Head of Finance at Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

The position

Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKES, K) is seeking a Head of Finance (HoF) who has a track record in leading the optimization of finance operations and improve the internal control environment. This is a great opportunity to work with an experienced finance team to make a positive impact on business operations. The HoF will be fully responsible for the financial affairs of AKES Kenya including financial and productivity analysis, providing support for decision-making, ownership of audits (internal and external), budgeting, and planning processes, implementation of policies and sound internal controls to promote fiscal discipline, and safeguarding of all AKES, K resources.

The position will also be responsible for monitoring the Procurement, Administration, and Logistics functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Act as a role model for AKES global values and "Education First" service paradigm
• Lead, train and develop team members through effective coaching and mentoring
• Provide value-adding financial information, insights and advice to the Leadership Team
• Support the School management and Central office leadership teams with relevant financial performance information
• Represent the Finance function on cross-functional teams

Budgeting, Planning and Reporting

• Prepare annual budgets and multi-year financial and sustainability projections under set guidelines and in collaboration with Schools, Central office and Global Office Team
• Prepare proposals for strategic capital expenditure projects
• Plan and implement a detailed 12-month budget delivery plan
• Supervise the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports and analyses
• Review and approve monthly financial reconciliations and ensure corrective action is taken on time

Cash and Risk Management

• Implement efficient cash and fund management procedures to maximize interest income
• Oversee timely collection of receivables and manage defaulters’ risk
• Guarantee adequate cash flow planning to support the implementation of capital projects and regular commitments
• Act as authorized Bank and Purchase Order Signatory within set limits
• Implement sound controls to ensure risks related to cash and bank are minimized
• Promote risk-based controls over cash and bank, fee collection, operational and capital expenditure, fixed assets and payroll
• Make certain that internal/external audit recommendations are implemented appropriately

Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), legal and statutory requirements with the Registrar of Companies and local employment law
• Provide leadership in the implementation of the AKES Financial Information System
• Implement and improve AKESK finance control processes and procedures
• Manage the year-end statutory accounts, external audit and tax filing requirements
• Ensure safekeeping of all contractual and legal documents

Procurement, Administration and Logistics

• Ensure total compliance to AKESK Procurement Policy as well as Value for Money (VFM) assurance.
• Provide leadership in planning as well as organization and implementation of the annual Procurement, Administrative and Logistics work plans.
• Review the Procurement, Admin and Logistic function performance
• Implement sound control and review processes for contract management, facilities and fleet management
• Review, at least annually, all insurable risks and implement adequate insurance cover for all relevant areas of the business

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A university graduate in Commerce/Finance/Economics
• Preferably with a professional qualification ACCA, CA, CPA or equivalent
• A Master’s degree will be an added advantage
• 10+ years of accounting and finance experience, including 5+ years of post-qualification experience at the management level, preferably from the Education Industry
• Experience with AKDN institutions will be an added advantage
• Track records of leading and managing a team within a matrix organization with multiple stakeholder accountabilities

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Robust interpersonal and people management skills
• Sound communication skills with cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Accounting skills, including knowledge of accounting principles, standards and techniques, cost analysis and optimization and cash flow management
• Strong financial planning, organization, and analytical skills
• Spreadsheet skills and knowledge of database management
• Problem-solving and communication skills; ability to make clear, persuasive presentations to management, clients, and/or other stakeholders
• Ability to recognize potential financial problems, engage in strategic planning and analysis of financial resources, markets, and products, and assist management in making sound, profitable financial decisions