Finance Manager at Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT)

Job Description (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) is a not-for-profit organization established in Kenya in by the Biovision Foundation for ecological development in Switzerland and supported by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi. The Trust’s goal is to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and other African countries through supporting dissemination of information and knowledge on appropriate technology to improve human, animal, plant, and environmental health.Job Purpose:The overall purpose of this job is to oversee all aspects of the Finance function by ensuring the financial controllership and integrity of all the Organization’s programmes and projects and provides consolidated financial plans and reports for the projects as needed by the organization and by the requirements of different partners. The role is responsible for Grant management, budgeting, financial accounting and reporting, management of assets as well as implementing financial policies and proceduresKey Duties and Responsibilities: Lead the planning and execution of the financial function including those necessary for auditing, budgeting, and financial management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and procedures/guidelines.Conduct analysis and reviews on variances and provide clarification where necessary to the Board, Senior Management Team and Auditors.Managing Contracts and Grants.Manage monthly accounting closing process as per set cut-off date and ensure timely submission of monthly bank reconciliation including analytical review of the monthly operating results.Develop cash forecasting and budget projection models, develop mechanisms for tracking of burn rate to actual reporting by line items.Prepare high-level financial reports to aide in decision making by senior management, the board, and donors.Develop and review accounting and monetary management policies to ensure they are consistent with internationally recognized financial reporting standards and regulations.Support development of new plans and proposals by ensuring budgets are prepared in compliance with requirements of BvAT’s policies and funders’ requirements.Monitor, analyse, and interpret BvAT’s financial performance evaluation reports and make recommendations to management on policy and operational changes.Undertake asset management and prepare quarterly reports, budgeting process and approvals and expenditure monitoring through prudent management of finance, and physical assets of the organization.Oversee the preparation of monthly/quarterly financial projection, statements, and budgets, exercising expenditure controls of the organization.Supervise accounting activities; update management reports; monitor and evaluate the implementation of statutory mandate.Provide comprehensive financial and decision support to the donors through a wide variety of financially focused work to directly increase accountability and contribute effectively to business decisions.Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.Liaise with external auditor and prepare Audit schedules during project and institution Audits.Provide direction and capacity building to field Finance and Administration teams; directly supervise Finance and Administrative leads; support in the financial implementation and operation functions for donor-funded projects.Provide oversight and management support for all aspects of financial management including advisory and technical support, project planning and coordination support, procurement, human resource management, administration and information technology, innovation, and compliance management.Manage the general ledger and the financial system for accuracy of the data posted.Coordinate and consolidate the projection of biweekly cash requirements, monitoring cash flow and reconcile cash accounts to maintain appropriate cash balances.Manage the monthly payroll processing to ensure compliance with the labour laws and tax requirements.Check and verify payments before seeking approval of the same by the Executive Director or other designated officer.Provide advice on investing in organization funds in securities that provide high returns in relation to their risks.Work in close consultation with the Executive Director on all financial management issues and provide on the liquidity and payment decisions.Conduct monitoring to the projects implemented by the organization through sub grantees.Promote best management systems and practices, develop internal controls as well as ensure transparency and obligation to justify expenditure.Undertake any other relevant tasks that may be assigned by the supervisor. Working Relationships: Internal Relationships: All departmentsExternal Relationships: Donors, Partners, Government bodies, external and internal auditors RequirementsRequired Qualifications: Master’s degree in business related field (preferably).Bachelor’s degree in finance/ Accounting or a related field.CPA (K)Minimum of 12 years working experience, with at least 4 years in a similar senior finance role.Must be a member of ICPAK.Working experience with accounting software e.g., on use of ERP- Microsoft Dynamics Required Skills and Competencies:Technical Skills IFRS KnowledgeExchange rate KnowledgeAnalytical skillsNumerical strengthLeadership Skills Behavioural Skills Good leadership and supervisory skills.Good communication skills.Sound interpersonal and team building skills.Ability to work under pressure.Good problem-solving skills and knowledge on conflict management.Good negotiation skills. Responsibility for finances and physical assets: The job holder participated in budgeting, insurance, and branding of items as per the donor guidelines. Decision making: The job holder is fully involved in decision making of all finance aspects. Information: The job holder has access to board minutes, financial statements, and donor information.