Project Finance Manager

Aiming Change for Tomorrow (ACT) International, in collaboration with UNICEF Punjab and key partners including BISP/Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP), Punjab Department of Health, and Lady Health Worker Programme, is implementing BNP 3.0 across ten districts in Punjab. This initiative focuses on enhancing maternal, child, and adolescent nutrition while strengthening gender-responsive nutrition and social protection systems among BISP beneficiary households. Activities will be delivered through existing facilitation and support centres, emphasizing social and behaviour change, early childhood development, parenting, community engagement, counselling, referrals, youth involvement, and capacity building. Staff will work closely with communities and stakeholders to promote awareness, mobilization, and beneficiary engagement, adhering strictly to organizational policies on gender equality, disability inclusion, safeguarding, child protection, confidentiality, and responsible data management. The Project Finance Manager will play a critical role in overseeing the financial management of BNP 3.0, ensuring transparent, efficient, and compliant use of resources to support timely programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Budget Management: Maintain and monitor project budgets, expenditure trackers, and financial forecasts. Analyze budget variances and spending trends, providing recommendations for corrective actions. Support programme teams in preparing realistic budgets and assist with budget revisions and reallocations as per approved procedures. Provide regular financial updates and budget utilization analyses to management and programme teams.

Financial Management & Accounting: Review payment requests, supporting documents, and approvals for completeness and compliance. Ensure accurate coding, classification, and reconciliation of financial transactions. Monitor advances and ensure timely liquidation. Support payment processing, bank reconciliations, and maintain organized, auditable financial records.

Donor Compliance & Financial Reporting: Ensure adherence to donor agreements, budgets, and reporting timelines. Review expenditures for eligibility and alignment with approved budgets. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and other financial reports. Coordinate with programme teams to align financial and narrative reporting. Maintain records for donor monitoring and audits, and follow up on audit observations.

Internal Controls & Risk Management: Implement internal controls, approval limits, and segregation of duties. Conduct routine financial checks and compliance monitoring. Identify financial risks, irregularities, and potential budget overruns. Advise management on risk mitigation and ensure confidentiality and security of financial records. Support fraud prevention and reporting in line with ACT policies.

Programme & Operational Support: Collaborate with programme teams on workplans, cash flow, and spending priorities. Provide financial guidance on documentation, budget controls, and payments. Coordinate with Admin & Logistics on procurement and asset transactions. Review financial implications of programme activities and support multi-district financial planning to minimize delays.

Audit, Verification & Capacity Building: Coordinate financial preparations for audits and donor visits. Facilitate timely submission of financial records and respond to audit queries. Track audit findings and corrective actions until closure. Train relevant staff on financial procedures, budget controls, and documentation to promote accountability and integrity.

Required Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CA, CMA, or equivalent are highly desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in financial management, including project budgeting, financial reporting, expenditure monitoring, donor compliance, and audit coordination. Experience managing financial systems for multi-location or multi-component programmes is essential. Prior work with NGOs, INGOs, or donor-funded development or humanitarian programmes is an advantage.

Required Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of project financial management, accounting principles, and internal controls is essential. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial reporting, and audit preparation. A good understanding of donor compliance and eligible cost requirements is required. Proficiency in Excel and financial accounting systems, coupled with excellent attention to detail, is necessary. Strong communication, coordination, problem-solving, and deadline management skills are critical. High levels of integrity, confidentiality, and professional accountability are expected.

ACT International is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct, safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusion. The position requires strict adherence to data protection, confidentiality, and ethical programme principles, with zero tolerance for fraud, misconduct, exploitation, or abuse. ACT International is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates, including women and persons with disabilities.