Director Finance and Operations at PATH

• The Director of Finance and Operations will support the country program with financial planning, management and efficient operations and administrative services. The DFO will ensure compliance with PATH’s policies, implementing efficient financial and operational business processes. Reporting to the Country Director and partnering with other regional and global teams, the DFO will be responsible for Finance and Accounting, facilities, procurement, fleet management, organizational effectiveness and policies review, compliance, risk management, asset management and facilities to ensure all the financial and operations systems meet the demands that a rapidly growing program operations places upon them. 

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement plans for financial management, planning and analysis as well as operations and administration to ensure efficient, effective delivery of services and in support of compliant project activities.
• Lead assigned teams, mentor and develop employees, providing guidance as necessary.
• Ensure proper staffing and recruitment to enable timely delivery of services; facilitate and cascade goal setting and team assignments in support of country program operations and delivery of programmatic services.
• Provide customer service excellence and lead continuous process improvement for efficient and effective service delivery.

Financial Management:

• Accounting: Oversee accounting processes, including expenditures, payroll, tax compliance, travel and disbursements, ensuring timely delivery of service, compliance with PATH’s policies and local procedures.
• Reporting and External Relations: Collaborate with the Country leadership and project teams to develop and compile information for ad hoc and required reports for governments, donor and other stakeholders. Ensure accurate, complete, and timely reporting for financial performance and statutory purpose. Primary point of contact with banks; manage bank relationships to ensure efficient cost-effective delivery of service.
• Internal Controls, Audits & Tax Compliance: Oversee local procedures and internal control operations compliant with PATH policies. Oversee all audits, ensuring timely engagement of audit and tax services in partnership with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Contract and Sub-award Management: Ensure adequate sub-award processes, monitoring and management systems are in place and operating for timely issuance, reporting and oversight of sub-awards.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Annual and Project budgeting: Formulate budgets for the country program. Ensure Finance and PADM teams adhere to FP&A budgeting timelines and planning and budgeting for local projects and awards is accurate and complete, and all budgets are properly uploaded to Business World (BW).
• Lead the forecasting process and quarterly business review exercises. Periodically update financial forecasts, highlighting any key challenges or opportunities influencing performance to goals. Lead PADM teams in ensuring the regular update of all forecasts in BW. Obtaining necessary insights and providing narratives to the FP&A team.
• Ensure adequate budgetary controls and adherence to these controls to ensure that all spend/expenses are properly vetted and approved against the right charge codes. Provide monthly financial performance reports, advising and implementing corrective actions to ensure actuals results are in line with set targets.
• Support Finance Decision making: Support the FP&A team with finance decision support in the areas to drive optimization, efficiency and agility in our operations and acting as a strategic, trusted advisor to the Country Director.

Operations and Administration:

• Establish, monitor, and maintain operational activities and functions in accordance with PATH’s policies and compliance with donor requirements.
• Records Management
• Procurement:  Oversee PATH Kenya’s purchasing function, ensuring segregation of duty, adequate competition, and cost-effective vendor selections in support of country operations.
• Office Management: Support the management of PATH's physical offices, assets, safety, and security at all PATH Kenya locations.
• Safety and Compliance: Implement and maintain processes to ensure a safe, healthy, and compliant working environment for all employees and visitors.
• Legal Affairs: Works closely with Legal Affair (LA) to ensure compliance with registrations, licensing, government statutory requirements. Works with LA to develop and execute agreements requiring LA’s review, such as teaming agreements, MOUs, and collaboration agreements.

Security and travel

• Reviewing and updating of the PATH Security Management Plans for the country regularly in accordance with the PATH schedule and adhered to by all staff.
• Assessing the transport requirements of the country program on a regular basis and ensuring appropriate solutions are implemented.
• Oversee the travel function of PATH Kenya

Required Skills:

• Education: BSC/BA in accounting, finance or relevant field; MSc/MA/MB&A or CPA qualification highly desired.
• Work Experience: 10+ years managing or leading financial and operation teams.
• Leadership: Proven leadership skills with an ability to provide guidance and support.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.  Ability to collaborate effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Financial Acumen: In-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles, solid knowledge of financial analysis and forecasting. An analytic mind with strategic ability.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in Hindi and English.
• Ability to persuade and influence different types of audiences (single contributor, middle management, and executive leadership).
• Software Proficiency: Strong proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and advanced ERP accounting systems. Knowledge of Unit4 Business World and Salesforce a plus.
• NGO Experience: Prior experience in an NGO or similar environment is advantageous.
• Donor Knowledge: Familiarity with international donor project management and compliance is a plus.

Leadership competencies

• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions.
• Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Plans & Aligns (Prioritization): Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational needs.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability (Agile and flexible): Adapting approach in real-time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said even when it is not popular.