Finance Lead, Higher Education at Mastercard Foundation

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head of Finance

The Finance Lead will partner with the Program Leads in the management of the end-to-end financial programmatic processes (from Roadmap development to Deliver). The Lead will ensure that the programs are adequately funded to achieve intended outcomes (Budgeting) and that the funding is being utilized to deliver the intended outcome by employing appropriate risk management systems through program monitoring & Reporting to aid decision making. He/she will safeguard the Foundation’s Financial resources by maintaining a sound control environment, ensuring the programs are compliant with CRA regulations and providing stewardship on risk Management to their partners.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Manage the full cycle of Finance program partner contracts, i.e., Expression of Interest (EOI),proposal, contract approval, conduct due diligence, budget reviews, program execution &completion and monitoring.
• Analyzes financial performance against forecast and budget, investigates variances, communicates findings and makes recommendations to programs and partners.
• Identify and provide financial advice including but not limited to funding terms, taxation, Accounting Standards and other regulations/legislation that may arise
• Ensure timely disbursements of funds for programs to ensure programs have sufficient funding in place to deliver the program's objectives and outcomes.
• Guide and train external program partners on all financial aspects of contract execution, including budgeting and reporting, due diligence, financial controls and Canadian regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial expertise and advice internally to the Foundation's Programs team on the development and implementation of comprehensive programming strategies.
• Provide ad-hoc data and support for learning and evaluation activities, including analysis of program outputs and value-for-money.
• Maintain accurate and timely financial documentation and report on contract commitments, disbursements and cash flow projections.
• Continuous program monitoring & reporting on financial performance to ensure that the Foundation’s resources are utilized as envisaged.
• Ensures adequate funding and financial controls are in place to support the delivery of expected program outcomes, as well as compliance with CRA requirements for books and records.
• Ensures that the management grants systems are kept up to date with the correct financial information for each program in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensures that adequate business controls are in place for programs in order to protect the Foundation’s assets.
• Accountable for compliance with local and international financial regulations and requirements, e.g., Canada Revenue Agency, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws ,etc.
• Provide periodic reporting on partner finance matters as determined by the partner contracts and ensure follow up action items are closed as required.
• Troubleshoot and manage financial issues that may arise during program implementation.
• Lead comprehensive program assessment processes ensuring quality control of the plans with potential partners (Accountable for the quality of the Due diligence assessment).
• Drive annual due diligence review process and updating yearly workplans with Program’s team and partners.
• Perform due diligence procedures on partners (i.e., evaluating financial statements, tax returns, financial capacity, watchlist screening).
• Assess alignment with charity law (i.e., private benefit and charitable purpose rules) in collaboration with the Legal & Compliance teams
• Provide Financial Information & insights pertaining to program finance to support decision making.
• Provide input into the Foundation’s financial planning & budgeting routines within the required timelines and guidance as provided by the financial planning & analysis team.
• Provide Monthly financial forecasts on commitments and disbursements for assigned portfolio.
• Provide monthly financial reports on the status of program portfolio including analysis and insights to support decision making on resource allocation.
• Manage analysts and interns who assist the delivery of program finance tasks on a regular basis; assign work and review resource outputs.
• Engage and cultivate relationships with regional partners to ensure good governance to enable the achievement of the intended strategic objectives/outcomes of the program and any other asks as required.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; MBA is an added advantage.
• Professional accounting qualification and a member of a relevant professional body.
• A Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Previous work in the development sector an asset.
• At least 3-5 years' experience in a management capacity, leading finance and teams of multiple technical competencies.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Financial Internal Controls Management
• Financials Reporting & Analysis experience including Budgeting, Financial Forecasting,
• Advanced analytical, quantitative, and statistical skills, financial modelling skills, along with understanding of financial reporting and cash flow information.
• Identify & mitigate operational, financial and business risks.
• Generate routine accounting records and financial reports.
• Determine and apply correct accounting treatments, a proficient knowledge of international accounting standards.
• Fluent in English; French is an added advantage.
• Strong organizational skills with detail-orientation, good follow-through, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to influence people, build relationships, and communicate effectively.
• Able to exercise a high level of judgment in making decisions or recommendations based on analysis of data & deriving insights from the data.
• Good problem-solving skills and other competencies (Leadership, Behavioural)
• Flexible, adaptable and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.