Head of Finance : - Ref: No. HOF5/2010
Category:- Accountancy, Finance & InsuranceLocation:- KILIFI
Country:- KENYA
Organization Name:- Kemri-Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Summary
The Head of Finance is responsible for strategic financial planning and directing the activities of the finance and procurement functions in the Programme.
Salary :
Description
Vacancy: Head of Finance – Ref: HOF5/2010 (Re-advertised)
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Responsible for: Finance Team of 11 in Kilifi
Procurement Team of 6 in Kilifi
Finance Team of 7 in Nairobi
Duration: 3 years with possibility of renewal
Location: The position is based in Kilifi (80%) but the incumbent must be prepared to travel to Nairobi regularly and potentially to other locations within East Africa
Background:
The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme is a partnership between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Oxford University and the Wellcome Trust. The programme is well known internationally for its work tackling malaria and other infectious diseases among children and has a broad scope in medical research, carrying out basic laboratory-based research, clinical and community based studies, health systems and health policy research. The twin overriding aims of the programme are to conduct research to the highest international scientific and ethical standards on health problems which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa, and to build strong and sustainable national and regional research capacity.
The Programme has its headquarters in the KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research- Coast (CGMRC) in Kilifi and research groups in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. It is led by a management team consisting of a KEMRI-Centre Director, a Programme Director, a Chief Operating Officer and a group of senior researchers, each leading a major research group. The Programme has approximately 750 staff.
The Programme is now looking to recruit a highly experienced professional for the position of Head of Finance.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Head of Finance is responsible for strategic financial planning and directing the activities of the finance and procurement functions in the Programme. The Head of Finance is a member of the senior management’s Operations Committee and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specifically, the Head of Finance will be responsible for:
· Overseeing all Programme financial planning, management and reporting functions.
· Ensuring sound systems of control exist to manage the Programme within the financial resources available, and that research funds are expended for their designated purpose.
· Ensuring that internal management and external donor reporting needs and deadlines are met.
· Identify departmental priorities; develop, communicate and implement work plans to address key risks and issues.
· Overseeing all Programme procurement and stock management functions
· Ensuring that departmental objectives are embedded in Programme Finance policies and procedures, individual job specifications and personal development plans.
· Increasing awareness and understanding among non-financial staff of financial control and risk management.
· Reviewing and reporting on the Programme’s general operating costs and core budget.
Specific responsibilities include:
1. Implementing financial controls over all areas of the function to safeguard Programme funds and assets.
2. Identification of control and process weaknesses; development, documentation, communication and implementation of strategies to address these;; monitor and evaluate progress, and revise approaches as necessary.
3. Oversight of the processes and policies in place for the forecast of cash flow and the Programme’s treasury function.
4. Responsibility for managing the Programme’s relationships with bankers, and ensure that banking arrangements are appropriate.
5. Establishing robust financial systems to ensure recovery of indirect costs from projects where possible, and cross charging of expenditures between projects as appropriate.
6. Harmonization of financial and procurement policies and procedures across the Programme.
7. Leading on all internal and external audit issues.
8. Ensuring compliance with Kenyan legal requirements with respect to taxation and financial reporting.
9. Oversight of the Programme’s insurance provision for staff, consultants, equipment and buildings is adequate and up to date and that the fixed asset register is marinated with appropriate valuation of the assets.
10. Controlling the Chart of Accounts in order that it meets the needs of both the organisation and multiple donors with different financial reporting and control requirements.
11. Financial control of expenditure on behalf of donor agencies and a number of award holding institutions e.g. Oxford University, Warwick University, Liverpool University, Institute of Child Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine The Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health, International Aids Vaccine Initiative, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
12. Working with the host institution (KEMRI) to improve financial control and reporting in connection with the Programme’s activities.
13. Management of the development of individual budgets for research projects at the grant proposal stage
14. Identification of areas of cost efficiency, particularly in the support departments within the Programme.
15. Advising on the financial implications of grants from various donors.
16. Ensuring that payment milestones are fully achieved on research programmes.
17. Deputise for the COO during periods of absence and undertake other tasks as directed by the COO.
Qualifications and Competencies
Essential Criteria:
1. Strong accounting and financial management skills (Fully qualified, i.e. registered CPA-Kenya, ICAEW, or equivalent)
2. Substantial post-qualification experience in a senior hands-on financial management role.
3. In-depth knowledge and experience in computerised accounting software.
4. A sound understanding of financial reporting, management and donor reporting and financial control.
5. Experience of managing a disbursed team, including strong training and coaching skills and a willingness to support the development of others
6. Ability to design internal audit strategies responsive to the needs of the Programme
7. Ability to analyze problems and risk quickly and devise pragmatic and sustainable solutions.
8. Ability to maintain a strategic view but can also conduct detailed analysis as appropriate. Willingness to take a hands-on approach to problem resolution as required.
9. Ability to build productive and collaborative relationships with varied stakeholders.
10. Good interpersonal skills and ability to relate financial information to non-financial audience.
Application Procedure:
Send your application and curriculum vitae to: jobs@kilifi.kemri-wellcome.org. The email subject line should be marked: Head of Finance – Ref: HOF5/2010.
DO NOT APPLY ONLINE.
Candidates must supply an email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews. The application closing date is 22nd May 2010. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This is a re-advertisement of the position, previous applicants need not re-apply.
Requirements
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Reference :HOF5/2010
Posted date: 06/05/2010- Closing date: 22/05/2010
