Regional Finance Manager.

About the Role

Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisationsin the world. We work in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. Plan's vision is of a world in which all childrenrealisetheir full potential in societies that respect people's rights and dignity, our aim is to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of deprived children in developing countries. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations. The Regional Finance Manager leads financial management and accounting teams throughout the Americas region. It is an essential role to ensure successful development of the regional programme and fundraising activities, the cost effective use of funds and compliance with operating standards, for the benefit of the children and communities Plan works to support. Dimensions of Role Management of 15 staff: 4 staff in the Regional Finance Department and 11 Country Finance managers and their teams. The latter 11 are in a matrix management arrangement with Country Directors Leadership of financial services provided to countries managing a combined budget of €100m and to the regional office which has its own budget of approximately €4m Delivery of internal and external financial reporting requirements to regional management and Plan’s International Headquarters The position supports the Chief Operating Officer in developing global financial standards, policies and systems Member of the Global Finance Leadership Team Signatory on regional office and country bank accounts An approver of financial transactions subject to the prevailing Global financial authorisation policy (maximum of €300k as at November 2011 Review of financial reporting, budgets and forecasts of the Colombia National Organisation and provides advice as required. Supplier relationship management of external auditors and bankers Main Responsibilities The postholder will be responsible for; Oversight and development of an excellent and high performing team of finance managers and officers across the region Direct line-management of Regional Finance team ensuring excellent service support to whole region finance teams and services Line-management in a matrix relationship with all Country Offices with duties including recruitment and selection, performance management and development of individuals against the requirements of the business Team-building across the region for mutual support and readiness to respond to requirements for finance support, such as in emergencies Producing and monitoring the training schedule for the region in relation to finance systems, policies and procedures Business plans drawn up in support of strategy rest on excellent financial management data and are supported by accurate and well-phased budgeting Monthly financial reports presented in a timely manner to the Regional Management with clear highlights of areas of concern affecting business Monitoring key financial services metrics of the finance function on a monthly basis and intervene with country finance teams as necessary. Monitoring key monthly, quarterly and annual financial performance measures of country offices and regional offices, provide advice on corrective measures and opportunities on a timely basis and implement actions required related to financial standards Communication of instructions and milestones within the region for business planning, budgeting, quarterly forecasting and cash-flow forecasting and facilitating these processes across the region Consolidation and review of regional budgets for accuracy and relevance to business plans, Preparation and/or review of business plans and funding requests from countries and departments within the region, challenging the assumptions and quality of the data and presenting these on behalf of the region to International Headquarters for funding and approval Supporting development and execution of country funding plans Financial reporting and cash management across the region and country offices are accurate and compliant with established policies and procedures Review of forecasts and monthly management accounts and annual financial returns Treasury management for the region, specifically efficient management of cash flow and cash balances Quality control of accounting and financial processes in the regional office and country operations including accounting accuracy and adherence to global minimum control standards Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors across the regional programme Maintaining the financial authorisation matrix for the regional office and ensuring that financial authorisation matrices are maintained for each country operation in accordance with the prevailing financial authorisation policy Regional and Country Offices are fully compliant with all policies and procedures related to Financial Management and all risk associated with this area are managed Implementation of global financial policies and procedures within the region Identifying key financial risks and reporting these to the Deputy Regional Director Operations and Regional Administrator for inclusion in the Regional Risk Register. Recommending and implementing mitigating actions to address key financial risks. Maintaining a high degree of awareness of the risk of fraud and necessary fraud prevention measures and ensuring that the global fraud policy and fraud incident reporting and investigation requirements are met Follow up of finance audit actions arising from Global Assurance audits and external audits with finance teams to ensure actions are completed and have the desired control impact Implementation and accurate use of global finance systems within the region About you Knowledge Professional Financial/Accounting qualification (CPA or equivalent) Knowledge of the sector and the financial management issues specific to it an advantage Knowledge of the region and local finance regulations an advantage Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards, Control standards and Risk management techniques and the reporting requirements of major international grant donors Skills Proven effective management skills leading teams across several sites and operating in a multi-cultural and matrix management structure Excellent proven financial analytical skills Ability to demonstrate and foster in team members a strong commitment to meeting the needs of other employees and managers for financial services Good presentation and communication skills in delivering financial management information Good training and coaching skills to develop staff Ability to plan strategically and evaluate a wide-range of management and operational factors, whilst also managing daily financial operations matters closely Proficient in computer skills and use of Microsoft based packages. Experience of using general ledger packages and other databases is an advantage. (Plan uses Microsoft Dynamics, SAP and various bespoke systems). Languages Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish required. Knowledge of Portuguese and French would also be advantageous. Location: This role is based at the regional office in Panama which is a typical office environment. You will also be required to travel to international meetings and to country operations, which may account for approximately 40% of working time. Type of Role: 5 year fixed term contract Reports to: The Regional Finance Manager has a direct reporting line to the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance and reports in addition to the Deputy Regional Director Operations for the Region Salary: $50,000 - $70,000 US per annum plus full expat benefits. This is an accompanied position and a full relocation package will be available. Closing Date: Sunday 15th April 2012

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

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