Director of Finance

Here at Action For Humanity (AFH), we are looking for a Director of Finance & Services to join us. You will join us on a full-time basis and in return you will receive a competitive annual salary of £65,000 to £70,000.

AFH is an NGO that provides aid and assistance to people affected by natural and man-made disasters. Our vision is a world of crises-resilient communities. Our mission is to mobilise and respond to emergencies and critical needs through humanitarian, development and peace-building action, helping affected communities survive, recover and build a better future.

As our Director of Finance & Services, you will be responsible to prepare, manage and implement the financial strategy, policies, procedures, and financial controls framework at AFH, as well as inputting strategically and operationally on  services including HR, Procurement and Facilities. Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Finance & Services will work closely with the charity’s leaders to deliver the charity’s objectives. H/she will ensure controls are effectively in place and functional, and h/she will ensure compliance with the rules and regulations AFH is bound by as a charity.  H/she will lead the Finance team and be ultimately responsible for all Finance objectives.

Your responsibilities as our Director of Finance & Services will include the following:

1.      Strategic leadership

• As an Executive Leadership Team member, the Director of Finance & Services shall assist the CEO, the AFR and Board of Trustees (BoT) in:
  • developing and implementing the financial strategy, policy and manual;
  • Ensure that investments are meeting their intended objectives, and revise the investment policy as needed to maintain alignment with goalsproviding strategic direction to the organisation through executive decision making, forecasting/budgeting and its implementation;
  •  establishing and implementing internal controls and ensuring efficient and effective financial operations as per industry and sector benchmarks.
• Attend Executive Leadership, Senior Leadership, AFR, and Board meetings, contributing and if necessary, leading them.
• Work with the CEO to develop, co-ordinate and monitor all costings for bids, projects, and core budget.

2.      Stakeholder Management

• Maintain effective relationship and coordination with key stakeholders, including local, national, and global organisations, government bodies, banks, donor institutions, etc.
• Ensure independence of the Internal Audit function, the AFR and the Board from the financial operating matters.
• Liaise with partner organisations and provide the necessary leadership and technical support.

3.      Compliance

• Ensure Financial and Accounting policies, procedures, and systems are in accordance with statutory regulations, industry benchmarks, and global standards, and in compliance with risk management and internal controls.
• Ensure that all accounting records are properly and timely maintained, reporting cycles and other associated engagements are successfully performed in an effective and timely manner in accordance with the regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with agreements and contracts in relation to banks and external service providers.

4.      Team Leadership

• Assume overall responsibility for UK & International Finance teams, and assume overall responsibility for services including   Procurement and Facilities, including necessary resourcing/recruitment, inductions, training, retention, and day to day management.
• Focusing on team members’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes for building capacities to deliver on present positions and build long term capability to shoulder additional responsibilities.
• Ensure performance management is utilised effectively for all direct reports, to reward good performance and promote a culture of accountability and merit.
• Provide support, guidance, and development to international finance staff.

5.      Planning, Reporting and managing resources

• Develop, maintain and monitor the financial systems of the organisation to ensure the production of accurate & timely reports.
• Create business value through technology, ensuring tech systems and procedures lead to outcomes in line with organisational goals, and support with developing the IT and software systems used within finance and services, particularly an ERP system.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with third parties for commercial aspects of the running AFH.
• Finalise the annual financial statements and periodic financial reports (as applicable), obtain external audit approval, and present them to the CEO, AFR Committee, and Board of Trustees for consideration and approval.Monitor and report on the overall funding status, and coordinate with stakeholders for arrangement and management of funds and grants.
• Ensure funding applications are properly prepared and AFH costs fully covered through a robust cost recovery and cross charging methodology, working with the leadership teams to interact with relevant stakeholders for these purposes.
• Conduct financial analysis and review of existing and proposed programmes, projects, and campaigns, contributing to decision making in this area. Oversee staff payroll, handling of petty cash and banking of donations, management of activity fees and credit control process

6.      Other

• Perform any other task assigned by the CEO/AFR or the Board.

What we are looking for in our Director of Finance & Services:

Education

• Qualified Accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
• Evidence of continuous professional development

Experience

• Significant experience of a senior leadership team role is essential, as well as having managed a direct team and promoting high performance
• Experience in dealing with external audit and internal audit functions
• Experience of managing change and growth
• Knowledge and experience of Charity finance would be an advantage
• A proven track record of successfully managing all aspects of an operation and delivering successful outcomes
• Experience of preparing financial statements, consolidated accounts and seeing through the audit process from start to finish
• Experience of leading services functions including HR, Procurement and Facilities

Skills

• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build great relationships with a range of external and internal stakeholders, including trustees, partners, and members
• Excellent communication skills, recognising the need to raise awareness and grow our brand and offerings through presentations to a variety of stakeholders
• Advanced ICT skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel, and Finance/Accounting software
• Flexibility and the ability to manage time effectively whilst juggling multiple tasks
• Understanding of political, business and investment climate in UK, Canada and USA
• Understanding of humanitarian and international development sector globally, particularly in relation to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

Languages

• Strong written and spoken English (Essential)
• Strong written and spoken Arabic, Urdu, or French (Desirable) 

Benefits of joining us include:

• A salary of £65,000 to £70,000 per year depending on experience;
• 25 days’ holiday allowance + your birthday off + bank holidays;
• Matched pension contributions;
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements possible;
• Enhanced sick, maternity/paternity pay;
• Structured annual performance development review process, which informs annual salary reviews and involves training and development provision;
• EAP which includes access to free 24/7 helpline, counselling, and legal and financial advice;
• Subsidised on-site food and drinks;
• Hundreds of discounts and special offers, for shopping, dining out, joining a gym, and more;
• Modern office in central Manchester location with free parking, break out room, and prayer facilities;
• Opportunity to go on international deployment/field visits, where appropriate;
• Annual away days/retreats involving training, teambuilding, outdoor and social activities;
• Subsidised sports and social activities.

This would be an ideal role for a humanitarian sector Finance leader looking to propel their career. We are looking to appoint this role ASAP and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so for the best chance of success please apply today – we would love to hear from you.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Action For Humanity also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.