standards, integrity, and adherence to financial best practices.
- Experience in agricultural development/mechanization or rural development projects is a plus.