Country Finance Lead

ABOUT MASTERCARD FOUNDATION

Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. Through its Young Africa Works strategy and Canadian EleV program, the Foundation works with partners to ensure that millions of young people, especially young women, access quality education, financial services, and dignified work. Mastercard Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is independent with its own Board of Directors and CEO.

THE WORK AT THE FOUNDATION

We are currently in an exciting period at the Mastercard Foundation as we intensify the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy, aiming to empower 30 million young people throughout Africa to access dignified and fulfilling employment.

To ensure the Foundation's accessibility to our partners and program participants, we have established offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda. These offices provide strong in-country support for the implementation of Young Africa Works. We collaborate with governments, the private sector, educators, and other funders to enhance the quality of education and vocational training, equip young individuals with the necessary skills for the workforce, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and facilitate connections between job seekers and meaningful employment opportunities.

Our values serve as our guiding principles, transcending and surpassing all other considerations. We wholeheartedly encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work.

If you are an experienced Finance professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

 THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head of Finance & Accounting, the Country Finance Lead will support the Programs teams and partners to oversee all financial aspects of program partnerships including due- diligence, budgeting, controls, contracting, financial reporting and analysis. Seeking an experienced Finance Lead with experience managing large portfolio. The role will also act as the primary Finance contact for Program teams in-country.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Manage the full cycle of Finance program partner contracts, including EOI, proposal, contract approval, due diligence, budget reviews, program execution, monitoring, and completion.
• Guide and train external program partners on financial aspects of contract execution, including budgeting, reporting, financial controls, and Canadian regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial expertise and advice to the Foundation’s Programs team on comprehensive programming strategies.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation and data, and report on contract commitments, disbursements, and cash flow projections.
• Ensure the grants system is updated with correct financial information for each program.
• Monitor program financial performance to ensure the Foundation resources are properly allocated with adequate financial controls.
• Ensure compliance with Canadian and international financial regulations, such as CRA standards, anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism laws.
• Troubleshoot and manage financial issues during program implementation.
• Lead comprehensive program and due diligence assessments, ensuring quality control.
• Perform financial due diligence procedures on partners, including financial capacity assessments and watchlist screening.
• Ensure programs comply with Canadian regulatory requirements and escalate issues to Legal and Compliance teams as needed.
• Provide financial insights to support decision-making.
• Manage analysts and interns as needed, assigning work and reviewing outputs.
• Identify opportunities to improve and standardize financial processes.

WHO YOU ARE

• A Bachelor's degree and a recognized accounting qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, ICA, CMA, or any other CA qualification is required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Experience in a not-for-profit organization is a plus but not mandatory.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting, financial forecasting, and generating routine accounting records, with the ability to apply correct accounting treatments.
• Working knowledge of financial internal controls management and risk mitigation (operational, financial, and business risks).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, combined with project management competence.
• Problem-solving and influencing skills, with the ability to develop creative approaches to challenges.
• Results-driven and self-disciplined, with a strong team orientation and commitment to achieving ambitious goals.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of communicating with diverse constituents across cultures.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplifies the Foundation’s values.
• Fluent in English; French proficiency is an added advantage.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to handle a range of duties and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is October 31, 2024.