Finance Lead, Higher Education

AYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Manage the full cycle of Finance program partner contracts, i.e., Expression of Interest (EOI),proposal, contract approval, conduct due diligence, budget reviews, program execution &completion and monitoring.
• Analyzes financial performance against forecast and budget, investigates variances, communicates findings and makes recommendations to programs and partners.
• Identify and provide financial advice including but not limited to funding terms, taxation, Accounting Standards and other regulations/legislation that may arise
• Ensure timely disbursements of funds for programs to ensure programs have sufficient funding in place to deliver the program's objectives and outcomes.
• Guide and train external program partners on all financial aspects of contract execution, including budgeting and reporting, due diligence, financial controls and Canadian regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial expertise and advice internally to the Foundation's Programs team on the development and implementation of comprehensive programming strategies.
• Provide ad-hoc data and support for learning and evaluation activities, including analysis of program outputs and value-for-money.
• Maintain accurate and timely financial documentation and report on contract commitments, disbursements and cash flow projections.
• Continuous program monitoring & reporting on financial performance to ensure that the Foundation’s resources are utilized as envisaged.
• Ensures adequate funding and financial controls are in place to support the delivery of expected program outcomes, as well as compliance with CRA requirements for books and records.
• Ensures that the management grants systems are kept up to date with the correct financial information for each program in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensures that adequate business controls are in place for programs in order to protect the Foundation’s assets.
• Accountable for compliance with local and international financial regulations and requirements, e.g., Canada Revenue Agency, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws ,etc.
• Provide periodic reporting on partner finance matters as determined by the partner contracts and ensure follow up action items are closed as required.
• Troubleshoot and manage financial issues that may arise during program implementation.
• Lead comprehensive program assessment processes ensuring quality control of the plans with potential partners (Accountable for the quality of the Due diligence assessment).
• Drive annual due diligence review process and updating yearly workplans with Program’s team and partners.
• Perform due diligence procedures on partners (i.e., evaluating financial statements, tax returns, financial capacity, watchlist screening).
• Assess alignment with charity law (i.e., private benefit and charitable purpose rules) in collaboration with the Legal & Compliance teams
• Provide Financial Information & insights pertaining to program finance to support decision making.
• Provide input into the Foundation’s financial planning & budgeting routines within the required timelines and guidance as provided by the financial planning & analysis team.
• Provide Monthly financial forecasts on commitments and disbursements for assigned portfolio.
• Provide monthly financial reports on the status of program portfolio including analysis and insights to support decision making on resource allocation.
• Manage analysts and interns who assist the delivery of program finance tasks on a regular basis; assign work and review resource outputs.
• Engage and cultivate relationships with regional partners to ensure good governance to enable the achievement of the intended strategic objectives/outcomes of the program and any other asks as required.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; MBA is an added advantage.
  Professional accounting qualification and a member of a relevant professional body.
  A Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Previous work in the development sector an asset.
  At least 3-5 years' experience in a management capacity, leading finance and teams of multiple technical competencies.
  Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• 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.
• Generate routine accounting records and financial reports.
• Determine and apply correct accounting treatments, a proficient knowledge of international accounting standards.
• Fluent in English; French is an added 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, Behavioural)
• Flexible, adaptable and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
• 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.