Job Purpose
The finance Manager is responsible for leading the team and coordinating the financial management function of Abuja Cluster office in line with Federation procedures and policies, in a coordinated fashion to compliment the delivery of programming and financial support to all departments and to ensure the work of the four National Societies part of the cluster.
The purpose of the role is to ensure that the cluster Financial Management Department operates with efficiency, integrity, and accountability, enabling timely and compliant service delivery of humanitarian actions.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
Internal Control and Risk Management
Manage the monthly financial cycle within the defined deadlines
Conduct capacity risk assessment for project partners and ensure mitigation measures address major areas of financial risks.
Perform delegated responsibilities on all financial matters to ensure that internal control is in line and effective as required.
Be responsible for the finance control environment for the Delegation office
Financial Reporting
Prepare monthly financial analysis report for the Head of the Cluster clearly highlighting the financial issues and risks
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), and advice on actions to be taken to improve the KPI's
Oversee preparation of accurate, regular and timely donor financial reports
Identify and discuss donor financial reports monthly with the budget holders and program staff and develop a plan of action to address any issues identified
Alert program managers on due financial reports and any follow ups that might be required to be done with the national society (NS).
Conduct funds transfer spot checks reviews and reports with remedial actions to improve systems within the NS.
Audit and Compliance
Follow up with various risk owners within the Cluster office to ensure implementation of internal audit findings
Be responsible for implementation of all finance policies and procedures in the Delegation office
Review all documents for compliance and authorize only if there is full compliance.
Financial Management and Operational support
Manage the Cluster office funds and financial assets under the overall direction of the Head of Cluster. This will include cash flow, cost control management as well as management of treasury functions.
Coordinate the compilation of regional office budgets and financial plan under the direction of the Head of finance and administration
Manage the budgeting cycle, regularly ensure all program budgets are prioritized in line with available funding and ensure that all project exposure and unfunded items are managed within PEAR approval limits. Monitor the budgets and ensure accurate accounting, authorization, and internal control procedures are implemented. Investigate and address significant variances.
Prepare shared office and service costs budget for the Cluster office and monitor expenses on a quarterly basis and advise the Head of Cluster on improvements
Validate the monthly payroll before onward processing for payment.
Provide training, support and advice staff on financial management matters.
Prepare and review in country cost budgets for respective units to follow up on cash pledges.
Track, monitor and follow up of income and pledges, identify those that are overdue and advise relevant stakeholders as necessary.
Ensure implementation of pledges is as approved by donors and advise the program managers on any anomalies, extension of timeframes as required
Provide technical review on agreements being drawn with donors to ensure IFRC
financial obligations are in line with defined policies and procedures. Work with program teams to ensure expedited cash request transfers to support programs and operations.
Treasury Management
Prepare and submit monthly cash requests and ensure funds are available to carry out activities
Manage bank account balances to minimize forex losses on cash held
Ensure bank reconciliations are completed in a timely manner
Ensure timely reporting and collection of receivables.
Ensure dormant balance sheet items are analysed, cleaned and closed
Rectify all warning signs in the balance sheet monthly checkup report
Monitoring
Monitor National Society advances and ensure timely reporting.
Ensure clearance of working advances from national society are calculated using the transfer rates.
Follow up on dormant working advance (WA) by working closely with the NS finance team
Ensure that program advances to the NS are controlled and cleared with acceptable documentation and vouchers. This will involve monitoring and audit trail work from time to time.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Support in the preparation of emergency and DREF budgets.
Participate in Joint Taskforce for major operations in the cluster, providing financial risk and management advice and guidance
Ensure audit provisions are posted for funds transfer societies.
Ensure provision, accruals and outstanding pledge are cleared prior to preparation of final report.
Ensure timely closure of humanitarian response project and appeal.
National Society Development
Support development initiatives of the National Societies
Carry out capacity review and risk assessment of the national societies Provide advice on finance policies and procedures for implementation by the NS
Conduct training on finance to improve systems within the NS Propose and support NS development initiatives.
Procurement
Conduct 100% check on all cluster office procurements and only authorize payments after ensuring compliance with IFRC policies.
Ensure validation of codes and budgets in LR and other documents are accurate.
Work closely with dedicated procurement officer to ensure admin procurements are made by LPSCM.
Ensure disposal of items follow the fixed assets procedure.
Team Leadership And Management
Plan, manage, and monitor the use of the available resources of the Finance team to deliver the agreed activities for each area of responsibility.
Foster a culture focused on quality service, accountability, proactivity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Promote service improvement, good practice, continuous learning, and
knowledge sharing between colleagues and across IFRC and National Societies.
Ensure a motivating and supportive working environment that encourages staff development.
Education
Relevant university degree (Master in Business Administration or equivalent)
Professional qualification in Accounting (Chartered accountant, ACIPM, CPA or equivalent)
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience. (Required)
Minimum of 8 years in finance management position. (Required)
Minimum of 5 years' work experience with an International Organisation.(Required)
international non-governmental organization, NGO and/or government development agency. (Preferred)
Experience working with the International Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement. (Required)
Minimum of 5 years' experience in Team Management and remote support (Required)
Experience in plan & budget, financial analysis & statements, reporting & treasury management, external financial audit. (Required)
Experience working in multicultural environment. (Required)
Knowledge, Skills and Languages
Service minded, ability to lead, delegate and manage from distance. (Required)
Result-oriented, ability to lead transitions within a matrix management structure. (Required)
Proven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality, acting as a model of highest integrity in personal capacity and at team level. (Required)
High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity with internal and external stakeholders. (Required)
Good ability in representation, negotiation, networking and communication. (Required)
Advanced skills in computer productivity applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). (Required)
Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts. (Required) Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards or equivalent. (Required)
Advanced knowledge of financial management and reporting applications (e.g. CODA and Business Objects). (Preferred)
Understanding of internal control and treasury management concepts. (Required)
Financial management skills. (Required)
Ability to effectively provide training on finance management matters contributing to a learning culture, sharing knowledge and engaging partners. (Required).
Languages
Fluently spoken and written English
Good command of spoken and written French