The CFO Uganda will provide leadership in Finance and Accounting at AKES Uganda. S/he will ensure effective risk management as well as compliance with AKES policy and professional standards.
The main focus of this role will be to direct all matters related to financial management at AKES Uganda. Initially, the job holder will drive reviews and upgrades to current processes, policies, guidelines and systems, to ensure effective and efficient financial management of AKES Uganda, and to deliver measurable results to meet the organization’s strategic goals and mandate.

The CFO will work closely with the AKES CEO in providing oversight of the overall performance of the organisation as well as contributing to the development, execution and monitoring of the repositioning strategies.

Main Responsibilities
Financial Oversight:
• Work with the accounting team to ensure on-time fee collections and minimization of fee debtors at all schools; timely and accurate payments to suppliers and payroll to employees; and timely and accurate VAT and tax filings to the Uganda government.
• Put in place proper controls at all levels of the school to ensure prudent and appropriate expenditures; providing training to Heads of Schools and Departments as needed to implement good controls.
• Review the balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis to ensure payables and receivables accounts are cleared in a timely manner and that the balance sheet is an accurate reflection of the financial picture of the organization.
• Ensure accurate and on-time reporting of financial information to Head Office, the CEO and the Board of AKES Uganda.
• Manage the treasury of AKES Uganda, optimizing liquidity versus low-risk investments and currency balancing, in line with guidance provided by the Finance and Audit Committee
• Drive the annual operational budget cycle of AKES Uganda
• Review and strengthen the financial management policies, systems and processes across all units to bring about cohesion and best practice.
• Build the capacity of the finance team in AKES Uganda by providing regular training and mentoring to upgrade staff skills and performance.
Quality Control and Compliance:
• Ensure that all financial management activities conform to best practices and comply with Institutional policies and government legislation, operating and programmatic licensing requirements.
• Regularly review financial reports to ensure the effective functioning, control and integrity of policies and procedures.
Board Operations:
• Work with the CEO, Board Chairperson and FAC Chairperson to support effective Board governance in Uganda.
Financial Information Systems
• Lead the implementation and maintenance of, as well as training of all staff for effective use of globally-mandated Financial Information system software services
• Use and monitor data on the Student Information Systems and Human Resource Information Systems to ensure accuracy and timeliness as related to financial data on revenues and HR.
Capital Projects:
• Monitor the financial performance of AKES capital projects in Uganda.
• Assess the performance of each unit against their respective capital expenditure budgets and ensure compliance with local rules and regulations, contracts and insurance.
• In collaboration with the Facilities team, the CEO and the Capital Projects Committee of AKES Uganda, ensure proper cash-flow forecasting and planning.
Operations:
• Support the CEO and other senior management on operational management and accept additional responsibilities, as and when needed by the Institution.

The requirements
• A university graduate with professional and internationally recognized qualifications, preferably ACCA or CPA or equivalent Chartered Accountant;
• At least ten years of professional experience in a relevant field and has held a leadership role in a commercial or not-for-profit setting.
• Substantial experience in the financial management of multiple business units, and experience gained in an education organization would be an advantage.
• Knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of business functions and systems, and expert in financial systems
• Additional experience in business analysis, audit, and compliance and familiarity with computer-based financial management systems is required.
• Cultural awareness, understanding and sensitivity.
• High level of drive and personal motivation, coupled with the presence required to interact effectively with senior personnel across the AKES system and the wider AKDN, as well as at government and non-governmental levels.
• Strong written and spoken English, including reports and proposal writing.
• A high degree of professionalism, commitment and integrity.
• A clear understanding of strategy, as well as a keen sense of business.
• Ability to think creatively, solve problems and make decisions based on sound judgment drawing on expertise from others.
• Willingness to travel as and when needed.