Senior Finance Officer

The Senior Finance Officer supports the Head of Finance and Administration in managing the Country Office finance function across all interventions in Uganda and South Sudan. The position is responsible for day-to-day finance operations, treasury, taxation and statutory compliance, financial reporting, budgeting, audit coordination, proposal budgeting and finance systems management. The role provides direct technical finance supervision to field-based Finance & Administration staff and works closely with the Senior Finance & Partnerships Officer with oversight from the Head of Finance & Administration to ensure timely, accurate and compliant financial management and reporting. Financial Management Maintaining a sound Country Office financial system in accordance with HEKS/EPER policies and procedures, primarily the Field Financial and Administration Guidelines (FFAG). Coordinating day-to-day finance operations, including payment review, voucher completeness, coding accuracy, cash and bank controls, petty cash, working advances and accountabilities. Ensuring bookkeeping and financial records are complete, accurate and maintained in the approved computerised accounting system using the accrual principle. Preparing, checking and consolidating monthly and quarterly Country Office financial information for review by the Head of Finance and Administration and onward submission to HQ. Supporting preparation and monitoring of annual, project and Country Programme budgets, including cash-flow forecasts, burn-rate analysis, variance follow-up and financial forecasts. Coordinating treasury and cash-flow planning to ensure timely availability of funds for Country Office and field operations. Supporting proposal budgeting, costing and financial inputs for new projects in coordination with the Head of Finance and Administration and Programme teams. Taxation, Statutory Compliance and Audit Ensuring timely preparation and submission of finance-related statutory obligations, including PAYE, NSSF, WHT, URA requirements and applicable KCCA/Municipal obligations. Monitoring financial transactions for compliance with local law, donor requirements and HEKS/EPER policies and escalating material irregularities or control gaps. Coordinating preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation and supporting institutional, donor and statutory audit processes. Tracking finance-related audit findings and agreed management actions and following up their timely implementation. Financial Controls, Systems and Risk Management Ensuring that Country Office financial transactions are managed with appropriate controls, including segregation of duties, authorised approvals, secure banking arrangements and complete audit trails. Supporting consistent application of HEKS/EPER financial procedures, delegated authorities and finance systems across the Country Office and field locations. Identifying financial-control, compliance and process risks and recommending practical corrective measures to the Head of Finance and Administration. Supporting continuous improvement of finance tools, templates, workflows and financial data quality. Field Finance Technical Supervision Providing direct technical finance supervision to the field-based Finance & Administration Officer/Assistant on payments, advances, accountabilities, reconciliations, reporting, budget monitoring and finance controls. Setting finance deliverables, reviewing finance outputs, providing technical coaching and escalating significant finance-control or performance gaps to the Head of Finance and Administration. Coordinating with the HR & Administration Officer on HR and office-administration matters affecting the field office; responsibility for HR and facilities management remains with the HR & Administration function. Coordination and Business Continuity Working closely with the Senior Finance & Partnerships Officer to ensure Country Office, field and partner financial information is complete, accurate and submitted on time. Providing reciprocal finance cover during leave, peak workload periods and emergency-response requirements. Providing financial guidance to budget holders and colleagues and supporting adherence to HEKS/EPER financial procedures. The employee may be asked to perform duties and tasks not covered in this job description within the remit of their expertise, as well as to provide support to other work areas when necessary. Qualifications and Experience: University Degree in Finance and Accounting, Commerce or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage. Professional accounting qualification or active progression toward ACCA, CPA or equivalent is strongly preferred. Minimum 4 years’ relevant experience in a similar senior finance function, preferably in an international NGO or NPO. Proven ability in budgeting, cash-flow forecasting, treasury management, financial analysis and monitoring. Strong experience in financial reporting, reconciliations, month-end close, taxation, statutory compliance and audit coordination. Good knowledge of relevant national and international accounting standards and donor financial requirements. Proven capability to provide technical supervision, guidance and training to finance staff and internal stakeholders. Previous work experience in monitoring and generating financial reports for internationally funded projects, tenders or mandates. Skills and Capabilities Excellent analytical and conceptual skills. Good communication skills and professional command of English (spoken and written). Ability to work in complex environments and to ensure that deadlines are met by internal and external stakeholders (good prioritisation and time management skills). Ability to ensure that internal and external stakeholders understand and duly follow HEKS/EPER’s procedures and guidelines. Excellent IT and computer skills (particularly Microsoft Excel and accounting software, preferably experience in MS Business Central). Diligent and trustworthy person with appropriate attention to detail. Excellent team player with strong interpersonal and coaching capabilities. Good knowledge of relevant local laws and obligations (tax, social security and other statutory requirements). Available for local and national travel and, where required, travel in support of South Sudan operations. Professional, cooperative, efficient and effective working attitude.