Location: Zomba, Malawi
Type of
contract: Full-time fixed-term contract with possibility of
renewal
Suggested start
date: October 2016
Salary and
benefits: Salary commensurate with skills and experience, with
a generous medical and health benefits package.
Dignitas
International (DI)
is an independent registered Canadian charity dedicated to transforming patient
health a
nd health care systems for the world’s most vulnerable people. We
deliver and support frontline medical care in resource-limited settings in
Malawi, and with First Nations communities in Canada. We also research ways to
improve how health care is delivered, to make it more effective and accessible.
Finally, we share our findings broadly and advocate for better health care
policy and practice for marginalized and underserved populations. By coupling
the frontline experience of our clinicians with the expertise of our
scientists, we generate, pilot and scale up sustainable models of care that
address barriers and gaps in health services and policy. More information can
be found at http://dignitasinternational.org.
Dignitas began
working in Malawi in 2004, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Working in one
of the hardest hit areas of this country, we witnessed the devastating impact
of HIV and AIDS on families, communities and the health care system. By
collaborating with the Government of Malawi and local partners, Dignitas was
able to dramatically increase access to quality treatment and care for HIV, TB
and other related diseases.
Dignitas supports
people living with HIV by providing frontline health care in our flagship
Tisungane Clinic, a hub for innovation, teaching and knowledge sharing. At this
Clinic, we have developed and implemented specialized models of care for
vulnerable groups, including HIV+ teens, health care workers and prisoners. To
extend our impact, Dignitas provides comprehensive training and mentorship to
health care workers in 127 clinics, ranging from urban hospitals to small rural
health centres.
Today Dignitas
operates a large office in Zomba, Malawi with over 200 staff, supported by the
organisation’s headquarters in Toronto, Canada. The Malawi program is funded by
USAID, as well as number of other private and institutional donors, including
several research grants.
THE POSITION
This is a fantastic
opportunity for a driven and experienced finance manager who enjoys team and
systems building, and is committed to excellence in financial management. As a
member of the Malawi Management Team, this position provides leadership and
support in financial matters across different work areas including financial
management and reporting, fiscal and legal compliance & grant management,
systems strengthening, risk management and overall operations.
The Finance Manager
manages the Finance team and is responsible for overseeing finance and
accounting duties and audits, preparation of accurate and timely financial
reports to a wide range of donors, and ensuring the accurate recording of
financial transactions. S/he will ensure each financial transaction complies
with terms and conditions of donors, tax & local laws, Dignitas policies
and procedures and in accordance with approved budgets.
MAIN JOB
TASKS
· Deliver on the
Finance Department’s annual objectives
· Prepare and
implement a monthly calendar for finance department deliverables
· Ensure compliance
with Dignitas policies and procedures, donor contracts, and local laws and
regulations and ensure adequate documentation is available for each financial
transaction
· Ensure up-to-date
the accounts and financial databases
· Supervise and
coach accountants and administrators in other departments for financial
transactions
· Oversee data entry
of financial information into the QuickBooks database accurately and are in
accordance with Dignitas policies and procedures.
· Ensure timely
preparation of payroll and all statutory deductions
· Ensure monthly and
annual accounts are closed on time as per checklists
· Work closely with
all department heads for budget monitoring, payments and recording of expenses
on time
· Prepare monthly
cash forecast and cash request, ensuring adequate cash flow for ongoing operations
at all times
· Compile and
analyze financial information to prepare financial statements, including
monthly, quarterly and annual accounts
· Prepare financial
management reports as required
· Prepare and
coordinate for donor audits and statutory headquarter annual audit
· Work closely with
headquarter Finance Manager to provide timely information for donor reports,
financial management, budgets, and audits
· Support budget
preparation for grant proposals and the annual plan
CANDIDATE
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
· Bachelor’s Degree
in Accountancy or equivalent, Master’s Degree preferred
· Recognized
accounting designation required (CPA, ACCA)
· Minimum five
years’ experience in a supervisory role in within a finance team at an
international NGO, preferably in Africa
· Thorough knowledge
of non-profit accounting principles
· Experience working
in a multi-grant environment is required; experience with USAID funding is
strongly preferred
· Good communication
and interpersonal skills at all levels
· Highly detailed
oriented and organized in work, ability to meet assigned deadlines
· Ability to work
cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and
external agencies to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and
results
· Professional level
expertise in working with QuickBooks (multi-currency version), and advanced
level of Excel.
· Proficiency in
Microsoft office applications.
· Fluency in written
and spoken English
Qualified applicants
should send a CV and detailed cover letter explaining their interest and
suitability for the post to jobs@dignitasinternational.org with the subject
heading “Malawi Finance Manager”. Applications will be considered on an ongoing
basis. Deadline to submit an application is September 5, 2016 EDT. Please
note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. DI thanks all
applicants for their interest.
