Background:
A non profitable humanitarian organization seeks applications for the position of Head of Finance to run and manage an effective financial program in Pakistan. The position is based at Karachi, Pakistan with frequent travel to different project offices.
Job purpose:
To assist the Senior Management in running an effective financial systems and procedures of the organization.
Job summary:
This position is expected to devise innovative strategies to financial systems and design new initiatives, ensuring optimal coordination and financial management for effective and efficient implementation of program. The job will involve engaging with various senior management teams across the organization who are managing a diverse range of projects on various thematic areas and using different programmatic approaches including humanitarian, development and capacity building. The job will involve a large amount of desk & visits to other offices of the organization. The Head of Finance will have to develop a thorough overall knowledge of the projects/programs, so as to be familiar with organization implementing strategies so he/she can effectively report on them.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure that up-to-date and accurate financial records are maintained.
- Responsible for the development, management & implementation of yearly financial plan.
- Responsible for implementation of Financial Policies, Check & Balances and Accountability of the Finance Team.
- Representing organization at national & international levels.
- Responsible for one to one communication with Senior Management and Donors.
- Review and check monthly financial updates & reports of the projects.
- Ensure timely incorporation of all types of vouchers / data into the financial software.
- Monitor & ensure effective and efficient fund management. Provide regularly the funds position to the senior managers.
- Coordination with sub-offices on their monthly financial statements and the related matters.
- Responsible for external audits & assignments.
- Representation and liaison with finance managers from key partners and audit firms.
- Supervision, staff development & recruitment of Finance Team.
- Responsible for developing and implementing regular/minimum quarterly field visits in order to examine that internal controls are being adhered.
- Supervision of maintenance of fixed assets records and reconciliations.
- Responsible for introducing at least one new efficient, innovative / creative practice in Finance.
- Supervision of banking transactions, accounts & reconciliations.
- Ensure that CHS and international standards of accounting are being adhered.
- Coordination with Donors & program personnel on financial matters, budgets and forecasts & ensuring timely reporting to Donors /partners.
- Responsible for the preparation of Checklist pertaining to the donors’ agreements/contracts and ensure that all the financial requirements as mentioned in the respective donors’ contracts / agreements are complied with meticulously.
- Responsible for developing second line management in Finance team.
Job specifications:
Qualification and Experience:
- For the position of Head of Finance, a MBA/CA/ACCA/ICMA degree from recognized university/institution and 8 years’ experience and at least 5 years of experience in senior management role is considered necessary.
Skills and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral.
- Excellent accounting knowledge.
- Excellent management and decision making skills.
- Ability to take initiatives.
- Strong Computer knowledge (mainly MS office).
Core Competencies:
Understanding of humanitarian contexts and applying humanitarian principles and standards:
- Participates in development of organizational response based on understanding of operating context.
- Respects International Humanitarian Law and relevant treaties.
- Promotes and ensures compliance of humanitarian standards and principles that govern behavior of staff.
Achieving Results:
- Clarifies roles and responsibilities within team to maximize impact.
- Proactively collaborates with stakeholders to avoid duplication and maximize resources.
- Regularly provides feedback and information to achieve improved results.
- Promotes responsible use of latest innovation and technology to deliver results.
- Ensures efficient and transparent use of resources in accordance with internal control mechanisms
Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships:
- Establishes clear objectives with teams and individuals.
- Monitors work progress and individual performance.
- Fosters collaborative, transparent and accountable relationships with partners to formalize and implement agreements.
- Uses negotiation and conflict resolution skills to support positive outcomes.
Operating Safely and Securely at all Times:
- Prioritizes and commits resources for safety and security.
- Monitors security risks and ensures organizational protocols are understood and consistently followed by staff.
- Takes appropriate action and provides direction and support to team members in the event of a crisis.
Managing in Pressured and Changing Environment:
- Helps others to recognize and manage stress by modelling appropriate self-care and prioritizing workload.
- Promotes well-being and ‘duty of care’ culture.
- Sets realistic deadlines and goals.
- Enables others to carry out their roles and responsibilities.
- Monitors commitments and actions transparently.
- Takes time to learn from experience and feedback and apply lessons learned in new situations.
Demonstrating Leadership:
- Inspires others by clearly articulating and demonstrating values, core purpose and principles that underpin humanitarian work.
- Provides regular and ongoing informal and formal feedback.
- Recognizes contribution of others.
- Maintains broad strategic perspective and awareness of detail of situation.
Teamwork:
- Ability to work in a team, lead a finance team and promote participatory and consultative approaches within the organization.
Languages:
- Excellent spoken and written English is essential.
Sensitivity:
- The Head of Finance must be tolerant and sensitive to needs of religious and ethnic minorities, women, children and the poor.
Independence:
- In the absence of the supervisors, the Head of Finance must have the confidence, initiative, patience and integrity to work independently.
Accountability:
- The Head of Finance is required to follow organization’s Accountability Framework and its commitment to the Codes of Conduct practiced by the organization. The Head of Finance will ensure his/her commitment to the organization mission and values and for working in accordance to his/her job expectations.
Note: Female candidates meeting position’s requirements are encouraged to apply.