AIMSNEI Director of Finance

Within the context of an unprecedented mission and a pioneering innovative math and science education institution, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences – Next Einstein Initiative (AIMSNEI) seeks to attract a highly accomplished and experienced professional to the role of Director of Finance whose qualifications match the standards of excellence for which AIMS is gaining continental and international recognition.

The Director of Finance oversees and supervises the network finance unit (including Centres and Secretariat) and is the financial spokesperson for the network. In this position, the DF is expected to bring the following performance and technical competencies to the team:

• Collaborative leadership in financial matters, Accounting, financial systems and financial controls in an international and multiple donor context; Budgeting and financial modeling; Financial planning and analysis; Cash and risks management; Management reporting; Negotiation and problem solving; Sustainability planning.
• Oversee the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the network including revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, reports to funding agencies, development and monitoring of organizational and contract/grant budgets. These reports should be timely, open and accurate and help to support informed operational and institutional decisions.
• Oversee the production of monthly reports including reconciliations with funders and requirements, as well as financial statements and cash flow projections.
• Ensure adequate controls are in place and that substantiating documentation is approved and available such that all procurement decisions will satisfy national and international norms and will thus pass independent and governmental audits.
• Participate in developing new business, specifically: assist the ED, Program, Outreach,
  Operations and Research Units in the drafting of prospective programmatic budgets, and determining cost effectiveness of prospective service delivery.
• Provide financial oversight of major grant applications, capital projects, research budgets and other financial management activities (e.g. budget process, reporting systems and financial risk) within the network.
• Develop and maintain systems of internal controls to ensure appropriate spending and to safeguard financial assets of the network.
• Oversee the coordination and activities of independent auditors ensuring all audit issues are resolved, and all compliance issues are met.
• Identify and coordinate activities to mitigate the Network’s exposure to risk/liability.
• Prepare the Network’s annual financial statements and ensure it is in accordance with GAAP in the UK and other required supplementary schedules and information
• Work with the ED on cultivating stakeholder relationships at all levels, as well as assisting in the development and negotiation of contracts.
  RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee all purchasing and payroll activity for staff and other participants within the network. Train the Finance Unit and other staff on raising awareness and knowledge of financial management matters. Lead the budgeting process across the network and ensure that detailed budgetary information is available in a timely fashion to network leadership. Work with the Secretariat senior management team to ensure programmatic success through cost analysis support, and compliance with all contractual and programmatic requirements. This includes: 1) interpreting legislative and programmatic rules and regulations to ensure compliance with all government and contractual guidelines, 2) ensuring that all government and funder regulations and requirements are disseminated to appropriate personnel, and 3) monitoring compliance. Assess the benefits of all prospective contracts and advise the Secretariat Executive Team on programmatic design and implementation matters. Attend Board and Subcommittee meetings; including being the lead staff on the Audit/Finance Committee. Monitor banking activities of the network and ensure adequate cash flow to meet the network’s needs. Oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable and ensure an emergency recovery plan is in place. Lead the development of a network remuneration policy.

QUALIFICATION AND MUST HAVE:

1. First degree in accounting or commerce
2. Ideally a MSc in Finance or Business
3. Professional accounting designation
4. Successful record in managing major development cooperation funding including DFID, CIDA, EU, USAID, DANIDA etc.
5. Complex not-for-profit corporate budgeting and finanial analysis
6. Complex multiple donor reporting
7. Experience with match funding planning and monitoring
8. Accountability and financial transparency

How to apply:

Prospective candidates must submit a letter of motivation and detailed CV, together with the names of at least two referees to: AIMS-NEI Hiring, AIMS-NEI Secretariat ABSA on Grove, 3rd Floor; 11 Grove Avenue, Claremont 7708, Cape Town, South Africa or electronically to itamajong@nexteinstein.org (ensure that the job title is in the subject line please). Should no feedback be received from AIMS-NEI within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.