Background: The Alliance for Children Everywhere Zambia (ACEZ) is seeking a highly strategic and proficient professional to fill the critical role of Head of Finance.

With over 50 years of impactful service; globally as ACE Global and over 25 years of dedicated work in Zambia, ACEZ focuses on the promotion of family-based care programming, the strengthening of vulnerable families as well as provision of quality vocational and academic education while complementing and adding value to government programming and the general child care system. Our team has made a difference in the lives of more than 19351 families, orphans and vulnerable children with our programming and initiatives in Zambia.

The Head of Finance is pivotal to ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability. Reporting directly to the Country Director, this role involves managing donor funds, overseeing grant financial execution, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations and contractual obligations. The Head of Finance will also present the organization’s financial status to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis, providing crucial insights for strategic decision-making.

ACEZ is looking for a driven, results-oriented individual with a hands-on approach and a deep commitment to the organizations mission. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker capable of meticulous financial planning, analysis, and reporting. If you are passionate about financial management and eager to contribute to ACEZ’s continued success and expansion, we invite you to apply.

Reporting: The position will be hired and domiciled at ACEZ Administration Block, Chelstone Green area and will report to the Country Director.

Job Description:

Job Purpose:

To lead the financial strategy and operations of the organization, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and managing financial risks. Presentation of financial performance to the Management and Board, overseeing grant execution, and supporting strategic decision-making through comprehensive financial oversight.

Duties/Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership:

Oversee the strengthening and adapting the financial policies, procedures and guidelines for ACE in Zambia to ensure alignment with changing context, national, legal and compliance environments as well as donor compliance expectations.
Lead the development and implementation of financial strategies that align with and support the organization’s strategic objectives.
Translate strategic business priorities into financial impact assessments to promote the achievement of the organization’s goals.
Present financial performance, projections, and strategies to ACE Management in Zambia and the Board of Directors quarterly.
Budgeting and Financial Planning:

Establish budget guidelines and oversee the preparation of the overall budget, ensuring high-quality standards and timely resource allocation for the implementation of the ACE Strategic Plan.
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, conducting periodic cost and productivity analyses to ensure expenditure remains within approved limits.
Coordinate with user departments to provide technical financial expertise in budget preparation and compliance with financial policies and procedures.
Financial Reporting and Analysis:

Monitor the preparation of financial statements and management reports to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance with accounting standards.
Produce financial performance reports to aid in decision-making and strategic planning.
Ensure financial statements and reports comply with regulatory and statutory requirements.
Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Financial Accountability and Compliance:

Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to donors and stakeholders.
Internal Controls and Compliance:

Develop and maintain robust internal financial controls to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial information.
Monitor statutory payments and ensure compliance with relevant staturory guidelines to mitigate risks associated with non-compliance.
Ensure the organization is compliant with all tax regulations, third-party requirements, and contractual obligations.
Ensure the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
Develop and ensure the implementation of internal controls to safeguard assets as well as monitoring.
Stay updated on financial trends and best practices in the non-profit sector.
Grant Management and Reporting:

Oversee the financial execution of grants, ensuring adherence to funder requirements and timely submission of required reports as per funding agreement.
Manage donor funds and ensure financial compliance with grant requirements. Ensuring only allowable expenditure is approved.
Manage relationships with funders, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
Ensure monthly variance reports are compiled to provide information on available funds on each approved budget line.
Provide orientation on financial management to program staff to ensure financial accountability and compliance by program implementers.
Operational Financial Management:

Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of bank reconciliation statements.
Ensure the timely execution of payroll and benefits administration and the preparation of payroll statements.
Ensure the timely management and update of the fixed asset register as required.
Manage accounts payable and receivable processes.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.
Monitor cash flow and manage financial risks.
Manage financial aspects of contracts and agreements
Audit Coordination and External Relationships:

Coordinate audits and manage relationships with external auditors to ensure compliance and transparency.
Collaborate with the management team to develop financial strategies.
Team Leadership and Development:

Supervise and mentor departmental staff, providing guidance and ensuring availability of professional development opportunities.
Ensure the the provision of financial training and support to program managers to enhance financial literacy and decision-making capabilities.
Fundraising Support:

Support fundraising efforts with financial data and analysis to attract and retain donors.

Key Attributes/Skills and Practical Experience:

Financial strategy development, implementation and monitoring
Financial Reporting and International Accounting Standards
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Statutory Audits
Cash flow Management
Reconciliation of Financial Records
Budgeting and planning
Financial Budgetary and Accounting systems
Taxation
Payroll Management
Fixed Asset Management
Project management
Analytical thinking
Report writing
Leadership
Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting principles and practices.
Experience with grant management and donor reporting.
Experience in the management of large institutional grants by entities such as USAID, World Bank, EU, CDC DFID and/or Global Funds etc
Experience with fianncial reporting adherence to large grants entities such as USAID, World Bank, EU, CDC DFID and/or Global Funds etc
Budgeting and Implementation compliance experience for grants by USAID, World Bank, EU, CDC DFID and/or Global Funds etc
Proficiency in Financial Management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.
Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance requirements.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
Experience in developing and implementing financial policies.
Proven track record of managing financial risks.
Education:

Grade 12 Certificate
ACCA/CIMA/University Degree in Accounting and Finance or equivalent
A Master’s Degree or qualification equivalent would be an added advantage