Head Of Finance

Recruiter
Christian Aid
Location
Abuja, Nigeria
Salary
Competitive salary
Posted
24 May 2023
Closes
23 Jun 2023
Ref
c7fffcb77ae7
Job role
Head of finance
Sector
Accounting - Public practice
Experience level
Director
Person Specification

Applied Skills / Knowledge and Expertise:

Essential:

  • Relevant Degree plus membership of a recognised professional accounting body (eg ACCA or Chartered Accountant of Nigeria or equivalent qualification)
  • At least 10 years relevant work experience, 3 of which at a senior level in a large organisation.
  • Experience of managing and mitigating risk in a leadership position
  • Experience of managing and motivating colleagues within a large finance division.
  • Experience of statutory reporting, preferably in the not-for-profit sector.
  • Experience of strategic planning, budgeting and developing successful models of management reporting.
  • Ability to build respect for the value adding nature of financial information.
  • Knowledge of managing VAT, tax and trading issues.
  • Knowledge and experience of resolving complex accounting systems.
  • Ability to explain complex financial issues to non-financial staff.

Desirable:

  • Experience of financial management in the development sector.
  • Experience of the legislative environment of UK charities.
  • Experience of foreign exchange /treasury management.
  • Familiar with Nigeria regulations especially around statutory remittances.
  • Knowledge of development issues.


  • Provide effective leadership for the Finance team, ensuring effective utilisation of their capacity toward the achievement of CP objectives and organisational vision and mission.
  • The jobholder will also support the setting and monitoring of clear performance objectives within the team and ensure an environment of learning for continuous development of skills within the team.
  • Develop and regularly update a Risk Management Strategy and process for the CP. Monitoring implementation and reporting updates to the SMT. Monitor and report on financial risks such as exchange rate fluctuation and tax and working with SMT to have mitigation measures.
  • Ensure that Christian Aid Nigeria is in compliance with local legislation that may be applicable including those relating taxation, financial reporting, custom duties and rates. Also ensure compliance with applicable international laws relating to the use of financial resources e.g. Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Misuse of Funds, Data Protection etc.
  • Coordinate and steer the development of financial plans for the implementation of the country strategy. Coordinate the annual financial planning and rolling forecast processes ensuring adequate guidance and support is provided to budget holders to develop their annual plans in line with organisational policies and donor commitments.
  • Provide regular management accounts reports on financial performance and explaining reasons for deviations from plans and proposing major actions required to address any major deviations.
  • Maintain overview of country funding position, funding gaps and accurate alignment of systems (Restricted and unrestricted Income System). Support and review the development of financial plans for funding proposals and monitor expenditure against grant agreements, working with the SMT to resolve issues as necessary. Ensure timely provision of accurate donor financial reporting using the approved tools and processes.
  • Treasury management ensures an appropriate balance between risk and return in the management of cash and other liquid assets and delivers grant-making to partners that optimises foreign currency translations.
  • Ensure compliance with Christian Aid's Finance Manual and other related policies and procedures to ensure effective and enabling financial controls are in place. Ensure strong internal controls are in place and effective to ensure Christian Aid's assets are adequately safeguarded from financial loss. Report any financial irregularities to the Country Director using the appropriate internal mechanism.
  • Make policy recommendations regionally and globally for improving CA's financial resilience, management and controls.
  • Co-ordinate internal and external audits for the country programme as well as lead the development and implementation of action plan to address external and internal audit recommendations. The role will also monitor and report progress on the implementation of the audit recommendations working closely with the compliance team.
  • Develop appropriate systems and processes to support risk-based partnership financial management. Regular review of partner reports to ensure funds transferred for project activities are properly accounted for and utilised for designated activities. Review new and potential partner capacity making recommendations on whether to engage in a partnership arrangement with such partner as well as identifying areas of weaknesses in existing partner financial management capacity and proposing arrangements to address such weaknesses.
  • Develop, implement and/or improve financial management systems within the country programme. Ensure strong financial accounting and reporting systems are in place to provide accurate and complete financial information to budget holders and management to support effective decision making. Ensure the chart of accounts is both well understood and correctly applied in the coding of financial transactions by Christian Aid staff and partners. Implement changes in financial management or accounting practices recommended by Global organisation to meet the regulatory needs of Christian Aid as well as local and international accounting and reporting standards.
  • Establish and maintain a good working relationship with Christian Aid Nigeria banker(s); ensure that banking activities are processed in a timely and professional manner, and ensure the bank(s) and other financial service providers are providing all necessary services to Christian Aid at competitive prices
  • Statutory, legislative, and other financial reporting requirements are complied with to preserve Christian Aid's reputation for timely and transparent accountability. Restricted funds, contract income and other funds with donor-stipulations are managed in line with donor expectations
  • Christian Aid is provided with a level of business support, financial analysis and information which will inform and guide strategic and operational decision making. The monthly corporate finance report, supporting KPIs and quarterly re-forecasts enable key business leaders to have sight of key financial information on which to set priorities.
  • Internal controls are robust and safeguard Christian Aid's assets. Processes and procedures are regularly updated to reflect changing business needs and emerging best practice. Investigations into misuse or misapplication of funds are performed with due sensitivity to reputational, security and legal concerns.
  • On-going relationships with Christian Aid's bankers, auditors and investment managers are managed with a high degree of strategic insight and integrity.
  • Appropriate financial systems support the business needs and provide assurance of a strong control environment