Principal, Donor Partnership, FP&A

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is a prominent financial institution operating within the United Kingdom, specifically in London. It focuses on financial management and strategic planning, particularly in relation to donor-funded activities. The organization is committed to enhancing financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making processes at the senior management level. It aims to foster partnerships with donors and improve the efficiency of financial operations. The organization has a diverse workforce and is known for its collaborative environment, where various departments work together to achieve common goals.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Donor Partnership, FP&A role is integral to the Finance – Strategy, Planning and Control department. This position involves engaging in financial management activities that support donor-funded initiatives, particularly those funded by donor fees. The individual in this role will collaborate closely with multiple departments, including Donor Partnership and Donor Funds Accounting, to ensure effective financial oversight and reporting. The primary responsibilities include producing and distributing comprehensive financial reports and headcount data, providing insightful commentary to senior management and stakeholders involved in donor activities. Additionally, the role entails supporting the Principal, Reporting and Analysis in enhancing reporting processes, which are crucial for informed decision-making by senior management and the Board. The position also involves periodic planning and forecasting activities, contributing to the preparation of key documents such as the Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Principal, Donor Partnership, FP&A include leading the production of annual budgets and medium-term plans for donor-funded activities, collaborating with the Donor Partnership team to review and approve new priorities for the SIP, and working with Fund Managers to calculate disbursement profiles in accordance with IFRS revenue recognition. The role also requires determining baseline expenses and incorporating new demands into the budget as part of the SIP process. The individual will lead the development of financial models to support Donor Partnership initiatives and create robust forecasting models that reflect changes to the SIP. Furthermore, the position involves overseeing budget transfers, managing reporting related to fees and expenses, and supporting ongoing finance transformation initiatives, including ERP replacement and migration to new planning systems. The Principal will act as a subject matter expert for planning, reporting, and analysis of donor-funded activities, continuously seeking ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness through process automation and data quality improvements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must be qualified accountants or CFA qualified, with relevant Master's degrees or substantial practical experience in finance. A strong accounting background and extensive knowledge of financial management are essential. The role requires excellent numeric and analytical skills, as well as strong stakeholder management and negotiation abilities. A commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to propose innovative solutions are also critical. Candidates should possess a solid understanding of management information reporting and data governance principles, along with proficiency in IT systems, particularly accounting software and Excel for modeling purposes. Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines are necessary, as are excellent drafting and presentation skills, along with proficient written and oral communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a qualification as a chartered accountant or CFA, along with a relevant Master's degree in finance or a related field. Candidates should have a strong foundation in accounting principles and financial management practices, which are crucial for the effective execution of the role's responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in finance, particularly in roles that involve financial planning and analysis. Practical experience in managing donor-funded activities or similar financial management roles is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this role, as excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for interacting with senior management and stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with diverse donor partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting for two years. It is essential for applicants to note that internal candidates can only apply after completing their probation period in their current roles. Additionally, applicants currently working directly for a Board office must apply for jobs advertised externally. Due to the high volume of applications, the organization may not provide detailed feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for further consideration.