Job Description Head of Finance Background to ACE Africa ACE Africa empowers children and their communities to achieve sustainable and independent lives ‘our communities are in crisis; the very foundations are crumbling; we can’t cope with the children – we need help’ This is the cry for help to which ACE Africa first responded when it began its work in 2003 in Bungoma, a border town in western Kenya, where following the devastation of HIV/AIDS (with one in three households infected and resulting massive stigma and isolation), the community structures were collapsing and resources hopelessly inadequate. Research and needs led, the ACE Africa programme provides an holistic and child-‐centred approach working with the community to rebuild their infrastructure and skills to enable them to become self-‐ sustaining. In the ten years since ACE Africa first began, the lives of more than half a million vulnerable children have been transformed through improved nutrition, reduction of teenage pregnancy and abuse; increased attendance at school, and mental and physical wellbeing. In addition, ACE Africa’s high impact work has significantly reduced the number of households living in poverty and increased the number who now have food security and are self-‐reliant through their own micro businesses. ACE Africa has recently completed an external strengthening review and developed a group1 strategy for the next three years. This strategy includes the expansion of our programmes into nine new areas (sub districts) in Bungoma and Siaya, Kenya and four new sites in Tanzania (Arusha; Mwanza; Mahenge; Moshi). There are also very exciting opportunities to work in partnership with major corporates to deliver their CSR programmes. In order to achieve the strategic plan, we need to deliver a step change in (voluntary) income generation from £500k pa to £2m pa within four years ensuring that the infrastructure, particularly finance, is robust and transparent. Background to the Role of Head of Finance The Head of Finance is a new position which will be part of the ACE Africa Senior Management Team. Reporting to the UK Board of Trustees, this role will have direct responsibility for the overall financial management and integration of the UK and Africa operations. 1 ACE Africa (Action in the Community Environment) comprises four different entities each governed by their own Board of Trustees under the laws of the countries in which they are registered and co-‐ordinated by a Group Steering Committee. ACE Africa, Kenya (established 2003); ACE Africa Tanzania (established 2007); ACE Africa UK (established 2005) and ACE Africa USA. Primary Responsibilities: Finance • • • • • • • • • • • • Lead the development and implementation of the financial management strategy including integrated systems to deliver robust, transparent management and analytical reports. Develop individual training programmes for each member of the finance team acting as mentor. Review the monthly management accounts and cash flow forecasts of each country and prepare the consolidated management accounts. Ensure that each country and the Group’s cash flow is clearly forecast and managed in order to meet operational needs. Ensure that appropriate finance systems are maintained, and that all procedures and controls are implemented. Supervise UK transfers and payments including payroll. Ensure that all transactions are properly accounted for. Assist in the improvements in the finance system, as necessary. Provide support to finance staff, and work closely with them to ensure that financial information is accurate and up to date. Support the income generation team with donor narrative Ensure that income streams such as Gift Aid and VAT reclaim are maximised and properly addressed. Supervise each office’s annual Audit to include the review of auditors as required and ensuring accurate year end accounts and narrative are completed in a timely fashion Management Contribute to the newly formed Senior Management Team consisting of Country Director (Kenya); Country Director (Tanzania); Head of Research and Development (currently part of the Country Directo TZ’s remit); Head of Programmes (Tanzania); Head of Research (Kenya); Head of Fundraising and Marketing, based in the UK) ACE Africa Group SMT Director of Country (Kenya) Head of Research (Kenya) Head of Programmes (TZ) Director of Country (Tanzania) Head of Research (TZ) Head of Finance Head of Fundrasiing and Marke^ng Finance Department Reporting Structure Director of Finance (volunteer) FInance Assistant (p/t) UK (Ade) Finance and Admin Manager Kenya (Kevin) Finance and Admin Manager Tanzania (Oswald) Finance Assistant (Siaya) Grace Finance Assistant (Bungoma) Lynn Person Spec • • • • • • Experience of working in a developing country and understanding of the level and skills particular in financial management. A good balance of drive and facilitation/empowerment skills Working knowledge of relevant finance systems eg Quickbooks and other IT systems including CRMs eg Salesforce. A natural leader with the ability to motivate, guide and develop/facilitate your team High degree of flexibility and a willingness to stay in remote and basic facilities Dedication and passion for the cause and a willingness to commit to regular visits (at least four per annum) to support ACE Africa’s development in Bungoma (Western Kenya) and Arusha, Tanzania though with additional travel in country Applications should be sent to kedge001@aol.com by 29th November.