Finance Manager

Job Summary

The Finance Manager is responsible for the financial management of the Council's business transactions and operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Financial Controller (FC) in supervising and providing Financial Management Services.
• Provide management and support to all Divisions/Units.
• Assist with activities related to the annual Marking and Grading Exercises.
• Perform other duties may be assigned by any duly authorized person.

Required Activities

• Assist the Financial Controller in supervising and providing Financial Management Services.
• Exercise direct supervision over and coordinates the work of the Finance and Office Management department staff.
• Monitor and review the financial position of the Council, maintaining control over fiscal information systems.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives: establish schedules and methods for providing financial record-keeping, reporting and cost accounting services.
• Oversee the processing and recording of financial transactions, ensuring that all subsidiary ledgers are updated monthly and corresponds with the General Ledger; ensuring that all reconciliations to the bank and supplier statements are prepared in compliance with the established monthly deadlines.
• Manage the investment portfolio, transact investment purchases and the transfer of funds; obtain competitive investment offers from approved institutions.
• Identify, review and recommend alternative funding.
• Prepares and manages the organizational budget and assists with its implementation; prepares and updates policies and procedures for FOM.
• Preparation and administration of the Finance and Office Management departments budget and submit budget recommendations.
• Conduct in-house audits of operating units and analyses deficiencies.
• Prepare various periodic financial reports for the information of the Registrar, Heads of Divisions, the Administrative and Finance Committee, members of Council and participating Governments.
• Review journal entries prepared by senior staff.
• Manage monthly and fiscal year-end audit schedules and financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with international and national accounting and reporting policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ensure that the Annual Financial Statements accurately reflect the Councils financial position and are presented to the external auditors within the time stipulated in the Agreement establishing the Council.
• Coordinate and implement the recommendations of the auditors relating to accounting procedures.
• Work with external Project Managers to ensure compliance with agreed terms.
• Review and report on special projects and contracts.
• Submit requests for reimbursement of project expenditure.
• Respond to inquiries for information on resolution of problems with divisions and external parties on financial matters.
• Committal of the Councils funds by reviewing and ensuring that only authorized transactions are executed for payment of all activities.
• Provide advice and assistance to managers in financial planning and management, the cost effectiveness of the Councils procedures and ways in which programme objectives may be achieved without loss of effectiveness or efficiency.
• Ensure that the assets of the organization are safeguarded via the appropriate internal controls.
• Provide recommendations on all matters involving finance either directly or indirectly.
• Assist the FC in the effective management of the FOM department, particularly in the economy and utilization of funds, machines, material and manpower.
• Assist in the determination of specification and implementation of financial systems.
• Assess the staff training and development requirements within the department in conjunction with the Supervisors and assist in the overall coordination of training in compliance, techniques of analysis, reconciliation and software appreciation.
• Represent the Finance Department on various Committees.
• Implement the policies and objectives set out by Council.

Provide Management and Support Services to all Divisions/Units

• Organise and oversee the administrative support and ancillary services to all Divisions.
• Monitor and approve expenditure for the purchase of goods and services with due regard to cost, quality, delivery dates and internal budgetary constraints.
• Negotiate reduce rates and concessions from suppliers and effectively ensure compliance with all contracts.
• Oversee the inspection, maintenance and general upkeep of council buildings and equipment.
• Plan and organize capital works and major refurbishing of alterations of buildings and grounds to reflect management's requirements.
• Liaise with host government, architects and contractors in the planning and execution of capital works and building alterations.
• Coordinate and disseminate the preparation schedules and calendars of key activities in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Assist with activities related to annual Marking and Grading Exercises

• Procures physical facilities and equipment for Centres and all logistical arrangements for marking exercises.
• Requests waiver of airport departure taxes for persons involved in the Marking and Grading Exercises.
• Procures support services for Marking Centres.

Perform any other related duties which may be assigned by a duly authorized Officer.

Organizational Relationships

• Interacts frequently with:
• Financial Controller
• Executive and Senior Management
• Finance and Office Management Team (EZO/WZO)
• Consults with staff in conduct of Council activities as required

External Contacts

• Western Zone Office
• Bank Institutions
• Government Ministries
• Auditors
• Special Projects Personnel

Qualifications & Experience

• A recognized Professional Accounting Designation
• minimum of five (5) years post-qualification experience in a service-based organization
• Experience with operation of a medium to large accounting information system is an asset

Core Competencies 

• Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• A proven track record of effectively managing and motivating a team.
• Proficiency in computer applications including ACCPAC, Microsoft Office Suite