Inspired by the extraordinary heritage of its co-founder, Helen Keller, Helen Keller Intl collaborates with communities that are determined to break the enduring cycles of poverty. By providing the fundamental elements of wellness, balanced nutrition, and clear sight, we empower millions of individuals to effect enduring transformations in their lives. Operating in over 20 nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States, and in conjunction with a worldwide network of advocates, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has the chance, as Helen did, to realize their full potential.
We are presently looking for a Finance Director to become part of our expanding program in Cameroon. The Director will oversee all facets of the financial function and facilitate the synergy between accounting, finance, and program staff with the shared objective of fulfilling project goals. The Director will act as a strategic advisor to the Country Director, analyzing and preserving the financial stability of the program portfolio.
Functional Relationships
Helen Keller operates under a matrixed reporting structure. Consistent communication and a sense of collaboration among colleagues, both vertically and horizontally, are crucial for the success of this structure.
The Finance Director reports directly to the Country Director and is an integral part of the Country Management Team (CMT). To maintain the uniformity and consistency of global financial policies and procedures, the Director will also be a part of the global Finance department, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Controller team.
The role involves overseeing a team of staff with varying professional expertise. It entails close collaboration with colleagues across Helen Keller’s global management hierarchy, particularly experts in accounting, budgeting, finance, business development, finance systems, and grants compliance. This individual may also participate in international working groups or committees and provide assistance to colleagues in different country offices.
Furthermore, this position engages with donors and/or project partners within the country’s portfolio, representing Helen Keller at meetings with donors and project stakeholders.
Job Scope
As the Financial Director, the responsibilities encompass the comprehensive financial management of the country office’s portfolio. This includes projects funded by Foreign & Local Governments such as USAID, Irish Aid, and other multi-lateral or private initiatives. The role involves orchestrating a collaborative effort with colleagues from both the country office and global management to ensure adherence to Helen Keller’s policies and procedures, uphold robust internal controls, oversee general ledger management and all other accounting functions, manage and administer awards within the portfolio, and implement financial oversight measures to maintain integrity and compliance with donor, Helen Keller, and local regulations across all programs.
Specific Responsibilities
- Overall Management and Leadership
- Contribute as a key member of the Country Management Team (CMT) in strategic planning and direction for the country office and its programs, leveraging your unique insights and expertise.
- Collaborate closely with the Country Director to monitor expenditure rates, project pipelines, and overall financial health of the country office. Identify and address unusual budget discrepancies or challenges, recommending corrective actions as needed. Highlight operational issues impacting resource management integrity.
- Lead the finance department in partnership with program managers to ensure meticulous financial planning, management, reporting, and auditing across all programs. This involves comprehensive budget preparation and oversight.
- Demonstrate collaborative leadership within your matrixed team, fostering efficient consultation and knowledge sharing among colleagues. Integrate insights and guidance from subject matter experts within and outside the organization to enhance team performance.
- Operational Excellence and Team Development
- Evaluate the effectiveness of country office policies, procedures, and workflows. Identify gaps or outdated policies and prioritize enhancements.
- Stay updated on changes in local laws and regulations affecting Helen Keller’s operations, including those from non-governmental organizations consortiums and tax authorities.
- Build and nurture a high-performing Finance team through effective recruitment, supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of staff. Conduct regular performance discussions to support professional growth.
- Delegate responsibilities appropriately, provide guidance to staff, and foster an environment conducive to continuous development and achievement of goals.
- Uphold accountability to beneficiaries, partners, colleagues, and donors by providing consistent feedback within a framework of mutual respect.
- Propose and implement best practices in financial operations. Contribute to international working groups tasked with developing global policies or enhancing systems and procedures.
- Acquire proficiency with organization-wide finance and operational systems to optimize their use and drive efficiencies across functions.
Budget and Grants Management
- Financial Oversight and Budgeting
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the portfolio of awards within the country office.
- Lead the preparation, analysis, and review of annual and mid-term budgets for the country office. Conduct re-forecasts as necessary to align with evolving needs.
- Collaborate closely with the Business Development unit to develop proposal budgets, budget narratives, and amendments. Ensure budget alignment with project work plans.
- Analyze the impact of cost extensions, no-cost extensions, and other budget realignments on project finances.
- Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Monitor project implementation rates on a monthly basis and provide detailed variance analysis reports to the Country Director (CD), Country Management Team (CMT), and budget owners.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of invoices, financial reports, accrual analysis, forecasts, and other financial deliverables related to awards.
- Reconcile donor reports with the general ledger, aligning cash and expense records.
- Track and report monthly project expenditures, fund execution rates, and donor fund receipts. Provide regular updates to the Country Director and program managers.
- Maintain accurate representation of budgets and financial information in project management and financial systems.
- Oversee physical and electronic records for each project, ensuring compliance with documentation standards.
- Conduct field visits to sub-recipients as needed to evaluate their financial management practices.
- Manage project start-up and closing processes as required, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Stay informed about donor procedures, regulations, and compliance requirements, particularly those of USAID, to ensure adherence across all projects.
Accounting and Financial Management
- Financial Operations Oversight
- Provide direct supervision and hands-on engagement with accounting and finance staff to ensure timely and accurate maintenance of the general ledger, banking activities, cash management, accounts payable, payroll, and procurement processes for both the primary office and any satellite offices.
- Implement and maintain clear segregation of duties within the finance team, establishing strong internal controls and ensuring staff are cross-trained to ensure continuity of operations.
- Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Manage the monthly financial close process to meet organizational and stakeholder reporting deadlines.
- Ensure thorough analysis of general ledger balances and production of high-quality financial reports in accordance with donor and Helen Keller timelines.
- Conduct detailed payroll analyses for accuracy and consistency before final approval by the Country Director (CD), ensuring compliance with benefit and tax payment schedules and policies.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial data to facilitate timely monthly closings. Implement and manage efficient filing systems and archiving procedures for financial records.
- Monitor cash flow to ensure liquidity, track currency fluctuations, and establish robust electronic banking procedures. Perform accurate bank reconciliations.
- Coordinate and schedule country and project audits promptly, actively participating in the audit process as needed. Ensure full implementation of any corrective action plans arising from audits.
- Track and report contingent liabilities to the CD and Controller. Serve as a liaison with banks regarding electronic payment systems and manage access controls.
- Monitor donor agreements and sub-grants to partners, ensuring justification of all partner advances and timely receipt of deliverables.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in finance management, accounting, or a related field from an accredited university.
- Minimum of ten years of professional experience, including at least five years in a similar role, preferably within an international NGO. Alternatively, a comparable combination of education and experience.
- Proven track record in financial reporting, general ledger management, financial controls, and project management. Demonstrated ability to develop and oversee budgets, as well as coordinate operational activities effectively.
- Strong interest in international development and public health programs, with a comprehensive understanding of how programmatic, operational, and financial elements interact during project planning and execution.
- Possesses analytical and conceptual thinking abilities, coupled with a keenness for continuous learning and adaptation within a dynamic organizational context.
- Familiarity with donor regulations, particularly those of USAID, foreign government development agencies, and multilateral institutions.
- Skilled in negotiating and supporting donor engagements, adept at troubleshooting financial issues, and proactive in refining financial management processes.
- Excellent capacity for team building, staff development, and coordination. Capable of delegating tasks efficiently and providing mentorship to junior colleagues.
- Demonstrates well-established organizational and planning skills, ensuring efficient and structured workflow.
- Proficient in both oral and written English and French, with the ability to simplify complex financial and operational matters for diverse audiences.
- High-level proficiency in utilizing various financial software tools, including spreadsheets and accounting packages.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and solution-oriented, capable of performing effectively under pressure while meeting demanding internal and external deadlines.
Application Process
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to cm.recrutement@hki.org, indicating the job title in the subject line.
The deadline for applications is May 15, 2024.
Helen Keller Intl is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce that values diversity in all its manifestations.
All eligible candidates will be considered for employment without regard to ethnicity, race, caste, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic unrelated to job performance.
We strive to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us using the email provided above.
Important Notices
- HELEN KELLER INTL DOES NOT CHARGE ANY FEES AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, TESTS, INTERVIEWS, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).
- HELEN KELLER INTL DOES NOT REQUEST BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION FROM APPLICANTS.
- HELEN KELLER INTL DOES NOT ENGAGE WITH RECRUITMENT AGENCIES FOR HIRING.
