Head of Finance

Background

LAW is an independent, non-profit organisation comprised of human rights lawyers and jurists working in fragile and conflict affected areas in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. We focus on gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence, rule of law and accountability, transformative justice and natural resource exploitation, working to bring justice to those who need it most. LAW’s ground-breaking work has received international media coverage, including in Reuters, the New York Times, the Times of London, the Guardian, Al-Jazeera, France24, Voice of America, Huffington Post and Foreign Policy.

We are looking for experienced and enthusiastic Head of Finance to join our dynamic organisation who will work collaboratively with program staff to identify and ensure smooth front line delivery. The ideal candidate will have a track record of leading on achievable finance strategies, preparing accounts, financial planning, developing policies, staff training and capacity building, budgeting, and reporting. The post holder will be part of the Senior Management Team and contribute to the organisation’s overall development and mission. The position is currently part-time with potential to develop into full time subject to funding.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reports to: Operations Director and matrix management to Executive Director

Duration: 12 Months – extension subject to funding

Responsible for and Direct Reports:

Indirect Report: x 1 Finance Assistant , x 4 Country Finance Managers

Location: Preference – The Hague, Geneva and Brussels, Flexible on other locations

Hours: Part-time 70% a week (Full time equivalent is 40 hours a week)

Role Overview and Responsibility:

The Head of Finance will work closely with and contribute to the senior management team in developing LAW’s mission and strategy. S/he will deliver technical advice to ensure compliance with relevant national legislation in various contexts, donor regulations, financial planning and control. The post holder will provide direction to the finance team along with expert guidance to the management and Board on the delivery of financial strategies and the maintenance of effective financial systems and procedures.

Summary of key functions:

· Leading on financial strategies and planning, financial controls, and improving the organisation’s policies and procedures;

· Providing financial analysis and information to the Board, the senior management team and the wider management team;

· Work with the Operations Director to develop and implement a risk framework;

· Managing and capacity building of the Finance Team and relevant programme staff;

· Leading on organisational issues including (but not limited to) risk management, financial policies, and compliance controls;

Accounting

• Develop and maintain global and country level master budgets;
• Share annual reports and periodic budgets and financial analysis with the management team and/or the Board;
• Oversee financial procedures and recording of transactions across LAW country offices including receipts, payments, accruals, payroll;
• Implement and monitor financial controls including bank reconciliations and other control accounts, finance reports, etc.
• Ensure and oversee accurate data entry into the Navision accounting system for monthly reporting;
• Prepare financial reports to donors and management;
• Maintain the integrity of the financial data and ensure appropriate reports; statutory (legal) accounts and other legal returns are submitted;
• Review, develop and maintain global financial policies, procedures, systems and standards to meet the needs of LAW;
• Capability building and support to program staff in writing budgets for proposals, monitoring of expenditure and budget management;
• Advise on cost control and develop a framework to monitor costs and value for money.

Financial Reporting and Planning:

• Design, plan and deliver an annual action/work plan for the department;
• Develop procedures for all logistic activities including travel, expenses and ensure that relevant logistics and financial policies and procedures are reviewed, monitored and executed correctly;
• Oversee the registration of LAW in various countries as and when required;.
• Manage the country office administrative activities and budget preparation support;
• Manage the contracts for services and supplies at a global level, and ensure they are aligned with LAW policies and donor requirements;
• Monitor the external economic climate including; foreign exchange, interest rates;
• Oversee the procurement, use, replacement, and disposal of equipment in accordance with LAW and donor policies and procedures.

AUDIT:

• Coordinate, plan and lead on the audits of the aggregated accounts and liaison with country finance managers for both internal and external as necessary;
• Manage relationships with external auditors;

· Promote learning and the implementation of Audit recommendations at a global and national level;

• Lead on legal, regulations and governance framework including annual statutory financial statements

Experience, Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Qualified Accountant;
• Significant post qualification experience of minimum 10 years working in financial planning and management;
• Track record of achievement at a senior level and 5 years’ experience working in an international NGO;
• Demonstrated experience of charity accounting is preferred;
• Track record and experience of procurement, governance and tax;
• Solid experience and knowledge of MS Office, advanced Excel and IT tools;
• Excellent knowledge of ERP Systems; preferred Microsoft Dynamics; Navision
• Outstanding communication skills both verbal and written in English, and ability to present complex information into simple propositions;
• Ability to work effectively and accurately on multiple tasks and manage own deadlines;
• Demonstrated experience of successful financial, budgetary and regulatory control experience covering audits and foreign assistance funding management;
• Proven track record in management and motivation of technically skilled staff
• Strong influencing skills to positively build peer working and relationships;
• Proven experience to work on own initiative and as part of the wider team;