Finance & Controlling Manager

The Finance and Controlling Manager is the head of the Finance and Controlling Department. He/she is responsible for all financial matters of the Association. He/she is responsible for strengthening internal control mechanisms and enforcing existing financial systems, by ensuring compliance with, and the implementation of financial
standards of the Association. The incumbent is also responsible for updating and generating timely financial information for senior management and other levels. The Finance and Controlling Manager will ensure smooth budget planning and monitoring process, auditing exercises, timely execution of Financial related activities due for international offices, and secure financial support field offices, main clients and other partners.

SOS Children’s Villages International is a global organization established in 1949 that works to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of orphaned and vulnerable children. SOS Children’s Villages International works through member associations in 136 countries and territories worldwide. SOS Children’s Villages Liberia has been active in the field of children’s rights and committed to children’s need and concerns in Liberia since 1981. We focus our work on children without parental care and children at risk of losing parental care and their communities. The organization has a wide range of programs in Monrovia and Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. Our programs include, children’s villages, a youth facility, schools, a 
medical center and family strengthening programs.

We are looking for a Finance & Controlling Manager for SOS Children’s Villages Liberia. The function reports directly to the National Director and functionally, to the Regional Finance and Controlling Advisor.

Responsibilities

Role Requirements 
Under the leadership of the National Director (ND), the Finance and Controlling (FC) 
Manager is responsible for: 
▪ Providing financial advice and support to the ND and National 
Management Team, to enable it make sound decisions in the  areas of forecasting (long-term perspective), budgeting, liquidity management, engaging in key figure and cost optimization analysis, and reviewing operational performance. 
▪ Developing and monitoring risk management policies and procedures, and ensuring that external control mechanisms are in place. 
▪ Developing and implementing internal finance policies and guidelines, 
regulating processes related to finance, as well as internal control, in line with the vision, mission, strategy, policies, and standards of the organization. 
▪ Leading and supervising the national finance department. 
▪ Representing the organization in the area of finance in engaging external stakeholders. 
▪ Knowing the tax regulations in the country and following-up on all legal 
changes that may have financial implications. Timely and qualitative data submission to the Regional/International Offices, in accordance with the agreed quality standards, as set forth by SOS CVI policies and guidelines.

Key performance areas and main responsibilities: 
Management and Strategic Planning & Budgeting 
▪ Manages the association’s overall financial accounting, monitoring and 
reporting systems and processes. 
▪ Is responsible for the overall operations of the finance department, including the interaction and communication within, and with other departments/ stakeholders, as well as the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the association’s goals and objectives. 
▪ Contributes to the strategic leadership of the association as part of the National Management Team, and helps to develop the national strategy and business plan.  
▪ Prepares long-term financial prognosis and income portfolio analyses to meet the MA long-term strategic objectives. 
▪ Coordinates the budgeting process for the whole association, ensuring that the association’s budget is in accordance with the national strategic plan and SOS CVI requirements. (i.e. planning letter parameters) 
▪ Is responsible for the overall budget control.

Accounting and Internal Control 
▪ Develops and implements an up-to-date documented system of accounting policies, financial procedures and internal control guidelines (in compliance with local regulations and SOS Children’s Villages 
International standards) within the entire association. 
▪ Keeps abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation. 
▪ Responsible for timely and accurate accounting data submission to the Regional/ International Offices. 
▪ Performs regular controls and supervision. 
Financial Analysis and Reporting 
▪ Defines a set of key financial parameters to assess and steer the current 
and future financial status of the SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia 
▪ Engages in key figure and cost optimization analyses and in benchmarking studies to establish areas of potential operational improvement in the organization. 
▪ Provides accurate financial information and reports to specific deadlines as requested by different stakeholders (i.e. ND, OIR, CVI Representative, Finance Advisors) 
▪ Ensures that reports related to projects are submitted in due time (e.g. 
construction projects, projects financed by public grants etc.) and following existing and SOS Children’s Villages International standards and/or special donor requirements. 
Funds and Risk Management 
▪ Monitors and analyses the organization liquidity status (predicting 
future trends, checking plausibility of forecasted local income and proper reflection of public grants, exchange rate development etc.) 
▪ Ensures that sufficient funds are available to meet on-going 
operational and investment requirements and informs the National  
Director in a timely manner on estimated liquidity shortfall proposing solutions 
▪ Ensures counterbalanced income portfolio as well as efficient bank account structure/ conditions of the MA 
▪ Develops and monitors risk management policies and procedures to ensure that program and organizational risks are minimized. 
External Audit 
▪ Ensures the timely submission and is ultimately responsible for the 
quality and completeness of the consolidated Annual Financial Statements of the Member Association (embedded in an entire audit package according to both national and SOS CVI standards) 
▪ In case of qualified audit, he/she approves Audit Progress Report (compiled by Chief Accountant) and is ultimately responsible for proper audit recommendations’ follow-up.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 
▪ Minimum of bachelor’s degree in finance/audit with at least 5 to 10 
years of experience in a similar position. 
▪ Master’s degree in finance/audit with at least 5 years of experience is a plus. 
▪ Experience working with NGO budgets or donor projects. 
▪ Experience in managing teams in a fast-paced and multicultural 
environment. 
▪ An excellent command of oral and written English. 
▪ Knowledge of regional financial best practices in implementing budget 
rules, and managing a team of professionals and/or specialists is an added advantage. 
▪ Ability to manage a team. 
▪ Good analytical and organizational skills. 
▪ In-depth knowledge of Excel, as well as good knowledge of Word 
and Outlook. 
▪ Knowledge and experience in project management is an asset. 
▪ Ability to work flexibly in virtual settings. 
▪ Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment. 
CHILD SAFEGUARDING 
The Post holder might come in regular contact with children or have access 
to children and/or young people. As part of these responsibilities, you will 
adhere to SOS Children’s Villages child & Youth safeguarding policies to 
promote a culture of keeping children safe. 

How to apply

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We encourage 
candidates to apply early. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to 
apply. Your application must be accompanied by a cover letter, resume and 
other academic credentials. Kindly send all applications to 
recruitment.hr@sosliberia.org 
What We Stand For: SOS Children’s Villages is committed to creating and 
maintaining a caring and protective environment, which promotes its core 
values, and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation. We strongly 
condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation, be it within or outside of 
our organization, and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or 
attempted abuse within our sphere of influence according to its nature. Efforts 
ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, 
encourage reporting and ease response. They range from human resource 
development actions, such as training and counselling to measures such as 
suspension, dismissal, and legal action. The successful candidate will be 
subject to intensive background checks, including criminal background 
check.