The Role

 

Finance Manager

3 days per week

( Max 1 day per week in office)

Main Responsibilities:
Strategy
• Contribute to the organisation’s overall strategic planning by developing and implementing financial strategies that support long-term programme growth and sustainability
• Lead multi-year financial planning, scenario modelling, and forecasting to support programme scaling and resource allocation.
• Partner with Malawi Financial Manager to ensure programme budgets align with one another, and also with strategic priorities and maximise impact of donor funding.
• Provide financial analysis, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership and IRLI Board to inform strategic decisions and programme prioritisation.
• Support leadership in developing diversified funding strategies by analysing donor trends, funding risks, and cost recovery opportunities.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement
• Analyse existing accounting software system to assess if meets the needs of country programmes.
• Offer expert advice on enhancement of software systems so they are fully responsive to needs
• Oversee and manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll in Ireland.
• Streamline bookkeeping processes and eliminate duplication (e.g. integration of country-level accounting).
• Strengthen financial controls, documentation, and audit trails.
• Ensure finance systems support donor and programme reporting needs.
• Work with external auditors to prepare annual audits

Reporting
• Work with Programme Managers to lead on development of donor reports for all programme countries
• Provide support for donor reports for Malawi as necessary

Budget Development
• Work with Programme Managers and Country Directors to develop competitive and sustainable budgets
• Provide support for budget development as necessary

Financial Risk Management
• Identify financial risks related to operating across multiple countries and design mitigation strategies, including currency, compliance, and operational risks.

Cost Efficiency and Resource Optimisation
• Analyse programme cost structures and recommend strategies to improve efficiency and ensure resources are used effectively.

Regional Financial Oversight
• Develop financial frameworks and systems that enable consistent financial management across country programmes.

Scaling and Growth Planning
• Assess financial implications of new programme launches, country expansion, and partnerships.

Capacity Building & Mentoring
• Work with Finance Manger to develop best practices for IRLI financial management
• Build financial capability among programme staff through training and guidance.
• Reduce reliance on external providers for core finance functions.
• Develop and nurture strong working relationships with programme colleagues in Ireland and abroad

External Relationships
• Manage and oversee any outsourced finance support.
• Liaise with auditors, donors, and regulators as required.