Finance Manager

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing the interconnected challenges of health, education, and economic development, and it works collaboratively with local partners to implement programs that are sustainable and impactful.

Job Overview:
The Finance Manager plays a critical role in overseeing the financial operations for the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project in Malawi. This position is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership, ensuring that financial practices align with the division's goals. The Finance Manager will manage the entire budgeting and forecasting process, oversee financial reporting, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data. This role also involves developing and reviewing advanced financial models, leading variance analysis, and driving financial decision-making. The Finance Manager will be tasked with managing the financial aspects of sub-recipient monitoring, ensuring compliance with donor and organizational requirements, and addressing any financial issues that arise. Additionally, the Finance Manager will lead resource management, optimizing resource allocation to support strategic priorities for the project, and oversee the financial systems and tools to ensure they meet the division's needs. Risk management is another key responsibility, where the Finance Manager will develop strategies to mitigate financial risks and lead a team of analysts, fostering their development and performance. This position requires a proactive approach to financial management and a commitment to maintaining high standards of compliance and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Manager's duties include overseeing data collection and ensuring accuracy, interpreting complex analyses for decision-making, and reviewing and approving monthly financial reports regarding budgets to actual and forecast. The Finance Manager will finalize financial reports and supporting documentation for funders as outlined in the funding agreement, oversee the budgeting and forecasting process, and ensure alignment with strategic goals. Responsibilities also include monitoring and approving all budgeted project expenditures in accordance with the workplan, serving as the official approver for project expenditures, and approving and reviewing financial models while providing strategic input. The Finance Manager will oversee variance analysis, ensure action on recommendations, and collaborate with the project manager to determine the resources required to complete the project. This role involves communicating financial insights and compliance, providing recommendations, and consulting with senior management and stakeholders on project financials. The Finance Manager will participate in financial reporting for project annual workplan and budget planning, audit reviews, and assessments. Coaching, mentoring, and managing financial analysts and country finance staff to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with project and company standards is also a key responsibility. The Finance Manager will engage in critical and confidential aspects of financial analysis, work with confidential data, and keep abreast of the latest trends in financial accounting while mentoring staff. This position requires broad conceptual judgment, initiative, and the ability to deal with a wide range of finance issues, ensuring the financial integrity of sub-recipients and addressing compliance issues as they arise.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Finance Manager position should possess comprehensive knowledge of accounting concepts, practices, and procedures, as well as financial controls and financial information systems. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, along with demonstrated organizational and presentation skills. The candidate should have strong project management skills and the ability to influence, motivate, and negotiate effectively while working well with others. Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations impacting financial analysis and management controls is required, as is knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and experience with automated financial reporting, government accounting practices, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) systems. A solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) practices and reporting guidelines is necessary, along with excellent organizational, supervisory, leadership, and managerial skills. The candidate should be able to provide strategic leadership and advice to the team, exchange information, and collaborate with colleagues and peers within and outside the organization. A full understanding of the organizational structure, policies, and practices, and their impact on the area of responsibility is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Business Administration, Information Management, Finance, Accounting, Analytics, Operations, Marketing, or a related field. A full professional accounting certification such as CPA or ACCA is required, and additional relevant training will be considered an advantage.

Experience:
The Finance Manager position requires a minimum of 5-8 years of related work experience, including at least 3 years in a management role and 3 years working at the corporate or organizational level. Experience working on complex awards and contracts and managing sub-awards is preferred. Candidates should have prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), an international organization, and with USG funding.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and candidates should also be fluent in the host country language as appropriate. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a career-level manager and works under broad direction with considerable latitude for independent action. The Finance Manager will have the ability to motivate, mentor, and manage individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and expertise, resulting in high-quality and timely work delivery. The job typically requires a typical office environment, with the ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard. The position may require the ability to travel less than 10%. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and supports a healthy work/life balance.