Nigeria: Senior Finance and Contracts Manager

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms in 2012 and also named one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries.

Abt Associates’ International Health Division (IHD) is committed to the improvement of health and healthcare delivery around the world. Serving both the public and private sectors, our efforts include health policy research and evaluation, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. Our impact is felt in policies that ensure healthcare access for women, children, and individuals with special needs, in strengthening health infrastructures, and HIV/AIDS solutions.

Objective:

Abt Associates is implementing the DFID-funded Partnership for Transforming Health Systems II (PATHS2) in Nigeria and seeks a Senior Finance and Contracts Manager. PATHS2 is working to improve planning, financing and delivery of sustainable and replicable pro-poor health services for common health problems in five states in Nigeria – Enugu, Jigawa, Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano. By influencing and changing processes of health systems governance at federal and state level and encouraging citizen engagement and participation, PATHS2 is successfully improving health outcomes for the poor and socially excluded in its five focal states.

Under the direction of the Deputy National Program Manager, the Senior Finance and Contracts Manager will oversee all financial aspects of the program. Specific responsibilities include:

• Directly manages and oversees the financial management, accounting and procurement team of the PATHS2 project (Abuja accountant(s), cashier(s) and procurement specialist(s)

• Indirectly manages and oversees the financial management, accounting and procurement team of the PATHS2 state offices in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Enugu and Lagos to ensure consistency in PATHS2 financial management and accounting procedures and implementation

• Provides training to field staff on project financial procedures as well as building skill-levels of project staff in the area of finance and budgeting

• Responsible for oversight, preparation, and submission of integrated financial reports for the ensure PATHS2 operations in Nigeria for both client reporting and Government of Nigeria reporting requirements

• Serves as the primary point of contact for all major project banking transactions; reviews monthly bank reconciliation for submission with the monthly Remote Office Voucher (ROV)

• Responsible for oversight, preparation, and submission of the ROV to Abt International Accounting department in the US, including all receipts, invoices, field expense reports, reimbursements, both electronically and in original form with full complete accurate original documentation of all field-based costs.

• Prepares budgets, including the review and finalization of project’s monthly cash flow projections from each of the state offices and prepares monthly wire transfer requests to ensure that the project maintains adequate funds for all technical operations. The Senior Finance Manager also confirms receipt of all Abt cash transfers and monitors availability of funds in Petty Cash accounts to support all field based operations.

• Monitors and strictly enforces travel advances, issuing and reimbursement procedures for all local staff and expats

• Reviews and approves all check requests and documentation

• Responsible for the management and control of petty cash payments, controls and procedures, including preparations and certification of the monthly cash count

• Assists in external and internal audits

• Creates and maintains financial reporting and tracking systems providing data measurements on financial performance of project and project activities

• Prepares budgets and revenue plans for project programming and corporate reporting

• Serves as project’s contact with client on finance issues. Assist the NPM and the CNPM with negotiations with client on contract issues and actions and follow up on client requests and concerns

• Develops and implements accounting and reporting systems for project expenditures, and provides guidance and training to project staff and partners on financial procedures

• Leads procurement efforts for project, selections and negotiation with vendors, and management of subcontractors on project. Ensures value for money in all procurement actions.

• Reviews purchase operations/purchase requisitions to ensure terms and conditions are met and value for money in vendor selection

• Reviews and tracks the completeness and accuracy of all vendor and consultant invoices, bills and other financial claims made against the PATHS2 project’ in the normal course of business

• Regularly reviews and asses field financial procedures and reports any discrepancies or change. Enforces strict adherence to the PATHS2 project’s authority matrix

• Implement financial and administrative policies and procedures that meet project needs and corporate and client requirements

• Oversees field staff payroll preparation and controls. Prepares and/or supervises the accurate, consistent and regular monthly calculation and payment of PAYE and other payroll tax deductions

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required) or Master’s Degree (desirable), in Accounting, Finance, Business, Management, or other relevant field.

• 12 years of relevant professional experience in project management, contract administration, financial management, and/or program operations • Experience with QuickBooks

• Five or more years of international project management experience, preferably in West Africa

• Experience with DFID is a plus

• Experience in Nigeria is a plus

• Experience in project implementation

• Excellent writing, computer, management and organizational skills

• Successful track record as financial manager

• Experience successfully managing sizable staff

• Demonstrated leadership skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, initiative, and good judgment

• Ability to independently plan and execute complex tasks while addressing daily management details and remaining organized and focused on long-term deadlines and strategy