NGO Finance Manager Job Description
An NGO Finance Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of a non-governmental organization. This position requires a blend of financial expertise, organizational skills, and a commitment to the NGO’s mission.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning and Budgeting: Develop and manage the organization’s annual budget, working collaboratively with program managers to align financial resources with strategic goals. This involves forecasting revenues, tracking expenses, and identifying potential funding gaps.
- Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for internal stakeholders, donors, and regulatory bodies. This includes monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, variance analysis, and grant-specific reports. Adherence to accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) and relevant regulations is paramount.
- Grant Management: Oversee the financial aspects of grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with grant agreements and donor requirements. This includes tracking grant expenditures, preparing grant financial reports, and managing audits related to grant funding.
- Accounting and Bookkeeping: Manage the organization’s accounting system, ensuring accurate and complete financial records are maintained. This involves overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger entries, and bank reconciliations.
- Internal Controls: Develop and implement robust internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and prevent fraud. This includes establishing policies and procedures for financial transactions, segregation of duties, and regular audits.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accounting standards. Stay abreast of changes in financial regulations and adapt financial practices accordingly.
- Cash Management: Manage the organization’s cash flow, ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet operational needs. This includes monitoring bank balances, managing investments, and developing cash flow forecasts.
- Audits: Coordinate and manage external audits, working with auditors to provide necessary documentation and address any findings.
- Team Management: Supervise and mentor finance staff, providing guidance and support to ensure their professional development. This may involve training, performance evaluations, and delegation of tasks.
- Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. Provide recommendations to senior management on financial strategies to improve efficiency and sustainability.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, banks, auditors, and other financial stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree is often preferred.
- Professional certification such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or equivalent is highly desirable.
- Significant experience in financial management, preferably within the non-profit sector.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and grant management regulations.
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite) and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong ethical standards and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Understanding of the NGO sector and its unique challenges.
This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for an NGO Finance Manager. Specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the size and scope of the organization.