HEAD OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS

ABOUT DIKAN

Dikan is a leading African knowledge and cultural institution dedicated to preserving, advancing, and expanding access to African knowledge, cultural heritage, and historical memory. Based in Accra, Ghana, Dikan serves as a dynamic platform for research,  education, storytelling, artistic expression, and public engagement.

At the heart of Dikan’s work is the Awo Institute, a living repository of African books, archives, photographs, oral histories, and cultural records. Through the Dikan Center—including its Library, Gallery, exhibitions,  educational programs, Artpath initiatives, and archival services—the institution connects knowledge with learning, creativity, professional development, and public life.

As Dikan enters a transformative phase of institutional growth and expansion, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Finance & Operations to provide strategic leadership, strengthen organizational systems, drive financial sustainability, and ensure operational excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head of Finance & Operations is a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for building and overseeing the financial, operational, administrative, and organizational infrastructure that supports Dikan’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across finance, commercial operations, human resources, procurement, technology, facilities management, governance, risk management, and institutional performance. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board, and leadership team, the role will ensure Dikan remains financially resilient, operationally efficient, compliant, and positioned for sustainable growth.

This role is ideal for a highly analytical, commercially astute, and mission-driven leader with a proven track record of managing complex operations and leading organizational transformation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of Dikan’s financial strategy and long-term financial sustainability plans.
• Direct and mentor the Finance Department, ensuring effective team performance, accountability, and succession planning.
• Oversee annual budgeting, financial forecasting, multi-year financial planning, and cash flow management.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts, financial performance reports, variance analyses, and strategic recommendations.
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls, financial governance structures, and risk management frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, donor, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate external audits and maintain audit readiness across the institution.
• Advise the Executive Director and Board on financial strategy, investment decisions, reserves management, and resource allocation.
• Build financial management capacity across departments through coaching and support to budget holders.

Revenue Growth & Commercial Operations

Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12)

• Lead the development and execution of Dikan’s earned revenue strategy.
• Oversee commercial operations including:
  • Tourism and visitor experiences
  • Membership programs
  • Retail and merchandise sales
  • Ticketing and events
  • Archival and conservation services
  •  Educational and professional services
• Drive achievement of revenue targets, profitability goals, customer acquisition objectives, and operational efficiency metrics.
• Develop business models, pricing structures, and growth strategies for all revenue-generating activities.
• Evaluate business opportunities and investment proposals through robust business case development.
• Monitor customer volumes, conversion rates, contribution margins, and overall commercial performance.
• Collaborate with marketing, partnerships, visitor services, and program teams to drive sustainable revenue growth.
• Review portfolio performance and recommend scaling, redesigning, pausing, or discontinuing activities where appropriate.
• Ensure all commercial activities align with Dikan’s mission, values, and public trust obligations.

Operations Management & Organizational Execution

Accounting & Auditing

• Translate strategic priorities into integrated annual operational plans with clear deliverables, timelines, budgets, and accountability structures.
• Establish and oversee organization-wide operational systems and performance management processes.
• Lead regular operational reviews, performance monitoring meetings, and strategic planning sessions.
• Develop and implement policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and service standards across operational functions.
• Oversee procurement, administration, logistics, travel, safety, visitor services, and business continuity processes.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service delivery performance.
• Ensure operational readiness for exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, archive services, and special events.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure continuity and efficiency.

Human Resources & Organizational Development

• Provide strategic oversight of the Human Resources function.
• Lead workforce planning, organizational design, talent acquisition, succession planning, and workforce optimization initiatives.
• Ensure all positions have updated job descriptions, performance expectations, and reporting structures.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and staff development programs.
• Support leadership development and management effectiveness across the organization.
• Monitor workforce metrics and implement strategies to address capability gaps, retention risks, and organizational challenges.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Technology, Facilities & Asset Management

• Oversee organizational technology systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data protection, and digital operations.
• Ensure technology investments align with business objectives and operational requirements.
• Manage technology vendors, software platforms, user access controls, and support arrangements.
• Collaborate with specialist teams on archival, repository, and program-related technology initiatives.
• Oversee facilities management, security operations, maintenance programs, workplace safety, insurance coverage, and asset management.
• Maintain accurate records of organizational assets, maintenance schedules, and operational systems.

Governance, Risk & Performance Management

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• Develop and maintain governance frameworks including Delegation of Authority policies and approval structures.
• Establish and maintain enterprise-wide risk management systems and compliance monitoring frameworks.
• Oversee institutional performance management and reporting systems.
• Prepare executive reports, Board papers, presentations, and strategic updates.
• Monitor and manage financial, operational, legal, compliance, information security, reputational, and people-related risks.
• Ensure timely escalation and resolution of critical organizational issues.
• Support effective Board governance and independent assurance processes.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

 Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  •  Economics
  • Management
  • Or a related discipline.
• Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Management, or a related field is highly desirable.

Professional Qualifications

One or more of the following professional certifications is strongly preferred:

HR consulting services

• ICAG
• ACCA
• CIMA
• CPA
• CFA (advantageous)
• Equivalent recognized professional qualification

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive leadership experience across finance, operations, commercial management, or general management functions.
• At least 5 years in a senior management or executive leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational budgets, cash flow, audits, compliance, and financial planning.
• Proven experience leading revenue-generating operations, business units, or commercial portfolios.
• Strong background in organizational development, operational excellence, and systems improvement.
• Experience overseeing multiple support functions including HR, technology, facilities, procurement, and administration.
• Experience working with Boards, donors, funders, executive leadership teams, and high-accountability stakeholders.

Preferred Sector Experience

Experience in one or more of the following sectors will be highly advantageous:

Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12)

• Cultural Institutions
• Museums and Galleries
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Education
• Libraries and Archives
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Creative Industries
• Professional Services
• Social Enterprises

KEY COMPETENCIES

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic leadership and vision
• Organizational transformation and change management
• Team leadership and people development
• Stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Decision-making and accountability

Technical Competencies

• Financial management and reporting
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Commercial and revenue management
• Risk management and governance
• Operational excellence
• Procurement and contract management
• Business planning and performance management