Finance Director at FHI 360

FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the U.S. and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities and countries we serve–improving lives for millions.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the below position:
 
Job Title: Finance Director, GPM
Req ID: 3196

Location:  Abuja

Job Description

• The Finance Director is responsible for the oversight of all finance and accounting activities for the five-year, $80 million Nigeria MAPS Project.  S/he leads a diverse team of up to 12 staff members at both the national and state level ranging from functions in accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants management.
• Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Finance Director will act as the primary liaison to the FHI 360 Nigeria Country Office, FHI 360 Washington, and the USAID/Nigeria Mission in all matters of a fiscal nature. 
• Additionally, as a member of the senior management team, the Finance Director will play a critical roll in partnering with other managers in planning and strategic decision-making in support of the projects goals.
• To lead the MAPS finance team, ensuring that all financial tasks deemed necessary to meet FHI 360, USAID, and the Government of Nigeria’s reporting requirements are carried out appropriately and all project implementation goals are met.

Job Responsibilities
The Finance Director will:

• Provide leadership and guidance to all finance staff by clearly identifying key roles and responsibilities, setting individual target objectives, giving constructive performance feedback, and ensuring the right tools and resources are in place for success.
• Maintain accurate pipelines and other monthly financial reports for internal analysis and tracking purposes to be reviewed with the project’s Chief of Party and other relevant FHI 360 staff members.
• Develop and implement process improvement plans for the finance department to ensure financial controls, compliance with donor regulations, and adherence to the organizations policies and procedures.
• Reallocate project expenses when necessary based on analysis of cost sheets and/or other means of research.
• Assist Implementing Partner organizations with budget revisions, expense monitoring, and interpretation of USAID and FHI 360 guidelines.
• In collaboration with the project Compliance Officer, liaise with the FHI 360’s Office of Compliance and Internal Audit to provide necessary documentation and/or answers to questions arising from internal and external reviews or audits.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge in all current internal financial policies and guidelines as well as external federal and donor regulations.
• Ensure appropriate finance input and support is provided to program staff and other involved parties during the preparation of their activity budgets and costed work plans.
• Work with the Contracts Management Services department to ensure proper interpretation of the project’s cooperative agreement when entering into financial obligations or any other contracting actions.
• Work with the Purchasing department to ensure the correct procedures are followed in the procurement of goods and services.
• Prepare quarterly and annual financial reports for submission in accordance with guidelines and project deliverable deadlines set forth by the donor.
• Interact regularly with project leadership to provide updates on the organization’s financial status and resolve any problems or issues associated with monthly expenditures and budget variances.
• Ensure accurate entries into the accounting system are done on a daily basis and all online banking uploads are in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Regularly monitor the budget; conduct analyses on spending patterns and discrepancies to identify potential strengths and weaknesses.
• Review and assist in developing methodologies used for spending forecasts or budget projections.
• Provide oversight of the project’s imprest accounts by lending guidance to finance staff during the detailed input and review process and by ensuring the timely submission for monthly posting.
• Manage the monthly payroll process to ensure best practices and procedures are followed by staff and are in compliance with all Nigerian federal laws and regulations.
• Maintain an accurate list of project accrued and committed expenditures as part of the monthly cash flow management process.
• Review all procurement actions (e.g., purchase orders, consultant agreements/work orders, and subcontracts) for required supporting documentation, financial accuracy, and conformity with FHI 360 and USAID policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Review all payment actions (e.g., travel advances, expense reimbursements, fee payments, check/wire requests, vendor invoices) for required supporting documentation, financial accuracy, adherence to approved contract, and verification of completed deliverables.
• Engage the COP and technical leaders in all aspects of financial planning and management to ensure the project’s strategic objectives are well understood in order to deliver anticipated results.
• Monitor the projects cash balances and complete monthly projections in conjunction with the submission of funds transfer requests on a timely basis to ensure bank account balances stay at optimal levels to implement planned activities.
• Provide oversight to the management of any awardees or grantee programs by giving support and leadership to the project’s Grants Manager and Compliance Officer.
• Review project spending vs. budget regularly to maintain expenditure controls, alert other managers of variances, and approve budget revisions when necessary.
• Provide training and support to finance staff, program staff, and partners on policies, procedures, and requirements relating to finance.
• Other related duties as assigned or deemed necessary by the Chief of Party.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Business, Finance, Accounting or related fields required.
• Master’s degree or its international equivalent in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field preferred.
• CPA, ACA, ICAN, CIMA, CFE or any other relevant professional certification/qualification is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience which includes 5+ years of experience in a managerial role required.
• Prior experience working for an international NGO strongly preferred.
• Experience and good working knowledge of USAID and other US Government organizations’ rules and regulations is required.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for an international NGO.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem solving skills.
• Significant experience with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and with automated financial reporting, government accounting practices, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) systems.
• Full knowledge and past experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) practices and reporting guidelines.
• Ability to intervene with senior staff with diplomacy and firmness.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as MS Word and MS PowerPoint, with an expert knowledge of MS Excel.
• Extensive applied knowledge of multiple electronic accounting systems and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work on problems of complex scope that require in depth evaluation of data and various factors.
• Proven proactive skills in identifying cost savings, cost avoidance, and efficiency opportunities.
• Experience working with online banking systems.

Application Closing Date
4th October, 2012

How To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted