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Finance Manager
- Blantyre
- Contract (Full-Time)
- Closing Date: 04/05/2025
Job Description
Introduction
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognised centre for research and research training, affiliated to the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). MLW has 2 aims, to conduct excellent research to benefit health and train the next generation of researchers in Malawi at its Blantyre based offices located within the vicinity of the largest hospital in Malawi, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). The programme has been in existence since 1995 and is funded by the Wellcome (W). The institution is currently undergoing through a core-grant renewal process which once awarded will be for seven (7) years
The programme manages more than 100grants at any point in time and currently has about 800 staff in research and administrative functions (operations). As part of our desire and strategic drive to ensure that we strengthen the Finance team to support these aims and the growing organisation, MLW would like to engage the services of an experienced Finance Manager who will ensure financial integrity, compliance with donor regulations, effective budget management, and capacity building of finance staff. The position reports to the Head of Finance.
The role requires in-depth financial management knowledge and experience to review and improve current financial systems, practices, policies and procedures. In addition, the role requires broad knowledge and understanding of full cost recovery and management of recharges amongst grants in the programme. The ideal candidate will have a strong grants and financial management experience in large and highly reputable Not-for-profits or Non-Governmental Organisations.
POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE):
MLW seeks a highly motivated and experienced Finance Manager to lead our financial operations, reporting directly to the Head of Finance. The successful candidate will ensure financial integrity, compliance with donor regulations, effective budget management, and capacity building of finance staff. The role requires in-depth financial management knowledge and experience to review and improve current financial systems, practices, policies and procedures. In addition, the role requires broad knowledge and understanding of full cost recovery and management of recharges amongst grants in the programme. The ideal candidate will have a strong grants and financial management experience in large and highly reputable Not-for-profits or Non-Governmental Organisations
Responsibilities
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
The major duties and tasks of this job include the following.
TECHNICAL
- Ensure financial compliance with MLW and funder regulations, policies and procedures.
- Assisting in improving financial systems by reviewing existing policies and procedures.
- Focal person in our transition to IFRS financial reporting framework.
- Take lead in the implementation of our full cost recovery model and management of recharges.
- Help in coordinating institutional external and internal audits and implementation of audit recommendations.
- Coordinate preparation of monthly general ledger reconciliations against checklists.
- Coordinate timely month end accounts closure process.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
- Oversee financial accounting operations, including budgeting, reporting, and cash management.
- Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering professional development.
- Assisting with review and approving of journal transactions.
- Assist Head of Finance and Head of Grants in supervising the Finance department.
- Strengthening and monitoring control systems at field sites.
- Any other relevant duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Finance
Training
- Ensuring self-development as well as team development through continuous professional development.
- Ensuring that the team attends all mandatory institutional led trainings.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
D (a) Education:
- Reputable Accounting Degree, fully Qualified Accountant with ACCA or CIMA or other equivalent professional accounting body.
D (b) Experience:
- At least 7 years’ relevant experience at a senior finance level in a highly reputable Not-for-Profit or Non-Governmental Organization.
KEY COMPENTENCIES / ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS
- Broad knowledge of financial accounting and grants management systems.
- Leadership skills and ability to work with a team of multiple skills.
- Innovative, analytical skills / problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent training and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-finance users.
- Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Adaptability to changing financial regulations and operational needs.
- High integrity and ethical standards
Interested applicants should apply by sending, a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (with at least 2 professional referees) to vacancies@mlw.mw. This should be in 1 pdf format and indicate Finance Manager Application.
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.