Head of Finance

The Head of Finance will provide strategic financial leadership to ensure robust financial governance, effective internal controls, and comprehensive oversight of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, treasury, compliance, audit, and risk management. This role supports senior leadership by delivering accurate financial information, managing resources efficiently, and offering strategic financial advice to facilitate informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Governance & Controls: Develop and maintain strong financial governance frameworks, policies, procedures, and internal controls. Ensure all financial processes comply with organizational policies, relevant regulations, and standards. Continuously monitor and improve financial controls to enhance accountability and protect organizational assets.

Treasury & Cash Management: Manage treasury operations including cash flow planning, liquidity, and working capital. Monitor cash positions to ensure funds are effectively allocated to meet operational and financial obligations. Identify cash flow risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Reporting: Lead the annual budgeting and financial planning processes. Oversee budget preparation, consolidation, monitoring, and variance analysis. Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, management reports, and financial analyses to support strategic planning and decision-making.

Compliance, Risk & Assurance: Ensure adherence to financial, statutory, regulatory, and organizational requirements. Identify and assess financial and operational risks within the finance function, implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures. Maintain comprehensive documentation to support compliance and accountability.

Audit & Governance: Oversee internal and external audit activities, coordinating timely provision of required documentation. Monitor audit findings and ensure corrective actions are implemented. Support governance by providing reliable financial information and promoting transparency and accountability.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement: Manage financial systems and processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Identify opportunities for workflow improvements, enhanced reporting, and stronger internal controls. Promote the effective use of ERP and other financial systems, encouraging standardization, automation, and continuous improvement.

Financial Oversight & Strategic Advisory: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to foster a culture of integrity and accountability. Provide financial advice and analysis to senior leadership, including the Country Director. Assess financial performance, resource utilization, and emerging risks. Support strategic decisions through financial modeling, scenario analysis, and evaluation of financial implications.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building: Lead and develop the finance team to ensure high-quality financial operations. Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. Identify training needs and support ongoing professional development to build team capacity.

Required Qualifications

Professional qualification such as CA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or an equivalent recognized certification is essential.

Experience

A minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or a related field is required. Experience in complex organizational environments is preferred, with additional advantage given to candidates familiar with grant-funded organizations or programs.

Skills, Knowledge & Competencies

Strong expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis is critical. Demonstrated knowledge of financial governance, internal controls, audit, compliance, treasury, cash flow management, and risk management is necessary. Proficiency in ERP systems and financial process improvements is expected.

Excellent leadership and people management skills are required, including team development and performance management. Effective communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration abilities are essential. Candidates should possess strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategic decision-making capabilities.

The ability to provide insightful financial advice to support organizational planning and resource allocation is vital. Attention to detail, accuracy in financial reporting, and high standards of integrity, accountability, transparency, and professional judgment are mandatory.

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured by timely and accurate financial reporting, effective budget management, strong financial controls, timely audit completion, compliance with all relevant requirements, efficient cash flow and treasury management, continuous improvements in financial systems and processes, and the performance and development of the finance team.