
Director of Finance & Operations - CARE International
- Accra
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Provide strategic leadership and advice to the operations team.
- Develop and organize timely and effective support for country programs to ensure objectives are met.
- Foster links between programs, finance, operations and People & Culture for seamless coordination and program support.
- Ensure that finance and operations strategies are integrated into the overall Country Office strategy.
- Work with the SMT to ensure appropriate staffing structures, management systems and support mechanisms are in place.
- Lead business process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Manage staff performance, development, and talent management.
- Build the capacity of the operations team and the wider Country Office.
- Influence ways of working within the program support team to positively impact efficiency and add value to the Country Office.
- Oversee operations focal points in designated field locations to ensure support systems and structures are in place and compliant.
- Ensure proper recording, documentation, control, monitoring and reporting of financial operations.
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations and ensuring high-quality financial services to programs, projects and unit staff.
- Facilitate strong collaboration between finance, program and other support units.
- Ensure efficient finance and accounting process flows, accurate data processing and reporting and timely financial reporting to donors, management and other stakeholders.
- Ensure CO compliance with donor rules and regulations across all program support functions.
- Work with the Senior Manager, Finance and Regional Audit and Compliance Coordinator to prepare for audits and coordinate audit responses.
- Implement audit recommendations and maintain sound internal control systems.
- Coordinate the development of the CO’s operational budgets and ensure expenditure aligns with donor requirements.
- Monitor monthly operational budgets versus actuals.
- Lead the development of operational risk analysis and provide recommendations to the Country Director and SMT.
- Supervise ICT, procurement, logistics, administration and related functions.
- Initiate and revise operations policies, systems and procedures in line with legal and donor requirements.
- Oversee implementation of initiatives under the ongoing supply chain transformation project and the newly issued procurement policy and manual.
- Ensure the supply chain KPIs are met and reported on time.
- Provide in-house legal advice and coordinate with CARE USA Legal, AMS and the Regional Office.
- Ensure compliance with internal and external policies across all operational areas.
- Ensure safety and security systems are in place across CARE’s operating areas.
- Manage the Safety and Security Manager and CO field safety focal points.
- Ensure administrative policies for emergencies are clear, well-understood and regularly updated.
- Participate in the Emergency Preparedness Planning (EPP) team and ensure regular updates of the EPP.
- Ensure efficient implementation and monitoring of activities in field offices.
- Facilitate weekly coordination meetings between programs, finance and operations.
- Supervise field office operations focal points and ensure proper functioning of support systems in satellite offices, especially during emergency scale-up.
- Maintain regular contact with units in the Regional Management Unit (RMU), HQ and Shared Services Center (SCC) to address issues requiring external support.
- Represent CARE Ghana in interactions with relevant government institutions and professional networks.
- Collaborate and exchange information with network organizations in areas of mutual interest.
- Ensure that the Country Office maintains transparent, professional and cordial external relationships.
- Strong knowledge of financial management principles, donor regulations, and compliance standards.
- Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience with enterprise resource systems (e.g., PeopleSoft).
- Fluency in both French and English (written and spoken).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong belief in teamwork, gender equality and participatory management practices.
- A minimum of 10 years of leadership and management experience in a large and complex INGO or international organization.
- At least 5 years in a senior position, preferably in Anglophone Africa.
- Broad experience in operations functions, including procurement, logistics, HR, administration and ICT.
- Proven leadership and capacity-building experience.
- Experience in training both finance and non-finance staff.
- Ability to work effectively under time pressure with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and influence senior staff.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
- Commitment to humanitarian principles, gender equality, teamwork and inclusive management.
- Ability to develop internal and external trusting & professional relationships. Purposefully develops networks to build value through collaboration.
- Fosters an inclusive environment where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
- Demonstrates a growth mindset by seeking learning opportunities and embracing feedback and innovation.
- Plans strategically to meet goals while maintaining high-quality standards and accountability.
- Builds strong relationships through effective communication, influence, and cultural sensitivity.
- Solid analytical skills, problem solving and experience with major donor audits (e.g USAID, EU, etc.)
- Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Operations, Management or a related field with a professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, CA, CIMA, CIPS etc.)
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