Finance Manager

Organisation: African Vision Malawi

Location: Lilongwe

Background Information

African Vision Malawi (“AVM”) is a small NGO based in Malawi and supported from the UK. More information on our vision, mission and purpose is available at: www.africanvision.org.uk

Role: Finance Manager

AVM is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee all aspects of financial management of our country programmes, ensuring compliance with AVM internal policies and procedures and donor regulations, as well as being a liaison with financial stakeholders at country level.

How to apply:

This post is open to Malawian nationals.  We encourage applications from women and marginalised groups in line with our Equal Opportunities policy.  Only those meeting the essential criteria for this post will be considered for shortlisting. If you have not had a response within 14 days of the closing date, your application has not been successful.

Applications MUST be made online only using the following:

1. CV in English, no longer than 2 sides of A4 and in font no smaller than size 11.
2. An accompanying covering letter outlining how you meet the essential requirements of this role and answers to the four key questions below in less than 200 words per question:

• In your role as Finance Manager tell us why you are the most suitable person for this role?
• What values do you hold that link to the organisation and how will you demonstrate these to support the team and the work of AVM?
• How can you help us deliver our mission?
• How can you support the CEO deliver the work of the charity in your role?

3. The cover letter must also include details of your current remuneration package.
4. To ensure your application is considered, you must complete and return the attached Excel form. The excel form can be downloaded on 20240406 Job Application Form for Finance Manager

CVs and accompanying letters should be sent to hr@africanvision.org.uk  by 5pm on Friday 26^th April. Applications that are late and/or do not comply with the application guidance and which do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.  Interviews are scheduled to take place in Lilongwe (precise times to be provided to successful applicants).

Please see the accompanying job description for further information.

Purpose:

The Finance Manager will:

• Oversee the day-to-day finance operations of the organisation
• Manage, support and develop the finance team
• Monitor, develop, implement and maintain financial and regulatory policies and processes
• Apply strong communication skills at all levels of the organisation, both internally and externally, with employees and relevant stakeholders
• Advise, coach, problem solve and be a sound business partner to AVM for all financial matters for both Malawi and UK
• Support the CEO and the senior management team, both in Malawi and the UK, in all financial governance planning and decision making
• Apply strong regulation adherence both internally and externally
• Develop performance metrics and enhanced performance from all resources
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities to represent finance and AVM

 Essential requirements: 

• An advanced Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting or Finance is required.
• At least five years of continuous experience in finance and accounting in a busy environment with multiple donor funding streams.
• Proven sound and solid leadership skills, with an ability to lead teams with competing demands.
• Demonstrated experience and skills with budget preparation and analysis, financial reporting preparation and presentation and the proven ability to translate technical financial data into informative reports.
• Strong accounting skills and experience, including management of general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables and balance sheet.
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office programmes, particularly Excel  Knowledge and application of Quick Books and/or accounting systems.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Excellent interpersonal and team playing skills and confident in dealing with diverse groups of people.
• Planning and analytical skills with attention to detail are essential.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience of programme management.
• Knowledge of procurement and supply chain processes
• Experience in managing donor funding with International Non-Governmental

Organizations (INGOs) or charitable organisations

• Policy development
• A problem solving and solution-oriented attitude; be methodical and adaptable.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision and deliver on set objectives within given deadlines
• Approachable and willingness to listen and assist finance and non-finance colleagues
• Ability to occasionally conduct training of staff within the financial management area
• Motivation to learn and develop and keep abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Remuneration: The salary and allowances will be appropriate to your experience and within our funding levels and will not be in excess of K614,000 gross per month, during the probation period. Please understand that we are a small charity and consequently cannot pay salaries in line with large INGOs.

Contract: 6 months’ probation period and, if completed successfully, followed thereafter by an indefinite contract thereafter (subject to a 3 month notice period, ongoing funding and AVM’s needs and priorities).