Overview:
Global Encounters (GE) was established by MHI in 2017 during the Diamond Jubilee under the auspices of the Aga Khan Foundation, Portugal. GE’s mission is to harness and advance the potential of our community through a wide variety of international initiatives and promotion of excellence in the arts, sport, cultural heritage, youth development and leadership.
These initiatives will provide an opportunity for the and particularly the youth, to come together and live our values, deepen our understanding, celebrate, share experiences and develop our talent.
The Senior Finance Officer (SFO) is a senior level full time staff position. Reporting to the Executive Officer, the SFO will manage the finances of major international initiatives across the organization. Primary day-to-day responsibilities will include oversight of cash flow, planning and budgetary control, along with the preparation of all financial documents and reports. The SFO will work collaboratively with other Global Encounters staff and volunteers.
Location & Travel Requirements
This position will be based in Lisbon, Portugal. The position may require travel and presence for planning meetings and to ensure various projects are being organized to achieve the highest level of impact possible. Additional travel may be required when the need arises.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Budget Preparation and Management
Sense check and oversee preparation of annual central office budgets and cash flow projections.
Monitor and manage central office budgets to ensure expenditures are within budgeted amounts.
This position will closely liaise with the Grants and Review Board (GRB).
Managing Central Finance Functions
Maintain financial control and discipline, including accounting of all expenditures and funding for programmatic, operating and capital investments.
Manage all financial reporting and accounting functions across the organization.
Support financial, tax, and risk mitigation and prudently manage the organization's resources.
Coordinate with programme managers to ensure effective on-site management of finances.
Liaise and coordinate with Institutional Finance Departments where GE has financial activity.
Fundraising and Sponsorship
Support organizational fundraising campaigns.
Oversee donor acknowledgment, stewardship and annual reporting.
Develop payment schedules with partners and manage invoicing and communication.
Administration
Support the development of policies and ensure effective internal controls and compliance.
Ensure that all legal and statutory requirements of the organization are duly fulfilled and complied with, and identify and mitigate risks facing the organization.
Required Skills
Professional Experience
The ideal candidate will have 7+ years financial management experience in a non-profit organization or corporation. Institutional experience as a volunteer or staff, experience in financial and management auditing as well as those with lived multicultural experiences are highly preferred. Work experience in a Portuguese environment is desirable.
Academic Credentials
Professional qualification from a recognized institution in Accounting, Auditing or Finance.
Skills/Experience
Work experience as an accountant in a management / senior leadership role who has excellent knowledge of international financial reporting and accounting standards, including experience with general ledger, foreign currencies, and consolidation functions.
Excellent budgeting, financial planning and analysis, cash flow management, audit management and financial management skills.
Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills.
Strong problem solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.
Strong project management and administration skills, as well as verbal and written communication skills in English.
Strong people management and volunteer coordination expertise, including interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and manage well at all levels and with teams in remote locations.
Sensitivity to operating within a values-based, non-profit context.
Ability to effectively build and manage relationships, liaise and collaborate with Institutions and external non-profit, corporate, government, community organizations, and academic institutions and partners.
Ability to conduct oneself with the highest level of integrity and maturity; ability to work with discretion is required.
Dependable self-starter with a strong results-orientation and ability to work under pressure.
Hands-on experience in operating recognized accounting software.
Advanced MS Excel, MS Word, Google Suite and presentation skills.
Language Proficiency
English fluency required. Proficiency in second and third languages preferred – including, but not limited to: Arabic, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Pashto, Portuguese, Swahili, Tajik, and Urdu.
For further details, please visit www.the.akdn/careers/2067849_6723 . The deadline for application is 16th April 2023.