Finance & Operations Manager (Academy) at 54 Collective

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Management 

• Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring accurate forecasting and allocation of resources.
• Monitor and track program expenditures against the budgets.
• Prepare a detailed financial report for project stakeholders, including budget vs actual analysis.
• Ensure compliance with company’s financial reporting standards and policies.
• Collaborate with respective program leads to gather and validate budget input.
• Update and review forecast as project projections change, providing timely and accurate financial information.
• Provide finance guidance and support to teams to enhance aid decision making.
• Develop and maintain financial processes and controls to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Support annual financial audits of the program to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Banking and Treasury 

• Ensure payments for service providers and stipends are done timely and accurately 
• Liaise with service providers to ensure invoices are accurate and received on time 
• Liaise with banks to ensure payments are settled timely and all supporting documents required by the banks are submitted 
• Develop cash forecast to ensure sufficient funds are in the bank for all VDA financial requirementsPerform creditors reconciliations for all Academy payments timeously.

Operations Management 

• Contract management, including overseeing purchase procedures
• Maintain systems for tracking contractual documents, correspondence and reporting, keeping contract files updated for spot checks and audits;
• Manage operational/ logistical organisation of training, workshops, and other events in coordination with the technical team.
• Liaise with the team to ensure they have the relevant tools & systems for program delivery. 
• Ensure recruitment and all operational procedures are compliant with the jurisdictions the Academy operates inManagement of program risk log.
• Coordinate travel arrangements for Academy staff.
• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding activities as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant subject combined with broad relevant experience in project finance (or able to demonstrate a combination of qualifications, skills and relevant experience at an equivalent level)
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in operations/logistics on large-scale, donor-funded projects.
• Have extensive experience in financial management and controlHave extensive use of accounting software (Sage and Xero are desirable)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effeciently
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of project management principles and methodologies is a plus.
• Exceptional organisational skills and a proven ability to work under pressure while ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Ability to interpret financial information and produce high-quality reports.
• An ability to organise and present information logically and accurately.
• A solution-focused approach with the ability to work flexibly to meet changing organisational needs.
• A self-managing work style and, in particular, the ability to work independently as the financial specialist for project teams
• Ability to identify and implement changes to processes and practices and improve quality and efficiency.