Finance Manager at African Leadership Academy

Position Overview

• The Finance Manager at African Leadership Academy (ALA) will play a critical role in overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing strategic financial guidance to support the Academy’s mission. This role requires a hands-on leader who is detail-oriented, analytical, and capable of driving financial efficiency and accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Analysis:

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including presentations, for the CFO and Executive Committee.
• Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement.

Accounting, Audit and Compliance:

• Manage month-end processes and close.
• Manage the day-to-day accounting operations.
• Ensure compliance with local financial regulations, tax laws, and internal policies.
• Coordinate and lead the annual external audit process, liaising with external auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Review and implementation of accounting policies and SOPs

Reporting:

• Produce the monthly reporting pack for exco
• Produce reports for committees and boards
• Produce the annual financial statements
• Assist in grant reporting
• Formulate the annual corporate and reporting calendar
• Other reports required by both internal and external stakeholders for decision-making
• Developing presentations for various stakeholder reporting platforms.

Cash Flow Management:

• Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure the organization’s liquidity and financial stability.
• Oversee the management of banking relationships and optimize investment strategies.

Risk Management:

• Identify and develop a financial risk matrix
• Implement mitigation actions to reduce financial risk

Taxation:

• Oversight of all tax matters
• Preparation and submission of all tax returns
• Tax compliance
• Tax benefits available to the institute

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Provide training and support to staff on financial processes and systems.
• Planning and prioritization of team tasks and goals.

Strategic Financial Support:

• Partner with the CFO to develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the Academy’s goals.
• Support strategic initiatives by providing financial insights and recommendations.
• Provide support to all teams in the grant application process, especially in the financial modelling

Systems and Process Improvement:

• Evaluate and improve financial systems, processes, policies and controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead the implementation of new financial tools and technologies as needed.

Profile of Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field; CA(SA) qualification preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in the education or non-profit sector.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting standards, tax regulations, and IFRS compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems; experience with ERP systems is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail of students.
• A self-starter and must be able to implement and carry tasks and projects to conclusion.
• Strong report writer.
• Excellent Microsoft skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent stakeholder communication skills.