Director of Finance & Administration at the Kwara State Government

The Kwara State Government, in its efforts to increase and diversify its revenue base for financial freedom and bolstered efficacy in governance, recently passed the Kwara State Revenue Administration Law, 2015 (Law No.6 of 2015).

Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KS-IRS), as established by this Law, is the sole entity responsible for the effective and efficient administration of tax and related matters on behalf of the Kwara State Government. The
KS-IRS Mandate:

• To maintain the integrity of the tax laws and processes by eliminating all instances of multiple taxation;
• To assist the State Government to attain specific economic and social policies, systems and targets; and
• To stimulate voluntary compliance so as to advance maximum representation of the populace in executive decision making.

In keeping with the mandate for the KS-IRS, the kwara State Government is seeking individual with uncommon dedication who are high-achieving, highly dynamic and innovative with proven target driven orientation to fill the underlisted position in the newly established KS-IRS:

Job Title: Director of Finance & Administration

Start Date: August 2015
Location: Kwara
Reporting To: Executive Chairperson
Direct Reports: 7
Contract Term: 4 Years (Renewable)
 
Job Description

• The Director of Finance and Administration is a hands-on position that requires both management and leadership skills and day to day operational execution.
• The Director is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records including the production of monthly financial reports for the organization's core budget, fiscal budgets and programs, and ongoing maintenance of an adequate system that supports the deliverables of the KS-IRS.
• S/He also has major operational responsibilities related to the management of capital expenditures, procurement, HR, facilities, assets, contract solicitation and registration, and contract management responsibilities.

Specific Tasks
Specific tasks are divided into the following categories and include:
Finance:

• Advise the Executive Chairperson on budgetary and fiscal matters, including State, Federal and International accounting requirements;
• Analyze and forecast revenue collections and agency expenditures;
• Perform monthly checks of bank balances and account reconciliations;
• Manage the ongoing general ledger processes for the organization including accounts payable, vendor file, and fixed asset inventory;
• Works closely with other Directors and organizational leadership to prepare budgets, including the annual operating budget;
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual income statements and annual balance sheet and cash flow statements;
• Calculate variances from the budget and reports issues to management;
• Provide financial analyses as needed, in particular for capital expenditures, contract negotiations, investments accounts, pension plans, etc;
• Oversees all project/program and grants accounting, ensuring that expenditures are consistently aligned with program budgets throughout the period

Administration:

• Advise the Executive Chairperson on procurement matters and assisting in the planning of new or ongoing programs that may result in contract solicitations;
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and methodologies
• Assist KS-IRS staff in the review and approval of vendor invoicing and contract budgetary issues;
• Assisting in agency payment and oversight of pending contracts, including those linked to key agency initiatives;
• Contribute to the recruit of, and supervise, appropriate Consultants where necessary
• Lead periodic infrastructure stock reviews
• Assist KS-IRS operations including emergency and facilities planning;
• Supervise and develop staff by providing effective coaching and feedback as well appropriate delegation;
• Provides consultation to management and oversight for the day-to-day management, planning, development and administration of all human resources operations including compensation, benefits, recruitment, employee relations, training, etc.;
• Directs leaders and staff on Human Resources programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues;
• Responsible for the staffing, work assignments, hiring/termination, performance reviews, orientation and professional development of the regional HR team;
• Ensure the distribution and understanding of corporate HR communications to regional leaders and staff;
• Oversees the maintenance of records in a manner that facilitates timely response to subpoenas, regulatory inquiries, management requests, and standardized reports while ensuring the accuracy of the information and maintaining the simplicity of the system;
• Ensure that ICT & Customer Support and Organizational Development & Improvement resources are aligned and deployed to effectively support both the transformation agenda and business as usual.

Education

• MBA/MA/MSc that combined training in Economics, Finance, Human Resources Management, Organizational Behavior,
• CFA/CPA/CA/CMA,
• Any HR and PMP certifications in addition are preferred
• Formal managerial and leadership training preferred

Professional Experience:

• 15 years
• 8 - 10 years of this experience must have been in an executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory capacity. Supervision must have included supervising staff performing professional work in the areas described above.
• Development of systems for procurement and human resource management.
• Working with the budget of a large public or private concern in budget administration, accounting, economic or financial administration, or fiscal or economic research; engaging with reconciliation and audit personnel when necessary.
• In roles that required handling complex staff relation issues by conducting investigations, addressing leadership concerns regarding employee relations, day to day performance management guidance to line management (coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).
• Roles that required working closely with management and staff to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity, and retention.
• Past work that required logistics and asset/inventory utilization and maximization for a wide group of near and far users.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft systems, e.g., Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Able to manage the accounting system, and the day to day tasks associated with entering payables, receivables, and reconciling the books while also managing a diverse portfolio of administrative responsibilities.
• Strong project management, time management and organizational skills required. The ability to manage multiple priorities, take initiative, delegate responsibility, prioritize and ensure the delivery of on-time deliverables is key.
• Clear understanding of both motivations and requirements of key players that will impact KS-IRS
• Fluency in written and spoken English required, Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills
• High level of digital literacy and familiarity with database management systems
• Proven ability to work under pressure, ensure coherence and consistency, independently, and meet deadlines consistently;
• Sound knowledge of Government policy and practice impact on financial and contractual arrangements
• Stakeholder and cross-functional team management

Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and fiduciary duty.
• The incumbent will view and possess significant confidential information regarding all aspects of our finances. High levels of discretion, integrity and judgment are required.
• Keen analytic, organizational and problem solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
• Knowledge of the political environment and decision making factors, but courage to maintain objectivity and stay on track by managing up.
• Personal credibility and integrity.
• Self-confidence and respect for others, regardless of position, and willingness to work as a team member/leader.
•  Ability to articulate positions concisely and quickly, in a manner that is useful and easily understood by all stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective leader in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Executive leadership and ability to see and handle all the sides of an issue or project.
• Strong and pragmatic business acumen with the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice and vice versa.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of the organization.

Remuneration
Successful candidate will enjoy attractive compensation packages commensurate with the role. This role also attracts performance based bonuses.

Application Closing Date
15th July, 2015.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Resume/CV and Cover Letter to: [email protected] Put the position you are applying for as the subject of the email.

Click Here to Download Job Description (PDF)

Note:

• Both External and Internal (members of the Kwara State Civil Service) parties are invited to apply.
• The Kwara State Government is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage absolutely all persons who believe they have the technical merit as well as deep understanding of the purpose and intent behind the creation of KS-IRS, and enjoy a challenge, to apply and be considered. Women are especially encouraged.