Somalia: Finance Manager, Somalia/land

Background

Saferworld is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with civil society, governments and international organisations to encourage and support effective policies and practices through advocacy, research and policy development, and through supporting the actions of others.

Saferworld has worked in Africa and the Horn region since 1997. We have a well-established programme in Somali/land working with six partner agencies across Somaliland, Puntland and south and central Somalia. We have offices in Hargeisa and Mogadishu and representatives in Kismayo and Baidoa.

Job Purpose:

The Finance Manager will be responsible for all on going grants and ensure effective financial performance management, operation of a strong control environment and compliance with best practice financial procedures.

Specifically s/he will:

· Provide close and pre-emptive support to programmes and partners in the development of systems and processes that facilitate sound finance and project management; training and capacity support of partners;

· Lead on budget and finance management alongside the programme and funding teams; providing quality, timely, reliable and accurate data for programme delivery as well as for planning, sound decision-making and risk management

· As a key member of the Senior Management Team the Finance Manager will work with the Country Director and colleagues to ensure sound internal controls and legal compliance.

· Lead on financial reporting internally and to donors ensuring quality and timeliness.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Lead in financial management, system development and line management of financial staff for the Somalia country programme

2. Manage the Somalia and Somaliland based finance team responsible for keeping financial records and performing financial procedures (receipts, payments, petty cash, payroll), including records of transactions related to Somalia programme activities

3. Lead development and maintenance of robust financial controls (bank reconciliations and other control accounts, finance reports, etc.)

4. Oversee staff to ensure accurate data entry into the Quickbooks ledger accounting system, leading improvement and system enhancement work, ensuring good housekeeping – for the Somalia office as well as somalilaland offices.

5. Lead financial reporting via Sun (our global accounting system) to Saferworld colleagues, donors and London head office with a focus on optimal performance

6. Effectively organise and manage internal and external audits as per donor policies where appropriate

7. Produce statutory (legal) accounts and other legal returns for Somalia.

8. Lead in developing capacity support and collaborative relationships with Saferworld staff and partners to ensure effective financial management across the board

9. Develop strong relationships with all Saferworld colleagues (Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Kismayo, Baidoa and London) to enhance their understanding of finance and build their knowledge; in particular, develop strong relationships with non-financial staff in remote offices, who will be responsible for day-to-day financial reporting and accounting

10. Manage team in building knowledge and understanding with partners so that they effectively and transparently manage their funds

11. Ensure formal and informal training of staff through one-to-one coaching and training in larger groups on accounting concepts, and financial performance monitoring

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge

• A degree in a relevant subject or compensating relevant work experience.
• A recognised accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, etc)

Experience

• 6-10 years’ experience of accounting including at least 3 years’ experience in financial management/administration within an non-governmental organisation (NGO) preferably INGO.
• Experience of computerised accounting software (Quickbooks, Sun or other systems) and an aptitude for system improvements and developments
• Experience of developing and improving financial systems
• Experience of management reporting to colleagues, including overseas colleagues and offices
• Management experience, including line managing staff at a distance.
• Experience of living and working in a difficult environment – Somalia and Somaliland.
• Experience of conducting capacity-building for partners and staff on financial systems and good financial practices

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Probation: There will be a probationary period of three months
• Salary range: Saferworld will offer a competitive salary + benefits
• Holidays: 28 days/year in addition to agreed Somalia/land public holidays
• Hours: Standard working week is 37.5 hours

Please complete a Saferworld application form (www.saferworld.org.uk/jobs/jobs) and sent to Marie Aziz at jobs@saferworld.org.uk citing reference: SFM18

Deadline for applications: 19 August 2018. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Please complete the application form, CVs will not be considered