Financial Controller

Key Responsibilities

Oversight of Institutional Accounts

• Ensure that all school accounts align with the company's financial policies and standards.
• Standardize accounting charts, practices, and internal controls across all institutions.
• Monitor and review account reconciliations for accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure expenditures remain within approved budgets.

Cash Flow Management

• Develop and maintain a consolidated cash flow forecast.
• Plan for the financial needs of each institution, including foreign currency transactions.
• Alert leadership of potential shortfalls and propose solutions.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Analyse financial performance for each institution and for the company as a whole.
• Oversee submission of external financial reports in compliance with donor, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Collaborate with institutional heads to develop and finalize budgets.
• Provide financial data and forecasts to support strategic decisions.
• Monitor adherence to budgets and recommend adjustments when needed.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and donor requirements.
• Conduct regular reviews and implement improvements.

Audit and Risk Management

• Serve as the main liaison for external audits.
• Implement audit recommendations and ensure compliance.
• Identify financial risks and support institutions in applying mitigation strategies.

Cost Optimization and Efficiency

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved resource allocation.
• Streamline financial processes and eliminate duplication.

Invoice Review and Approvals

• Review and approve high-value invoices and transactions.
• Implement approval thresholds to ensure strong financial oversight.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Guide the company’s long-term financial planning.
• Support accounting software implementation and upgrades by:
• Providing feedback on reporting needs
• Identifying required modules
• Requesting necessary customizations
• Addressing system limitations
• Improve financial reporting tools for better decision-making.

Catalyst for Financial Processes

• Drive the implementation of new financial processes and compliance systems.
• Ensure timely submission of required reports (e.g., tax filings, audit reports).
• Communicate process updates and ensure adoption across institutions.

Credit Control

• Establish and enforce credit policies.
• Monitor receivables and implement collection strategies.
• Ensure timely payment collection from parents (in case of educational institutions) and donors.
• Minimize bad debts through clear guidelines and follow-ups.

Operational Auditing Excellence

• Conduct operational audits to evaluate institutional efficiency and compliance.
• Recommend improvements to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Evaluate risks and propose mitigative actions.

Mentorship and Leadership

• Mentor finance teams across all institutions.
• Build capacity through training, workshops, and hands-on support.
• Facilitate collaboration among finance teams to align with the company’s strategy.

Payroll and HR Oversight 

• Oversee payroll processing for the company and designated institutions, ensuring accuracy, timely payment, and compliance with statutory requirements (e.g., taxes, pensions, and social security).
• Maintain centralized payroll records and ensure proper documentation of salaries, contracts, and benefits in coordination with relevant HR focal points.
• Support human resource functions—such as recruitment, documentation, staff onboarding, contract management, and leave administration—where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and internal HR policies as well as all payroll and personnel-related matters under the Financial Controller’s purview.
• Advise on salary structures, staffing costs, and financial implications of HR decision across the company and the selected institutions.

Key Qualifications and Skills
Education

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA, CFA) are highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of progressive financial management experience, ideally in NGOs or multi-institutional organizations.
• Proven experience managing budgets, financial systems, and audits across multiple entities.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and financial planning expertise.
• Proficiency in financial software and reporting tools.
• In-depth knowledge of financial regulations, risk management, and internal controls.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Performance Indicators

• Timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Compliance with internal controls and external regulatory deadlines.
• Effective implementation of financial systems and processes.
• Cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Development and mentorship of institutional finance teams.
• Establish and monitor internal controls to safeguard financial assets.