Finance Lead, Country Programs

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head, Finance & Accounting, the Finance Lead will partner with the Country Program Leads in the management of the end-to-end financial programmatic processes (from Roadmap development to Delivery). You will ensure that the programs are adequately funded to achieve intended outcomes (Budgeting) and that the funding is being utilized to deliver the intended outcome by employing appropriate risk management systems through program monitoring & Reporting to aid decision making. The Lead will safeguard the Foundation’s Financial resources by maintaining a sound control environment, ensuring the programs are compliant with CRA regulations and providing stewardship on risk Management to their partners.

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full cycle of finance program partner contracts—including EOI, proposal evaluation, contract approval, due diligence, budget review, implementation, and closeout.
• Partner Engagement: Collaborate with Foundation Partners from a financial standpoint to strengthen strategic alliances, ensure fiscal responsibility, and drive shared program outcomes.
• Financial Analysis & Forecasting: Analyze financial performance vs. forecast and budget; identify and explain variances; provide strategic insights and recommendations to internal teams and partners.
• Commercial Judgment: Offer guidance on funding terms, tax implications, accounting standards, and other regulatory considerations.
• Disbursement Oversight: Ensure timely and accurate fund disbursement in line with program goals.
• Capacity Building: Train and support partners on financial controls, budgeting, Canadian regulatory compliance, and due diligence processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure alignment with CRA, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism laws, and local and international financial regulations.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive and timely documentation related to commitments, disbursements, and cash flow forecasts.
• Controls & Systems: Uphold high standards of internal control to safeguard Foundation assets and ensure integrity of financial records.
• Due Diligence & Risk Management: Lead robust partner assessments, evaluate financial statements, review tax filings, and identify potential risks through tools like watchlist screening.
• Strategic Guidance: Support programming strategies through financial insights and participate in the Foundation’s planning and budgeting processes.
• Team Leadership: Supervise analysts and interns, ensure quality outputs, and support their growth and performance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with regional partners, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and financial principles.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; MBA is a plus.
• Professional accounting qualification and a member of a relevant professional body, such as CPA, ACCA, etc.
• A Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Previous work in the private sector is an added advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen, with fluency in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• At least 1-3 years' experience in a management capacity, leading finance and teams of multiple technical competencies.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Financial Internal Controls Management,
  • Financials Reporting & Analysis experience including Budgeting, Financial Forecasting,
  • Advanced analytical, quantitative, and statistical skills,
  • financial modelling skills, along with understanding of financial reporting and cash flow information.
• Identify & mitigate operational, financial and business risks.
• Experience managing diverse teams and working with cross-sectoral partners.
• Deep understanding of international accounting standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Generate routine accounting records and financial reports.
• Determine and apply correct accounting treatments, a proficient knowledge of international accounting standards.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation), with fluency in English; French is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills with detail-orientation, good follow-through, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to influence people, build relationships, and communicate effectively.
• Able to exercise a high level of judgment in making decisions or recommendations based on analysis of data & deriving insights from the data.
• Good problem-solving skills and other competencies (Leadership, Behavioral).
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport across cultures and collaborate within multicultural teams.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.

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