Financial Controller at African Agricultural Technology Foundation

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to access, develop, adapt and deliver appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable use by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Summary


Reporting directly to the Director, Corporate Services, the Financial Controller, is a hands-on financial manager responsible for payroll, budget and planning, financial and management accounting, and reporting as well as tax matters.
The Financial Controller has a senior role within the foundation and is responsible for designing and implementing adequate internal controls and procedures to support effective program implementation and the conduct of efficient audits and reviews. He or She will provide the support and analysis required for both internal and external reporting.
The Financial Controller will work closely with program and administration staff to explore how the finance function can more effectively support operations. He or She will also assist with the development and implementation of a strategic finance delivery service.

KEY FUNCTIONS
Treasury and Risk Management

Engaging with the Internal Auditors and External Auditors and ensuring an effective follow through on audit and risk matters including the Risk Register
Reviewing all draft audit reports and taking necessary action, following up on completion, issues raised and implementation of recommendations.
Tracking currency risks and instituting an effective process for managing currency risks.
Leading key analysis and preparation of the Treasurer’s report and reports of the Foundation Risk Management Committee, taking minutes and follows up on matters arising.
Approving transfer of funds, reimbursements, and related matters requiring authorization per the delegation of authority matrix.
Overseeing the administration of the Foundation’s insurance policies and ensuring that there is in place an effective insurance program to provide adequate protection of the Foundation’s assets against insurable risks at a minimum practical cost.
Provides expert perspectives and analysis for use by the Director, Corporate Services in assessing financial implications of risks, opportunities and decisions.
Anticipating and identifying financial and administrative risks and takes appropriate action in terms of reviewing and/or developing new policies and procedures and recommending audits.

Financial Management

Reviewing within delegated authority the book entries covering year-end adjustments for reserves, contingencies and other major or unusual items
Reviewing the proposals to donors to ensure that financial matters are adequately addressed.
Reviewing financial reports, expenditure, variances, and donor reports.
Approval of procurement services, specific procurement contracts, payments, and adjustments journals within the delegation of authority matrix
Accurate and timely financial processing and posting of transactions.
Provide hands on direction and support to budget, grants, accounting, and payroll staff.
Directly supervise the budget and forecast development process.
Responsible for the Cost Recovery across the programs within the foundation
Monitors project and organization wide expenditure against budgets
Ensure programs are spending down funds appropriately and in a timely manner to maintain projected income.

Reporting Internal Control Environment – Processes and Procedures

Establish and implement rigorous internal control systems.
Lead the Unit in the most cost-efficient way, ensuring that financial services meet the expectations and needs of internal and external stakeholders.
Review and manage procurement needs, related contracts costs, Internal/external suppliers, to ensure optimal benefit to the foundation.
Ensuring that the Foundation’s financial operations are conducted in accordance with Foundation policies and procedures and that both financial controls and value for money regimes are in place.
Analysis and development of any new system needs for the foundation.
Development and maintenance of the Delegation of Authority Matrix
Ensures that financial records and reports are in compliance with all applicable accounting standards, donor requirements and other regulations.
Coordinate and lead NICRA proposal development and submissions.
Responsible for accurate cost allocation of expenditure.
Continuously assess the design and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and systems in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance department.
Work with the IT and other departments to identify new solutions to accounting and reporting challenges.
Review and approval of payment and other processing documents to ensure adequacy and accuracy.
Provide mentorship, training and support to staff as needed.

Reporting

Design and maintenance of the Finance Reports DASHBOARD for the Foundation and social enterprises.
Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for funding agencies, senior management, and Board of Trustees.
Responsible for the analysis of all General Ledger accounts at the end of each month
Preparation and maintenance the Foundation’s reporting calendar
Any other tasks as directed by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

Must be a seasoned professional with CPA or Chartered Accountancy certification with a Bachelor’s degree in any financial field.
Demonstrated knowledge of non-profit accounting, business, and management principles.
Minimum of 7 years’ experience in grants financial management in a non-profit setting is a must;
Minimum of 10 years’ Experience in International Development is preferred.
Minimum of 7 years’ management experience, coordination of people and resources.
Excellent working knowledge of accounting in Microsoft office applications.
Effective problem solving, critical thinking and systems evaluation skills.
Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written);
A strong service orientation to colleagues.
Ability to both delegate and take responsibility.
Experience with filing Form 990, and CFR 200 regulations and UK SORP reporting will be advantageous.
Demonstrated experience with Gates, USAID, DFID, CIDA and donor agencies and their grants management, report and audit requirements is a plus;
Supervision experience.
Fluency in English is required, Proficiency in French is a plus.
Proven experience in developing policies at strategic corporate level.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Effective problem solving, critical thinking and systems evaluation skills.
Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written)
A high level of self-discipline, capacity to multitask, and function well under pressure.
A strong service orientation to colleagues.
Ability to both delegate and take responsibility.
Cross-cultural competency