Summary
Date Posted: Friday, September 15 2023, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
About Challenges
The Challenges Group is a family of enterprise consultancies with a focus on developing and emerging economies.

Challenges has been operating globally for 22 years. Since 1999, we have provided over 250,000 onsite consulting days, delivered £30 million in debt and equity financing and supported over 3,500 growth businesses in 71 countries.

In the past five years alone, we’ve partnered with more than 1,000 companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, where we have established offices and full-time teams in Ghana, Malawi, Uganda, Uganda and Zambia.

The Team
Across the Challenges Group we are active in three strands of activities: Ventures & Investment, People & Performance, and Business Growth Services Challenges’ country teams support the delivery of each of these streams with support from a Director based in Edinburgh.

This role is part of our Management Team in Uganda. Staff based in Scotland and across our 5 African offices are available to provide support. We also have external support from two law firms and have a range of individuals who wish to assist from a technical and tool development point of view.

Challenges’ BGS Strategy
The Business Growth Services (BGS) strand is at an exciting stage of its development as we, with the support of our in-country BGS Managers, crystallize our 5 year strategy. BGS is centered on direct and indirect engagement with SMEs/SGBs. BGS expects that its interventions will directly lead to job creation and sustainable livelihoods, with a particular focus on green jobs and the green economy.

Challenges’ People and Performance Strategy
Challenges’ People & Performance strategy aims to grow networks of skilled managers and leaders. We do this through designing and delivering employability programmes; working with early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs; and supporting middle to senior managers to refine and enhance their experience and drive change within their organisations through reflective Management & leadership training programmes.

The Role and Responsibilities
Senior Associate – Finance and Administration Lead will work closely with the Country Lead, and Chief of Operations to deliver your duties. You will also work closely with the entire People and Performance team and the Business Growth Services team at the Uganda Country Office to deliver your responsibilities which include but are not limited to;
• Liaise with budget holders to ensure accurate recording of orders and invoices and accurate timely payment of invoices;
• Manage banking services and provide reports to the Country Lead to ensure bank fraud is prevented;
• Protect operations and assets including cash handling by ensuring internal controls and internal auditing are in place;
• Raising income invoices in a timely and effective manner and following up to ensure timely payment.
• Keep proper accounting records on the required company database, the online financial system backed up with referenced online/paper records.
• Ensure expenses are properly authorized and paid.
• Manage payroll systems to ensure staff are paid accurately and on time.
• Prepare budget and forecasting information for the Country Lead on a monthly basis.
• Cash-flow management;
• Preparation of financial reports for donors as required including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements.;
• Preparation of annual accounting information as required.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.
• Develop, implement and manage new administrative systems, such as record management, filing systems and intranet communication
• Support on contracting of staff
• Assist with ad hoc finance and admin queries as required.

Skills, Experience and Personal Qualities
Essential
• University degree in finance, accounting or equivalent experience
• 5 years+ experience working at a similar position with responsibilities in financial planning as priority.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial statements and credit reports
• Proficiency in using financial analysis software such as Xero or QuickBooks
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work and build relationships with team members and clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and persuasion skills, with the ability to handle difficult or challenging situations professionally
• Excellent level of IT competence, particularly in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple accounts, and efficiently manage multiple tasks and time to meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining records and documenting collection efforts.
• Familiarity with relevant banking and financial regulations, including AML/KYC requirements, tax laws and data privacy standards

Desirable
• Experience using Xero accounting software or similar
• Professional course such as CPA or ACCA is an added advantage but not a must
• Experience working with INGOs or in the international development sector




Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure

Deadline to apply is September 26th. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role to hendricah.nabukwasi@thechallengesgroup.com  indicating the position title “Senior Associate, Finance and Administration Lead" in the subject line.


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