Finance Coordinator at Save the Children

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Finance LOCATION: Lodwar

GRADE:  4 POST TYPE: National
 
Child Safeguarding:

Level 3 - the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with or access to children or young people

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Finance Coordinator will support the Area Office in delivering the Finance teams’ objectives in a timely and accurate manner.  Supervise the Finance Assistant and ensure that processing and reporting deadlines are fully met; financial controls and procedures are strictly adhered to by all field office staff.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Area Programme Manager, with a technical reporting line to the Roving Finance Coordinator, based in Nairobi.

Country Dimension:

Dimensions: Save the Children has been operational in Kenya since the 1950s, providing support to children through developmental and humanitarian relief programmes delivered both directly and through local partners. Current programming focuses on child protection, child rights governance, education, health, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, nutrition and WASH. In 2012, as part of a global reorganization process, Save the Children combined the programmes of SC UK, SC Canada and SC Finland to create a single operation in Kenya. In Feb 2014, we completed a second transition, which saw us join forces with the British INGO, Merlin, and merge their health and nutrition programmes with our own. Save the Children now has an operational presence in Bungoma, Dadaab Refugee Camp, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana and Wajir and we work through partners in many other parts of the country. In 2016, Save the Children established a new project office in Madagascar whose operations are managed by the Kenya CO. In total, we employ around 250 staff in both countries and had an operating annual budget in 2016 of approximately US$17.5million

Staff directly reporting to this post: Finance Assistant

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Maintain robust and adequate financial internal control systems and cash management across the field office in line with SCI Finance Manual, Awards management and good          accounting practices.
• Ensure sufficient cash in the field office by producing monthly cash forecasts for the Office, sending to Nairobi office and following-up to make sure cash is received in time.
• Process GLACOS spreadsheets after verifying their accuracy ensuring that data is submitted to Nairobi office by the set deadline for processing in Agresso, preparing Field Office Monthly review report for Review by Area Programme Manager
• Support the Area Manager and the Roving Finance Coordinator in the preparation and on-going management of the field office Master Budget with potential gaps actively              highlighted and included in new proposals.
• Verify the accuracy, validity, legitimacy of all payments completeness of financial documents, (purchase requests, work orders, pro forma invoices), proper coding and approval      by responsible managers before payments are made while ensuring SCI creditors are paid promptly.
• Support budget holders in developing proposal budgets, as well as phasing of budgets for posting into Agresso and provide support to budget holders in reviewing and                  understanding monthly financial budget monitoring reports and follow up on any recommended action points.
• Liaise with the Area Manager to schedule and take lead in planning and convening the monthly finance and grants meetings in the field office ensuring relevant teams are              included and action points followed up.
• Induct new staff into financial policies and procedures applicable in the field offices while ensuring that changes in policies are communicated to staff at all levels.
• In collaboration with the Field HR office, provide monthly information to Nairobi Financial Accounting Officer for payroll preparation and on staff departing from SCI.
• Work closely with the Awards team in ensuring donor compliance amongst the implementing partners at the field level and that audit recommendations related to Field Finance      and Awards are followed up & implemented in good time and field staff fully understand and comply with the standard financial procedures

Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development

Manage performance of direct reports in the work area through:
• Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased        evaluations;
• Coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities;
• Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance;
• Documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ work plans.
• Build the capacity of staff to monitor/ manage grants and awards as well as understand and implement compliance requirements from donors, Save the Children and/or the          Government of Kenya.
• Maintain clear communication with both the functional (direct) line manager and the technical manager to foster a smooth working relation under existing matrix structure.

COMPETENCIES
1. LEADING
• Delivering Results: Takes personal responsibility and holds others to account to deliver our ambitious goals for children, continually improving own performance or that of the        team/organisation.
• Developing Self and Others: Invests time and energy to actively develop self and others to help realise their full potential, and to build the organisation’s capability for the future.
• Leading and Inspiring Others: Demonstrates leadership in all our work, role models our values and articulates a compelling vision to inspire others to achieve goals for our             children.
2. THINKING
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Takes effective, considered and timely decisions by gathering and evaluating relevant information from within or outside the organisation     and making appropriate judgements.
• Applying Technical Expertise: Applies the required technical and professional expertise to the highest standards, promotes and shares best practices within and outside the            organisation.
• Innovating and Adapting: Develops and implements innovative solutions to adapt and succeed in an ever – changing, uncertain work and global environment.
3. ENGAGING
• Working Effectively with others: Works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and thrives on diversity of people and perspectives. Knows when to lead and when to follow and        how to ensure effective cross- boundary working.
• Communicating with Impact: Communicates clearly and confidently with others to engage and Influence, Promotes dialogue and ensures timely and appropriate messages,            building confidence and trust with others.
• Networking: Builds and uses sustainable relationships and networks to support the work of Save the Children.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors of Commerce degree in an area Finance or equivalent.
• Professional qualifications in Accounting (CPA II section finalist or ACCA II)
• Recommended a minimum of 3 years experience in Accounting/financial management; payroll, purchase ledger, cash / bank reconciliation in an INGO
• Strong working computer skills especially in accounting packages
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching
• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mindsets
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy in
• Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner
• Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written
• Commitment to Save the Children values.