The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) is a nationwide membership organization of diverse women human rights defenders (WHRDs), organizational and individuals. We currently represent over 148 WHRDs from diverse social movements in Uganda promoting the rights of women defenders to a safe and secure work environment with a vision of having a society where fundamental human rights are upheld and respected. We exist to promote a feminist holistic approach integrating a gender perspective as a frame work for protection of WHRDs, We aim to provide WHRDs with access to gender-sensitive and timey protection and empowerment resources, tools to combat gender-based and other forms of violence connected to their work. WHRDN-U is hereby seeking to recruit competent and vibrant Ugandans to fill in the following positions.

Overview of Position.

WHRDN-U is seeking an experienced, Finance and Administration Manager who will be responsible for managing the full spectrum of WHRDN-U’s including; monthly accounting cycle, budgets and monitoring, funder finances and grant reporting, year-end, audit and other related functions. This is a senior-level, hands-on position requiring an organized and experienced individual who has excellent judgement, problem- solving and analytic skills, can work independently and has experience working in a complex non-profit funding environment. In addition to carrying out day-to-day financial work, the Senior Finance Officer will bring expertise on financial systems, policy, and controls. They will be flexible, adaptable and willing to take on a range of tasks when needed.

Primary Responsibilities 

A.Strategic and Periodical Financial Management and Planning

1. Participate and contribute to the designing of new initiatives and strategies for the institution and overall financial planning and management as per the approved financial management standards.
2. Lead the financial planning process, i.e., forecasting/cost projection and budgeting at institutional, departmental and project levels as per the institutional strategic plan.
3. Participate in strategic and periodical planning, advise the organization on financial and administrative plans, and policies, and take the lead in ensuring that the finance and administration function provides the support required by staff to implement the overall strategic plan of the institution.
4. Oversee, manage, and carry out monthly financial tasks, including overseeing record and bookkeeping, monthly financial and banking reconciliations and financial reporting.
5. Post and or review financial transactions posted into the accounting system to ensure accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and completeness as per the institutional financial and compliance standards.
6. Take lead on the preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual and project based financial statements, reports, budgets and cash flow forecasts.
7. Manage other financial areas such as banking/signing authorities, vendor accounts.
8. Safeguard financial documentation, and information with due confidentiality at all intervals
9. Prepare periodic financial management report for the Board through the Executive Director.
10. Provide timely guidance, analysis and risk mitigation to protect the institution from financial hazards and losses.

B.Resource mobilization

1. Work proactively with WHRDN-U management and program team to coordinate financial information for resource mobilization in terms of budget development, budget reviews, cost sharing, budget tracking, and as per the donor obligations and institutional financial standards.
2. Network and identify potential partners for the institution to advance the strategic objectives of WHRDN-U.

C.Financial systems and controls

Financial systems, Internal Controls, and Legal Compliance

1. Lead the process of updating the Financial Policies, Procedures Manual and guidelines for enhanced financial management systems and practices.
2. Take lead on the processes of developing and continuously updating the Financial and procurement policies and procedures to meet the needs of the organization.
3. Oversee review, development, management, application and adherence of the financial and procurement policies, procedures and controls, human resource policies and relevant policies in all departments and at all levels.
4. Take lead in timely compliance to tax laws, financial regulations and procedures the institution is obliged to i.e. URA, NSSF, URSB, KCCA, FIA, NGO Bureau among others.
5. Review financial requests and invoices to ensure compliance to the institutional financial policies and guidelines.
6. In consultation with the Executive Director and the Programs Coordinator, ensure staff benefits, disciplinary actions, and capacity development initiatives.
7. Ensure all monthly timesheet are completed and filed as the basis on payments for salaries.
8. Follow up with staff and implementing partners on timely submission of quality expected accountabilities in line with donor obligations and WHRDN financial standards,

D.Audit and Internal Control Compliance

1. Coordinate and supervise planning and preparations for financial audit processes.
2. Provide timely responses to audit queries, adaptation and implementation of audit recommendations to enhance financial systems strengthening.
3. Prepare documents, schedules, and supporting information for institutional, project based financial audits and financial monitoring exercises.
4. Oversee safe usage and safe custody of institutional assets and equipment.

E.Grants Management

1. Identify credible partners to collaborate with WHRDN-U on project implementation in line with institutional strategic objectives and core values.
2. Take the lead in the financial management of implementing partners to ensure timely compliance to institutional financial standards and donor obligations.
3. Attend financial/grants meetings on behalf of the WHRDN-U and update the 3.Executive Director for timely financial decision-making.

F.Mentorship and Support Supervision

1. Coordinate financial management training and capacity development initiatives for WHRDN staff and partners to enhance financial management strengthening and compliance.
2. Provide support supervision to the team under the Finance and administration department for effective and efficient delivery

G.Budget Tracking and Monitoring:

1. Take Lead and coordinate the budget preparation processes and funding requests.
2. Coordinate and review budget performance monitoring for all donors against actual on a periodic basis as per the donor contractual obligations and provide timely advice to the Executive Director accordingly.
3. Control and monitor budgetary utilization by the programs and sections and advice the Executive Director and management team on performance trends.
4. Translate donor-approved budgets into WHRDN-U operational budgets and feed them into the automated accounting system.
5. Orient staff on financial budget monitoring, tracking, and interpretation of budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS, VALUES, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a senior-level finance and leadership role; solid understanding of and hands-on experience with full-cycle accounting;
• Extensive experience with non-profit, fund-based budgeting and monitoring, and preparation of funder reports;
• Knowledge of Ugandan Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit organizations is an asset.
• Ability to handle confidential matters.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Proven experience as a problem-solver, with good analytical skills, and ability to think strategically;
• Experience using the following software: i) QuickBooks online; ii) Excel (intermediate skill level); iii)
• Proficiency with and understanding of databases; online apps or programs for payments, payroll, expenses,
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to meet multiple deadlines,
• Post-graduate education, preferably in accounting; related courses in -financial management, bookkeeping is an asset;
• A commitment to women’s human rights and social justice;
• Experience working with multiple currencies and foreign exchange is an asset;
• Compensation: Salary to be determined, based on experience,

Location; The positions will be held in Kampala Uganda with frequent travels within the country.