Country Finance Manager at Solidaridad Southern Africa

Seeking a dynamic and experienced Country Finance Manager to lead the financial management function in Solidaridad Zambia office. This role will encompass strategic leadership, project accounting, cash flow management, compliance, team management, and donor management. Reporting to the Regional Finance Controller and working in collaboration with the Country Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all financial activities, ensuring adherence to organizational policies, donor requirements, and legal regulations. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

KRA 1: Strategic Leadership and Financial Management

KPI 1: Develop the overall strategic plan and Standard of Operations for the country finance function in collaboration with the Country Management and Regional Finance Controller

KPI 2: Lead the implementation of financial procedures to ensure accurate and timely accounting submissions from field offices, including reconciliations, financial analysis, and reporting.

KPI 3: Provide monthly management reports to the Country Manager and Regional Finance Controller, including expenditure analysis by fund/project, income and expenditure accounts, and cost analysis reports.

KPI 4: Prepare and submit annual budgets for the Country Programme in liaison with country office management and the Country Manager.

KRA2: Bank Management (Cash flow) & Project Accounting

KPI 1: Supervise the preparation of allocations of funding and budgeting of planned expenses in the components of the response.

KPI 2: Monitor and analyse grant budgets and spending, initiating and preparing required budget realignments in coordination with program/project managers.

KPI 3: Manage the day-to-day functioning of the finance section, including cash disbursements, cash receipts, and banking arrangements.

KPI 4: Maintain bank correspondence, arrange bank lease guarantee, open new accounts ,add and remove bank signatories

KPI 5: Monitor bank balance and arrange Drawdown requests

KRA 3: Monthly Management Accounts and Financial reports

KPI 1: Process monthly journals in relation to country payroll and projects

KPI 2: Prepare and submit Monthly Financial Reports

KPI 3: Facilitate country audit preparations and liaise with auditors. Assist the Regional Finance Controller with Regional Audit preparations

KRA 4: Payroll & Finance Administration

KPI 1: Manage monthly payroll operations, including changes, reconciliations, and submissions.

KPI 2: Review and submit payment requisitions as necessary.

KPI 3: Prepare and submit monthly payroll file

KPI 4: Maintain accurate records and financial controls per policy and donor requirements.

KPI 5: Review payments and submit payment requisitions through DocuSign on the absence of the Country Manager

KRA 5: Compliance

KPI 1: Maintain accounting records and financial controls in accordance with organisational financial policy and donor requirements.

KPI 2: Support regional/country team in adherence to accounting systems and requirements

KPI 3: Identify, assess, and mitigate internal and external risks across the Country Programme, ensuring effective oversight of key functions.

KPI 4: Provide guidance, training, and consultation on compliance with financial policies, procedures, and donor requirements.

KRA 6: Donor Management

KPI 1: Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, ensuring regular communication and timely reporting on financial matters, project progress, and compliance with donor requirements.

KPI 2: Successfully negotiate funding agreements with donors, maximizing financial support while adhering to organizational priorities and guidelines.

KPI 3: Ensure timely submission of high-quality financial reports to donors, with a target of 100% compliance with reporting deadlines.

 

Qualifications

• Relevant academic level education, BCOMPT Accounting Sciences (necessary)
• Qualified Chartered Accountant certified by a recognised professional body e.g. SAICA, ZICA, ACCA or CIMA (to be verified)
• Masters in Finance (preferred)
• Eight to ten (8-10) years’ experience – managing finance at a country level
• A strong understanding of country financial regulations.
• Experience of leading and managing dynamic teams.
• Experience setting up new projects and programmes
• Fluent in spoken and written English, other language skills proficiencies desirable.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong strategic leadership and managerial skills to coordinate the Solidaridad program team to deliver on Solidaridad’s strategic objectives.
• Ability to adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery and follow-through.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills – able to understand complex issues and translate them into simple, workable actions and plans.
• Ability to think strategically, work creatively, effectively and in an innovative manner.
• Knowledge of capacity building, learning and development activities and how to create a learning and sharing environment with a strong knowledge management philosophy.
• Knowledge of, and experience in working with donors.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Excellent technical skills in finance ; Attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal & computer skills – use of Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.
• Ability to build consensus and work effectively within an international cross-departmental team.
• Matrix Management: Ability to thrive in a matrixed organization