Finance Lead, Country Programs

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full cycle of finance program partner contracts—including EOI, proposal evaluation, contract approval, due diligence, budget review, implementation, and closeout.
• Partner Engagement: Collaborate with Foundation Partners from a financial standpoint to strengthen strategic alliances, ensure fiscal responsibility, and drive shared program outcomes.
• Financial Analysis & Forecasting: Analyze financial performance vs. forecast and budget; identify and explain variances; provide strategic insights and recommendations to internal teams and partners.
• Commercial Judgment: Offer guidance on funding terms, tax implications, accounting standards, and other regulatory considerations.
• Disbursement Oversight: Ensure timely and accurate fund disbursement in line with program goals.
• Capacity Building: Train and support partners on financial controls, budgeting, Canadian regulatory compliance, and due diligence processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure alignment with CRA, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism laws, and local and international financial regulations.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive and timely documentation related to commitments, disbursements, and cash flow forecasts.
• Controls & Systems: Uphold high standards of internal control to safeguard Foundation assets and ensure integrity of financial records.
• Due Diligence & Risk Management: Lead robust partner assessments, evaluate financial statements, review tax filings, and identify potential risks through tools like watchlist screening.
• Strategic Guidance: Support programming strategies through financial insights and participate in the Foundation’s planning and budgeting processes.
• Team Leadership: Supervise analysts and interns, ensure quality outputs, and support their growth and performance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with regional partners, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and financial principles.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; MBA is a plus.
• Professional accounting qualification and a member of a relevant professional body, such as CPA, ACCA, etc.
• A Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Previous work in the private sector is an added advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen, with fluency in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• At least 1-3 years' experience in a management capacity, leading finance and teams of multiple technical competencies.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Financial Internal Controls Management,
  • Financials Reporting & Analysis experience including Budgeting, Financial Forecasting,
  • Advanced analytical, quantitative, and statistical skills,
  • financial modelling skills, along with understanding of financial reporting and cash flow information.
• Identify & mitigate operational, financial and business risks.
• Experience managing diverse teams and working with cross-sectoral partners.
• Deep understanding of international accounting standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Generate routine accounting records and financial reports.
• Determine and apply correct accounting treatments, a proficient knowledge of international accounting standards.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation), with fluency in English; French is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills with detail-orientation, good follow-through, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to influence people, build relationships, and communicate effectively.
• Able to exercise a high level of judgment in making decisions or recommendations based on analysis of data & deriving insights from the data.
• Good problem-solving skills and other competencies (Leadership, Behavioral).
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport across cultures and collaborate within multicultural teams.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.