Head of Finance and Administration

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

For the launch of its new fundraising and liaison office in Germany, Amref is seeking a Head of Finance and Administration who is passionate about designing and implementing sound financial management/controlling in a start-up office that is embedded into a larger, Africa-led organization; who can think strategically and enjoys rolling up their shirtsleeves; and who is excited about localization in the aid sector. This position reports into the Amref Germany Managing Director and is a key member of our local leadership team.

As one of the members of the leadership team of the Amref Germany office, the Head of Finance and Administration will be accountable for sound financial management and budgeting, financial controlling, the effective operational functioning, up-to-date operations policies & procedures – incl. for procurement –compliant with relevant rules and regulations, GDPR compliance, timely and accurate accounting compliant with German accounting standards; responsible for month-end and year end closing processes as well as any audits (external & internal), relationship management with local banks, international transfers, accurate and timely payroll, compliance with labor and employment law, fully functional office including IT; human resource management from entry to exit, including talent development; and leadership of the local Admin & Finance team.

Initially, the Head of Finance and Administration will be responsible for the set-up of corresponding structures and systems, the recruitment of the Finance and Administration team members, and carrying out their day-to-day tasks until the positions are filled. As such, the position will begin as more of an operational role and then gradually move to a more strategic level in the first six to nine months.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Financial Management & Controlling: Establish effective financial controls and safeguard efficient operations at all times, incl. accuracy of daily accounting; prevent and deter fraud and ensure efficient use of resources and treasury management; provide reports to external and internal stakeholders (including German Supervisory Board); oversee preparation of relevant tax returns; identify financial and other risks and propose solutions, incl. maintenance of adequate internal controls; ensure unqualified audited financial statements; serve as main contact for auditors, banks, tax authorities and other external stakeholders; in collaboration with the Strategic Partnerships & Programs Officer, support Country Office Finance team in complying with German institutional donor financial reporting requirements.
• Budgeting: Collaborate with HQ and local team leads on developing annual operating budgets and oversees provision of regular BvA reports to budget holders and quarterly organization-wide reviews.
• Human Resource Management: Design and execute effective HR policies in line with Amref HQ and German rules & regulations, oversee recruitment process including Identification of staffing needs, ensure proper staff inductions, steer annual appraisal process, identify staff/team training needs and develop corresponding development plans, and manage benefits and compensation plans in coordination with HQ HR.
• Procurement and Office Management: Establish effective operating procedures for procurement and ensure smooth day-to-day office management, including fully functioning IT systems.
• Data Protection: Ensure constant compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations; secure services of and liaise with external Data Protection Officer; oversee digital and physical file storage systems.
• Strategic leadership: Support the Managing Director in overall leadership of the Germany office, including reports and presentations to the Supervisory Board.
• People management: Provide empathetic and empowering leadership to all Finance & Administration team members and manage relevant HR processes, including annual appraisals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or closely related field. Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Professional qualification in accounting/Finance is highly desirable.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 8 (eight) years of experience in financial management and analysis, preferably in an international and/or not-for-profit context, incl. hands-on experience in accounting/bookkeeping and managing month-/year-end closing processes.
• Experience in fast-paced, multi-cultured, complex matrix environments desirable.
• Experience as a people manager in an organization based in Germany highly desirable.
• Experience with procurement and office management.
• Experience working with integrated Enterprise Resource Planning systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• In-depth and hands-on knowledge of German Generally Accepted Accounting Practices according to HGB (Handelsgesetzbuch).
• Knowledge of tax issues pertaining to not-for-profit organizations.
• Demonstrable commitment to empathetic leadership and the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Commitment to people development and the organisational values and behaviours that underpin the Amref culture.
• Entrepreneurial drive combined with a keen eye on the “tedious” administrative details.
• Willingness to get into the weeds & get hands dirty – including initially ordering printer paper and changing the toner cartridge – while thinking strategically.
• Keen analytical mind with a knack for numbers.
• Ability to make logical, well-balanced, and reasoned decisions.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with a range of audiences and levels of experience.
• Ability to communicate complex Finance matters to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects to ensure on-time delivery and quality using both internal and external resources.
• Ability to build good relationships and partnerships both internally and externally.
• Ability to proactively develop team dynamics and performance, ensuring quality standards are consistently achieved.
• Flexible and pragmatic with the ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in German and English.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Emotional resilience.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and confidence.
• Willingness to work flexibly and travel as and when required.

NOTE: This position is only open to German nationals

About the Organization

Amref Health Africa is the largest international health development organization based in Africa, working with and through African communities, health systems and governments. Amref Health Africa’s vision is for lasting health change in Africa and is committed to improving the health of people in Africa by partnering with and empowering communities, and strengthening health systems. Amref Health Africa’s headquarters is situated in Nairobi, Kenya, and has offices in Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Southern Africa and West Africa providing services to over 30 countries. Employing over 700 staff and with an annual operating budget of approximately $90 million, Amref Health Africa is a knowledge resource for donors and partners.

For more information visit our website www.amref.org