Finance Manager

Job Purpose

We are seeking a proactive and technically strong Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day financial operations. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will serve as a key operational anchor, ensuring the Society balances strict donor compliance with financial agility.

In this role, you will take ownership of the Full Set of Accounts, manage routine liquidity, and oversee the daily execution of the team. A critical part of your mandate will be team development and capacity building — mentoring our Finance Executives and Officers to elevate their analytical capabilities. By optimising daily operations and maintaining a robust, audit-ready environment, you will help build a scalable finance function that supports the NGO's long-term strategic goals.

Job Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead, mentor, and upskill a team of Finance Officers and Executives. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development within the finance team.
• Set clear, achievable KPIs focused on ledger accuracy, timely month-end closing, and reconciliation excellence.
• Champion system utilisation and workflow enhancements to increase departmental efficiency, empowering the team to deliver higher-value analytical support to the Society.
• Act as a reliable operational deputy to the Director of Finance, absorbing day-to-day management to allow leadership to focus on strategic organisational initiatives.

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Take ultimate responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the General Ledger and Full Set of Accounts.
• Drive the month-end and year-end closing timelines, ensuring all accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, and depreciation are accurately posted by the team.
• Prepare the first draft of the Statutory Financial Statements and Notes to the Accounts in compliance with relevant accounting standards.
• Act as the primary operational liaison with External Auditors, preparing schedules, defending accounting treatments, and ensuring a clean audit opinion.

Treasury & Cash Flow Management

• Manage the Society's working capital position. Monitor the cash flow requirements and execute placement of excess cash in Fixed Deposits within Board mandates.
• Act as the final "Control Gatekeeper" for payment runs. Review proposed payment batches for GL accuracy, tax logic, and proper authorisation before executing bank releases.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for routine banking matters, managing facility limits, corporate credit cards, and system access tokens.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Support the Director of Finance in the Annual Budgeting exercise. Consolidate departmental submissions, review operational assumptions, and allocate shared overhead costs appropriately.
• Review monthly "Actual vs. Budget" variance reports. Investigate operational overspends collaboratively with Department Heads and advise on cost-containment strategies.
• Ensure restricted donor funds and grants are utilised correctly, allocated to the right project codes, and spent within eligible grant periods.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Implement and enforce Financial SOPs (e.g., Delegation of Authority thresholds, Petty Cash, Staff Claims) to maintain a strong control environment.
• Oversee the quarterly GST/VAT return and Withholding Tax filings. Ensure the team correctly applies input tax logic, especially regarding disallowed items.
• Proactively identify and report on internal control gaps or compliance risks to the Director of Finance.

Job Specifications

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Accountancy, Finance, or equivalent.
• Fully Qualified Accountant (CA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent) is required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive Finance/Accounting experience, with at least 2 years leading a team.
• Proven track record handling Full Set of Accounts, month-end reporting, and managing external audits.
• Experience in an NGO, non-profit, or grant-funded environment is a strong advantage.
• Experience driving system improvements or optimising ERP utilisation is highly valued.

Additional Skills and Knowledge

• Strong command of spoken and written English.
• Ability to translate complex financial matters into clear, concise reports for non-financial stakeholders (e.g., Donors, Board Members).
• Deep understanding of internal controls, risk management frameworks, and statutory tax logic (GST/VAT).
• Strong analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• High proficiency with modern ERP systems and intermediate-to-advanced Excel.

Desired Behavior

• Self-motivated and able to act as a dependable deputy to the Director of Finance.
• Able to manage multiple priorities effectively, balancing daily operations with strict month-end deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to enforce compliance firmly but tactfully across all levels.
• A patient, structured leader with a genuine drive to mentor and upskill team members.
• Comfortable working with and supporting volunteers and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrates unwavering integrity, professionalism, and sound judgement.